June 2006
Medical Center C
Analysis of Building Systems and Modules--
Building Construction
Shell Systems
Structure:
Pre-cast pre-stressed concrete frame with cast-in-place structural and topping
slabs.
Platform:
Lightweight concrete on steel deck.
Ceiling:
Suspended acoustical and GWB.
Partitions:
GWB on metal stud, non-bearing.
Integrated Service Systems
HVAC: Air handlers are in service bays with intake through exterior wall. Crossovers of main
ducts occur in Service Bays. HVAC piping generally parallels duct systems in HVAC channels.
Terminal boxes and final distribution are in S-5 subzone.
Plumbing: Waste lines are in S-2 subzone and drop to mains in S-3 subzone. Risers are in
Service Bay. Vent piping and supply mains for water and gases are in S-3 subzone; supply
branches are in S-4 subzone; and local distribution is in S-5 subzone.
Electrical: The Service Bay electrical room is a dedicated room with vertical bus risers, wall-
mounted distribution and branch circuit panels, and stepdown transformers. Branch circuits are
installed in 4" x 4" wireways from the Service Bay electrical room to throughout the interstitial
space Zones S3/S4. Both electrical and telecommunications wireways are mounted flat in a
common, custom, stepped support rack suspended from the structure above. The covers
hinge open from the top. Electrical wireways are noted as being over-full per NEC from the
panelboards to the first branch wireway. Code allows no more than 20% fill for this wireway ap-
plication.
vice Bay. Telephone, network, and signal wireways were originally installed. The 4" telephone
and network wireways were little-used. Telephone and data cabling was installed in the intersti-
tial space or in Zone 7. The other signal systems were installed in a 4" common wireway, and
better adhere to the VAHBS. A separate data network installed by VAMC Engineering used the
network wireway for the purpose intended.
Non-integrated Systems
Fire Protection: Fire sprinkler and standpipe was not integrated with distribution strategy for
interstitial channels. Risers are typically located at exit stairs. Branches and drops are in S-7
subzone.
Transport: Pneumatic tube system cuts across subzones and channels.
SUPPLEMENT TO RESEARCH STUDY REPORT
VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM
APPENDIX A-25
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