Conversion of 2 Dormitory HVAC Systems from Two-Pipe to Four Pipe Systems

Marymount University | Berg Hall & Rowley Hall

Arlington, VA

Berg Hall and Rowley Hall are both dormitory buildings located at Marymount University in Arlington, VA.  The existing dorm rooms in each building were served by fan coil units supplied by a two-pipe heating and cooling system.  The scope of the project was to replace the existing fan coil units, greater than 270 individual units, and upgrade the existing two-pipe system to a four-pipe system in each building.  Work in Berg Hall also included replacement of the existing air-cooled chiller with two new 35 ton water-cooled heat recovery chillers, and the addition of a dry cooler.  The existing boilers were also replaced with a new 600 MBH boiler, and new pumps were provided for the heating system as well as the cooling system.   

SSM performed a detailed field survey of each building.  The existing fan coil units were located in extremely tight spaces above the ceiling.  Converting the system from a two-pipe system to a four-pipe system required detailed coordination with existing architecture and other utilities. 

This project was more complex due to the expedited design and construction schedule.  SSM conducted the field survey over the Winter break while students were not on campus, and then quickly completed the design to meet the aggressive permit submission deadline.  During the construction phase, SSM worked closely with the owner and the contractor to facilitate completion of the project.   

Building Conversion | Mansfield University

Foor and Associates Architects

Mansfield, PA

Mansfield University

Study and preliminary design for the conversion of a 2,400 square foot lecture hall into three separate functional spaces by the installation of moveable partitions. HVAC and electrical systems needed to be reconfigured to function as three individual zones. SSM performed a survey of existing HVAC and electrical systems, determined how to modify these system to support the new architectural layout for the space, and estimated the cost of construction for the renovations. SSM also evaluated the existing structure to determine if it could support the proposed moveable partitions.

Structural Assessment for Pier Certification

PIER #5

Rhoads Marine Industries

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pier #5 | As required by ordinance in the City of Philadelphia, waterfront structures are subject to triennial inspections to ensure there are no hazards to occupants of non-vacant piers.  SSM commenced this process using three-dimensional scanning of the surface of the pier to locate and identify the magnitude of surface irregularities in pier.  The framed construction of the pier requires inspection of the underside via boat at favorable tide and dive monitoring for the supporting piles.

Structural Assessment for Drydock Certification

DRYDOCK #2

Rhoads Marine Industries

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Approved by Congress in 1898 and completed in 1910, Drydock #2 at the Philadelphia Naval Business Center is now used for parts salvage from decommissioned naval vessels.  Regardless of the status of the ship, the U.S. Coast Guard requires biennial inspection and certification of all drydocking facilities housing Coast Guard vessels.  In fulfilling this responsibility, SSM will regularly inspect the condition of the structure as well as witness the cycling of the Drydock.