gaither gymnasium hvac by ctg

COMPLETION DATE:

JULY 2008

PROJECT SIZE:

96,927 SQUARE FEET

PROJECT COST:

$15 MILLION

PRESENT STATUS:

COMPLETED

Project Overview

The Florida A&M University Gaither Gymnasium project involved a comprehensive systems upgrade to modernize critical infrastructure in this important campus facility. Completed in December 2006 at a cost of $839,366, this specialized construction management initiative focused on the installation of new HVAC, electrical, and communication systems throughout the 20,000 square foot gymnasium. The project team successfully expanded the existing Honeywell energy management and control system while maintaining gymnasium functionality throughout construction, allowing university activities to continue uninterrupted. Through careful planning, specialized technical expertise, and close coordination with university stakeholders, the project delivered significant improvements to building comfort, energy efficiency, and operational control while preserving this vital campus athletic and event venue.

PROJECT SCOPE

  • Installation of a new comprehensive HVAC system throughout the gymnasium

  • Implementation of updated electrical systems to support modern facility needs

  • Deployment of advanced communication systems

  • Expansion of the existing Honeywell energy management and control system

  • Installation of new air handling units with supporting infrastructure

  • Implementation of piping and controls for optimal system performance

  • Deployment of variable speed drives for energy efficiency

  • Installation of communication wiring and accessories

  • Application of insulation systems for energy conservation

  • Creation of appropriate supports and access points for maintenance

  • Development of a fully functional direct digital control system

  • Implementation of sensors and necessary control components

  • Installation of interface relays for system integration

  • Deployment of surge suppression and isolation systems

  • Implementation of fiber optic interconnection between all controllers and central monitoring

KEY FEATURES

  • Integrated Direct Digital Control System: Comprehensive digital controls allowing precise management of building systems

    • Central Plant Monitoring Integration: Seamless connection to the university’s central plant monitoring and control station

    • Fiber Optic Communication: Advanced fiber optic infrastructure connecting individual controllers to central systems

    • Variable Speed Drive Technology: Energy-efficient motor controls reducing power consumption and extending equipment life

    • Surge Suppression Systems: Protective infrastructure ensuring system reliability during power fluctuations
  • User-Focused Training: Comprehensive training program for maintenance staff on new systems operation

  • Energy Efficiency Improvements: Modern systems reducing energy consumption and operational costs

  • Code-Compliant Testing: Extensive testing and calibration to ensure compliance with Leon County requirements

  • Design-Build Technical Expertise: Specialized contractors providing targeted expertise for complex system

  • Phased Implementation: Strategic approach allowing continuous gymnasium operation during construction

Construction Approach

Operational Continuity:

 Strategic implementation plan allowing gymnasium activities to continue throughout construction

Systems Integration:

 Careful coordination of new systems with existing building infrastructure

Design-Build Methodology:

 Engagement of specialized contractors with design-build experience for technical scope elements

Phased Testing:

 Comprehensive testing and calibration of all installed systems

Client Training:

Detailed maintenance staff training on system operation and maintenance

Minimal Disruption:

 Careful scheduling of work to minimize impact on university activities

Project Challenges

Operational Facility

 Implementing major systems upgrades while maintaining gymnasium functionality for ongoing university activities

Systems Integration

 Expanding existing Honeywell energy management systems while ensuring seamless operation with new components

Technical Complexity

 Coordinating the installation of sophisticated direct digital control systems requiring specialized expertise

Fiber Optic Implementation

 Installing and configuring fiber optic interconnection between controllers and central monitoring systems

Climate Control During Construction

 Maintaining appropriate climate conditions throughout the construction process to allow continued facility use

Legacy System Interface

 Ensuring new systems properly integrated with existing central plant monitoring and control infrastructure