Infrastructure

Client/Owner: Foulger-Pratt

Location: Silver Spring, MD

Contact: Lew Brode, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI provides innovative solutions to clients by analyzing existing conditions, identifying deficiencies and implementing low cost solutions. The 2,000-ton chiller plant at 1315 East-West Highway exemplifies this approach. Before the renovation the condenser water pumps were cavitating and the cooling towers were prone to over flowing under certain conditions. GPI’s design relocated the condenser water pumps to correct the bad inlet conditions, eliminating the cavitation and easing maintenance. Tower overflow was remediated by installing isolation valves which eliminated the need to modify the 16” condenser water main, substantially reducing project costs. GPI also worked with the owner and controls contractor to tailor the sequence of operation to the specified chillers maximized efficiency and provide a utility rebate for the owner.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Location: Washington, DC

Contact: Lew Brode, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI provided engineering services for replacement of the existing switchboards and re-configuring the incoming electrical service. The NSDAR campus is approximately 350,000 sq ft. GPI worked with NSDAR to discuss removal/retention of existing equipment and proposed recommendations of new incoming service and switchboard placement. The existing three original switchboards were consolidated to a single service 4,000 amp switchboard rated at 208Y/120 Volts, 3 Phase, 4Wire. Temporary power equipment was designed and engineered to permit installation of the new service switchboard at the same location as the original equipment. GPI provided construction documents including phasing options to minimize outages so the facility could remain fully operational through construction.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: New York City Health + Hospitals

Location: Elmhurst, NY

Contact: Eliyohu Schneider, PE

Description: NYHHC retained GPI to provide engineering design services as well as bidding and construction support services for this project. The scope included removal and replacement of a 5,000-gallon fuel oil storage tank and the fleet gasoline fuel storage and dispensing system at its Elmhurst Hospital location in Queens, NY. The outdated system needed to be brought up to the New York State Building Code to be compliant with the applicable industry codes and standards. Additionally, it was essential for the new design to incorporate adjustments to accommodate the latest fleet needs and requirements, such as the quantity and size of vehicles and equipment. GPI designed a replacement for the underground single wall diesel fuel piping that with updated double-wall piping with a state-of-the-art direct digital control (DDC) tank monitoring system for both gasoline and diesel fuel systems. The new system improved the facilities traffic flow and functionality in the area. This design offers a lower long-term fuel environmental spill liability down to almost zero and the overall solution reduces maintenance of the whole system.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: Pennsylvania Department of General Services

Location: Harrisburg, PA

Contact: Stephen Daiute, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering services for a feasibility study of the Capitol Complex Central Cooling and Heating Plant’s piping and equipment. The analyses were conducted to determine the feasibility of the design, procurement, construction, and operation and maintenance of a remediation of the aging systems and equipment. The underground plant serves the State Capitol Building and state-owned office buildings located at the Complex. The plant was approximately 60-years old at the time of the study and had deteriorated piping systems and equipment that necessitated the project.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: Bloomsburg University

Location: Bloomsburg, PA

Contact: Stephen Daiute, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI was retained to design a new district cooling plant for Bloomsburg University. The project followed a chilled water master plan completed by GPI in which the cooling needs of each building on Bloomsburg’s campus were evaluated. The master plan recommended several strategically located central plants across Bloomsburg University’s campus. The project included locating the new facility, obtaining necessary site approvals, relocating existing campus utilities, designing the new facility, bidding support, construction administration, and oversight of the project. The design of this specialized facility required the project team to work closely with the University to understand their requirements, service preferences, expectations, and anticipated future needs/growth. GPI evaluated multiple chiller alternatives, including traditional electrically driven machines, absorption chillers, and steam driven chillers to utilized “waste” steam generated from the adjacent combined heating and power plant. Our evaluations included identifying underground steam system modifications, mechanical space needs, serviceability, and life cycle costs for each alternative. The district plant services connected the buildings via a new network of underground piping to each building served by the plant and a common chilled water bridge to easily connect additional buildings in the future.

Category: Infrastructure

Client/Owner: S.C. Herman & Associates

Location: Washington, DC

Contact: Lew Brode, PE, LEED AP

Description: GPI provided engineering consulting services for the modernization of the Chiller Plant at 600 E Street. A study and energy analysis were performed prior to design to calculate payback based on various different types of chillers and pumping configurations. GPI subsequently provided engineering design and the scope of work included the removal of six existing chillers and associated pumps as well as the cooling towers and condenser water pumps. The design of the new variable primary chiller plant focuses on energy efficiency and on ultra-low turndown for the tenant 24-hour load. GPI also provided Construction Administration Services as well as support to the owner during the bidding and negotiation phase.

Category: Infrastructure