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          The alternative structure being proposed is a composite steel design that will continue to implement most the existing shear wall system. A composite steel design will allow for a more flexible bay size, as well as a cheaper design, compared to using a concrete system as an alternative. Extensive time will have to be spent looking into the best column layout and beam configuration as to not negatively impact the architecture throughout the building. This will be a complicated task as the previous design allowed for an irregular column placement that cannot be achieved with steel design. Additionally, this alternative design will have an impact on the overall ceiling height of the building, which may make it necessary to increase the overall building height in order to maintain the current room dimensions. This may call for the elongation of stair cases, an increase in the perimeter wall loads and will call for greater column heights resulting in larger columns. The floor system will retain its 2 1/2-hour fire rating and will be achieved by some application of a light gauge metal decking with concrete. More investigation into its finish material and cost will ultimately affect which configuration is chosen. Investigation into the stand-alone shear wall in the southern half of the building will conclude whether or not a brace or moment frame would be a more economical choice as a lateral component.

           The Arundel's mechanical functions are handled by a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system. This system, while allowing for individual temperature control in each residential unit, may not be the most cost efficient or energy efficient option. This breadth will investigate alternative systems that would function more efficiently than the VRF.

          In any apartment complex, there are always noisy neighbors that may decrease the appeal of living there. An investigation into the partition walls of the building will reveal exactly how effective the current walls are and what can be changed in order to improve them without drastically changing their thicknesses or cost.

Structural Depth

Acoustic Breadth

Mechanical Breadth

Revised Proposal

Proposal

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