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Like small cities, university and college campuses have an array of design issues that need to be considered for their built environment, often including recreational and sports facilities, residential buildings, laboratories, libraries, and offices. RWDI has studied entire campus areas, and individual buildings to assist designers with such diverse issues as exhaust gas dispersion, wind and snow effects on people and buildings, ventilation, and noise.
Pedestrian ComfortThe design of university / college buildings can influence local wind activity, thereby impacting safety and comfort of outdoor activity areas. Wind breaks, screens, landscaping and minor modifications to buildings can improve wind conditions.
Cladding / Structural LoadsRoofs and walls of major buildings require accurate information for the design of structural and curtain-wall systems.
Exhaust Gas DispersionExhaust from sources including laboratory fume hoods, diesel generators, cooling towers, incinerators, boilers, and kitchens may be entrained into fresh air intakes. This exhaust can result in both health and odor impacts.
Internal VentilationIndoor air quality is affected by both the amount of ventilation and (equally important), the distribution of ventilation air. Correct design can promote proper distribution.
Accidental Releases and SpillsToxic gases can be accidentally released from fume hood stacks or ruptures in tanks and create potentially dangerous situations. Designation of escape routes, refuge areas, and response times are facilitated through aerodynamic modeling.
Fume Hood PerformanceThe effectiveness of fume hoods, the acceptability of fume hoods being purchased, and the development of prototype fume hoods can enhance safety. The effect of room conditions on fume hood performance is also an important safety issue.
Snow AccumulationThe design of university / college buildings can influence snow accumulation thereby impacting: safety; expense of maintenance; and the quality of the environment around the campus.
Snow InfiltrationHigh volume intakes that must run all winter at full capacity are very sensitive to snow ingestion. Ingested snow can collapse filters, soak ceilings, and put laboratory users at risk from chemical exposure. Proper aerodynamic design along with equipment selection can eliminate this problem.
Noise and AcousticsSound levels from HVAC equipment may be high, causing annoyance to staff and/or neighbors. Buildings close to transportation or industrial noise sources may suffer from high sound levels. Interior partitions may not provide adequate privacy. Conference rooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, etc. may have poor acoustical conditions.
VibrationSensitive laboratory equipment ranging from precision balances to electron microscopes, may be affected by vibration from mechanical equipment, foot traffic, and exterior environmental sources. RWDI can measure these levels and compare with existing guidelines and then make recommendations for vibration isolation if necessary.
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| ©2003 RWDI. All Rights Reserved | | |
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