GEISINGER COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER
Scranton PA
JACKSON HILL | STRUCTURAL
THESIS ADVISER: DR. HANAGAN
Depth Topic Proposal
The Geisinger Community Medical Center C & E wings were designed to be composite steel. There were multiple factors that went into the decision to design the building in steel.
The proposed thesis will examine the feasibility of redesigning the Geisinger Community Medical Center Expansion using a two-way flat slab reinforced concrete gravity system with drop panels and a lateral system comprised of concrete shear walls. The current structural system has a significant structural depth of almost 30”. By redesigning with the two-way system, the structural depth will be reduced to approximately 16” which will help to reduce the overall building height or provide more plenum space for MEP. Two-way concrete can also allow for more flexible column layouts, making architectural requirements more achievable. The two-way system has potential to provide increased vibration control, an area where steel composite design can often be lacking. In a hospital with sensitive equipment, vibration is a significant concern and will be evaluated as such in this proposed thesis. It is proposed that the lateral resisting elements be changed to concrete shear walls or concrete moment frames and relocated in an attempt to decrease eccentricity from wind and seismic load conditions.
Thesis Proposal Draft
Thesis Proposal Draft
Revised Thesis Proposal
Breadth Topic Proposals
For my first breadth topic, I propose to do a thorough investigation of the Geisinger Community Medical Center’s enclosure systems. I will analyze the thermal gradient, vapor pressure gradient, and relative humidity throughout the thickness of the current enclosure as well as other alternatives. I will analyze these parameters at the average temperature and humidity for each season. This will require research into the average climate of Scranton, PA and the properties of each material that is used in the existing structure. The purpose of this is to investigate whether or not there is a potential for condensation issues in the current system and if there is, to propose solutions. The impact of these changes on thermal efficiency and structural weight will be evaluated.
My second area for the breadth topics will be alternative lighting designs for various spaces throughout the hospital. I would like to provide alternative solutions for either patient rooms or operating/procedure rooms. Included in this redesign will be: design criteria for the space, specific hardware to be used and relevant manufacturer’s data, design assumptions, summary of calculation output from software, and renderings of the final design for visual inspection and comparison to the existing system. I plan on using AGI software to design and evaluate the proposed alternative system. Implementation of daylighting may also be included in the proposed investigation.
MAE Requirements
Information and skills learned in 500 level master’s degree courses will be implemented into the proposed thesis redesign. This section outlines possible applications of this knowledge.
Skills learned in AE 530 will be used to model the new structure and similar procedures will be followed to verify the accuracy of model results.
Material learned concurrently in Enclosures may be used in analysis and implementation of sustainability features relating to the building façade.