1.) The new Physical Science Building is estimated to be a 101 million dollar project. The said total square footage is approximately 95,000 sf and is projected to be fully operational by spring 2018. There is an expected 26 months of total construction before completion. The overall design of the building was based on the specific functions each classroom has. Due to the building pertaining to the science department proper steel framing was chosen in order to combat potential vibration of the building itself. The most important aspect with the PSB project was dealing with the High Hazard building code. The level H Code means there is a high concentration of volatile chemicals that are going to be used in the building itself. The placement of the different major departments was the major determination of the final place and or floor. The Physical Science Building will feature four floors with the Physics department on the first floor, Chemistry on the second and third. Lastly, the mechanical department will be on floor four. The teacher’s offices are to be methodically located on the North Pleasant Street side of the building.

2.)Week One Observations:

-The first visit was intended for examining the perimeter of the construction site. This stage is crucial not only for the safety of the workers but also to accommodate such a multitude of students and everyday commuters to go about their day. There is a high enough population density surrounding the site that there needs to be a police detail on scene. This detail is much needed when large trucks need to enter site for drop off and or pick up in a timely and safely manner.

- Setting up proper barrier is essential for keeping unwanted people from entering site and to also keep minimum access points into the site itself. This picture to the right was taken under the Lederle Grad. Research walkway where I suspect a weak point in the fence. So additional bracing was needed on the outside.

- The next photo featured signage where previous walkways were and instructed detour paths. These signs are very important and mandated on premises.

-Here is another sign with the aerial view of the active construction site with the all of recently added pathways. In my opinion this was the most informative posting around the site because it not only gave accessible pathways but also provide insight on other areas that are blocked off. Thus, with that being said there is a more informed student body on changes with campus.

-On the right, is a new sidewalk being graded before the cement will be laid down. This additional work around the construction site is needed to replace the ones that fell within the Physical Science Building site perimeter. Such actions need materials to be on site. These consist of running water, concrete mix, grading tools, machinery equipment and a sufficient number of men in order to get the job done.

Week One Research: WATER MANAGEMENT

There has been a common standard for any house or building to shield rain and snow elements from entering any sort of crevasse which could bring about the potential to disrupt the climate inside. So water management is a crucial component in the overall purpose a home or building should provide. The immediate effects of weathering and water intrusion would begin with a trusted roof barrier. The system of materials would need to allow heat to permeate through the surface to prevent any mold forming while not having moisture enter. Ice and water shield has proved to be the first line of defense to any weathering. There is a code in areas of cold climate that requires an additional 24" of Ice and Water shield over edges of the roof.

A roofs slanted plane allows easy drainage surface which directs water towards a single point along the roofs connection points called valleys. This water pathway is considered to be the most venerable intrusion area. For the valley section a minimum of 24" of drip edge is needed for protection. The flashing material could be installed at any meeting point where access water can flow respectively away from the building. Flashing is comprised of weather resistant materials such as lead, aluminum, copper, stainless steel and coating of zinc alloy. Another type of flashing comes in tape form which is used while sealing various building felt joints and still containing impervious properties. The last stage of the roof are necessary shingles which has a typical layer technique that minimizes water getting into the structure. While installing various shingle roofing materials it would be in ones best interest to start from the bottom most edge at either corner and finish the bottom most row then progress upwards. Also keeping in mind to properly overlap top layer over the bottom layer. You then repeat those steps northward on the roof until reaching the ridge the roof. Once the shingles are all correctly layered each valley on a roof should have a rake placed to further ensure seal of area.

Depending on the geographical region of the house or a personal liking of a particular style of shingle can totally transform the image of a home. These different roofing styles consists of asphalt and tiled shingles and sheet metal roofing. The asphalt material has typically lasted fifteen years. It is also more flexible which helps in the case of damaging shipment to the site. During certain cases a metal ventilation strip is placed along the ridge of roof. Another style of roof surfacing are tiled shingles that come in clay, concrete and slate rock materials. This route would assume a more expensive cost over asphalt shingles. Tiled roofs are also considered durable in weather. Clay tiled shingles are a typical feature in Southwestern United States and Italian or Spanish styled homes. Last roofing material is sheet metal which is typical of more industrial structure as opposed to homes. Although some simple homes and or log cabins exhibit such roofing materials. Such roofs allow for snow and ice to melt on surface which would in turn slide off getting rid of any potential load issues on structure. Water management along windows are also an area of concern. While installing a window in the pertaining area the building wrap should be cut along the rough opening. The cut should extend 4” horizontally on both sides of the exterior opening. Lastly, install the sill pan behind building wrap to maintain flushed seal.