Abstract

1. Evaluating Construction Methods for an Electrical Transition Compound Andrew Canniff and Christopher O’Connor Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Advised by: Fred Hart & Suzanne LePage • Abstract • We evaluated various construction methods including: Cast in Place Concrete, CMU, ICF, Precast Concrete, and Structural Steel for an Electrical Transition Compound. • Evaluation criteria included cost, construction duration, environmental impact, durability, maintenance, and availability of labor and materials. • A recommendation and an alternative option were submitted to Stantec Consulting Ltd. for the most viable construction options. Construction Methods Results • Cast in Place Concrete • Construction Duration – 24 ½ Weeks • Estimated Cost – $990,457.10 • Description – Formwork • Reinforcing Steel • Mix-Designed Concrete • Pouring Stages • Scaffolding & Bracing • Weatherproofing Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following people for their help and support throughout this project: Suzanne Lepage, Fredrick Hart, Jean Peinsznski, Bill Pay, Joshua Pidgeon, Nate Dimock, Brian Hines, and the rest of Stantec Consulting Ltd. • Objective • Develop evaluation criteria and scoring system, which objectively assesses the five construction methods based upon seven distinct factors. • Select the most viable construction method and an alternative option for the construction of the Transition Compound • Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) • Construction Duration – 31 Weeks • Estimated Cost – $895,957.10 • Description – CMU Block • Horizontal Bracing • Vertical Reinforcing Steel • Grouting • Scaffolding & Bracing • Weatherproofing Evaluation Criteria Transition Compound • Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) • Construction Duration – 23 ½ Weeks • Estimated Cost – $898,601.70 • Description – ICF Blocks • Acts as permanent formwork • Mix-Designed Concrete • Pouring Stages • Reinforcing Steel • Scaffolding & Bracing • Weatherproofing • Methods • Research • Review preliminary design documents by Stantec Consulting Ltd. • Design Option Selection • Compile list of all potential construction methods based upon the specifications for the Transition Compound • List of Tasks • Create a list of all necessary tasks for each construction method • Preliminary Construction Schedule • Produce construction schedules using estimated task durations to create a Gantt Chart • Preliminary Cost Estimates • Calculate overall costs of construction for each method using various cost estimating tools • Design Option Evaluation Criteria • Create evaluation criteria to analyze the possible construction methods • Selection of Optimal Design Option • Precast Concrete • Construction Duration – 22 Weeks • Estimated Cost – $1,147,957.10 • Description – Off-site Fabrication • Installation of Panels • Bracing • Weatherproofing Structural Steel Construction Duration – 20 Weeks Estimated Cost – $929,674.85 Description – Off-site Fabrication Installation of Steel Elements Bracing Weatherproofing • Conclusions • Recommendation • Structural Steel • Benefits – Faster Construction Time • Moderate Cost • Accelerates Revenue Production • Alternative Option • Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) • Benefits – Lower Cost • Moderate Construction Time • Decreased Operation & Maintenance Costs