Structural Systems for Efficient, Sustainable Laboratories
Kurt Swensson, Ph.D., KSi/Structural
Engineers
Experience has shown that the structural system selected can have
a large effect on the success of a laboratory project. The design
of a laboratory must be considered as the design of a machine. The
structure, mechanical systems, lighting, equipment, and use must
be closely coordinated from the beginning of the design process.
The systems must work together to maximize the efficiency and productivity
of a laboratory.
Selection of the wrong system or incorrect implementation of the
correct system can limit the success of a laboratory project by
increasing material usage and cost, increasing floor to floor heights,
utilizing disproportionate capital funds, limiting flexibility or
adaptability, limiting natural day lighting, and limiting reuse
of existing laboratory space.
Selection of the correct system can provide opportunities for great
design by providing for efficient use of materials, flexible and
adaptable spaces, and large column free spaces with ample natural
light, and serviceable structures designed to support the laboratory
activities.
In the laboratory facility planning process, the structural system
must be coordinated with the main distribution system, the flow
of material, and the movement of people while allowing for flexibility
and adaptability to changing conditions. This presentation will
present and discuss applications of structural systems in laboratories
based on the distribution alternative. The discussion will be based
on real life project experience of over 10 years with lessons learned.
The discussion will also include topics dealing real life impacts
of vibration and physical security concerns on the design and construction
of laboratories.
Findings:
The major lessons learned include the experience and examples of
approximately a six laboratory projects. The lessons include the
following:
- Fast track design process - Because the structural frame is
routinely issue months before the other systems have been designed
or procured interdisciplinary communication is vital from early
stages. The lab module dimension and distribution systems must
be well defined early in the process. Discipline of the team is
vital to a successful project; this includes good pricing information
that is dependable and honored. A final coordination of all penetrations
and floor depressions just prior to construction of the structural
system is vital.
- Application of structural framing systems:
a. Ceiling and Shaft Distribution - Shallow systems are vital.
Spans may be limited. Exterior framing is vital to provide maximum
natural lighting. (Georgia Public Health Laboratory and CDC Emerging
Infections Disease Lab.)
b. Vertical Interior and Exterior Shafts - Structural depth may
be utilized to increase spans. Beams and columns must be located
away from distribution corridors. (Manufacturing Related Discipline
Laboratory at Georgia Institute of Technology)
c. Backbone Service Corridor - Structural depths perpendicular
to corridor maximized. Structure within corridor must be closely
coordinated and adaptable for future penetrations. (Woodruff Memorial
Building Expansion at Emory University)
d. Interstitial Spaces - Use of light weight recycled concrete
plank product applied with great success. (NIH Laboratory - Fort
Collins, Colorado)
Vibration and security can be applied incorrectly with a negative
impact on the cost, flexibility and performance of laboratory facilities.
Labs21 Connection:
Our approach to structural design is unique because of the level
of communication and coordination exercised early in a project to
maximize the efficiency and adaptability of the entire facility
not just of the structural elements. Structural systems must be
designed as an integral part of the laboratory system. The lessons
learned in the design of over 2 million square feet of laboratory
space include early communication, team building, cooperation and
coordination with design, owner, and construction teams.
The application of the approach is noteworthy because of its successful
application to a wide variety of laboratory projects and delivery
methods. The examples include:
- A one story steel framed laboratory that won R&D's Laboratory
of the Year,
- A multilevel concrete framed laboratory that received a LEED™
Silver Rating,
- Vertical and horizontal laboratory expansions which allowed
for revitalization of existing laboratory space
- Integrated exterior façade systems,
- inside out method of exterior façade construction
that significantly increased the efficiency of the exterior
envelope
- coordination of structure and façade to minimize
or eliminate joints in the exterior facade
- Integrated structural and mechanical systems in BSL level 3
and 4 laboratories that create cost and schedule effective designs.
Biography:
Kurt Swensson, Ph. D., graduated Summa Cum Laude, with honors
in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 1981. He then
received his M.S., Civil Engineering degree from the University
of Texas at Austin in 1984 where he also received his Ph.D. in Civil
Engineering in 1987.
Dr. Swensson serves on eight separate technical committees involved
with innovative steel structures, composite structures, and seismic
design; he has given numerous presentations across the country at
national and international conferences. He has over thirty published
articles and presentations on various topics ranging from seismic
design, application of fast track design/construction procedures,
to application of innovative structural systems.
Dr. Swensson has more than seventeen years of structural design
and project management experience with buildings varying in type
and size; from timber retail malls, to large steel and concrete-framed
towers and parking garages. His experience includes the structural
design of laboratory and research facilities, corporate headquarters,
additions and renovations of existing facilities, commercial projects,
educational facilities, stadiums and sports facilities, hospitals,
and clinics. He has provided structural engineering services for
laboratory projects for over 10 years representing over 2 million
square feet of laboratory space in approximately 20 separate facilities.
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