The Pennsylvania State University
– University Park, PA
GJAI is currently in the second year of
a two-year open-ended contract to provide engineering design services
to Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant. Over its 17-year history,
GJAI has completed numerous projects for Penn State, including but not
limited to: renovations to the Palmer Museum of Art, as well as renovations
to the campus library, numerous dormitories, laboratories and the student
center.
Replacement of Campus Central
Fire Alarm System
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, PA
Complete replacement of the campus central
fire alarm equipment located in the campus police station. New equipment
maintains data communications with all existing local fire alarm systems
in campus buildings and provides offsite paging to University employees.
Robinson Learning Center, Fire
Alarm System Replacement
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, PA
Project consisted of complete replacement
of a poorly functioning fire alarm system in a 60,000 square foot, seven
story classroom building. Limited area smoke detection was provided
in the corridors, visual annunciation devices were installed throughout
the building, smoke duct detectors with unit shutdown wiring were installed
at return air openings into mechanical spaces. A complete replacement
of all front-end control equipment and devices was performed.
Palmer Museum Of Art
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
A special project completed for The Pennsylvania
State University is the addition to The Palmer Museum of Art.
Designed by internationally renowned postmodern
architect Charles W. Moore, the newly expanded and renovated museum
boasts ten galleries, a striking two-story lobby, and an outdoor sculpture
garden.
The mechanical and electrical requirements
were very rigid in order for the museum to obtain traveling exhibits.
Temperature and humidity levels are constantly recorded with a temperature
tolerance of one degree above or below set point and humidity control
with a 1% variation above or below the set point. The museum has been
open since 1993 and has maintained the required conditions
The lighting systems required specialized
controls, fixtures and lamps selected to properly illuminate the various
works of art. Lamps were also considered for protection of the artwork.
The ability for easily revising the fixtures was also a major consideration.
[Click here for more info]
Ulmer Lab Infrastructure Upgrade
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, PA
The Ulmer Hall Infrastructure Upgrade
involved a complete mechanical and electrical system replacement for
a 1950’s vintage laboratory classroom building to modern standards.
Air conditioning and makeup air was added for increased fume hoods and
classrooms. The existing plumbing system was modified to include a new
acid waste system. Modern telecommunications and computer networking
systems were also included in the design. The building electrical service
was modified and upgraded for the added mechanical and computer loads
associated with modern system requirements.
Designs were developed and/or modified
from feasibility studies conducted by an outside firm for the Department.
Ultimate systems provided for the project were developed based upon
the University’s needs and requirements in addition to budget
constraints placed upon the project through available funding.
The upgrade was a Department of General Services project for the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania. Interaction was required between the various Department
design review team members, the Institution’s Facilities and Maintenance
staff and the various professors utilizing the space.
[Click here for more info]
Fire Alarm Panel Replacement in Seven Dormitories
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven PA
Project consisted of the replacement of
fire alarm control equipment in seven dormitories. Existing devices
were left in place and reconnected to a new panel. A study was performed
to determine the number of devices that would be installed in the event
of a complete system upgrade in the future. All head-end equipment was
sized to accommodate the number of future devices.
Coal Research Laboratory
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
The one million dollar office and laboratory
renovation required the close coordination of laboratory casework, equipment,
piping, ductwork and lighting because of the limited floor to floor
height. Relocated casework and equipment was used wherever possible.
The new fume hoods and specialty exhaust systems required large volumes
of outside air to maintain a relatively clean environment.
The large volume of outside air and the
existing two pipe fan coil system required the installation of a new
primary secondary chilled water system. New roof mounted exhaust fans
and make up air units required close coordination for piping and electrical
connections.
McAllister Building Wave Form
Laboratory
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
The Pennsylvania State University is a
research University requiring specialized laboratories. The individualized
test equipment typically requires plumbing and electrical services along
with modifications to the HVAC system to maintain ambient conditions.
Integration of these services is typically from the existing building
systems.
This project was initiated to allow the
installation of a wave form trough laboratory into classroom area of
an existing building. This required revisions to a 1950’s HVAC,
plumbing, and electrical systems. The plumbing and electrical systems
were integrated into the existing systems and a new HVAC was installed.
This necessitated a field survey and review of the existing systems
to verify capacities.
Tyson Building Laboratory Upgrade
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
This project required revisions to the
chilled and hot water systems for additions of new environmental chambers
to existing systems. Plumbing and electrical system additions were also
required.
Armsby Building HVAC Upgrade
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
This project was the conversion of a laboratory
classroom building into a classroom and office building. Cooling was
required to be added along with renovations to the existing heating
system. The heating system was renovated to include the revised ventilation
standards along with the change in use.
The existing steam heating system was
revised while provisions were made for connection to a future central
chilled water system.
The electrical systems, power and lighting
were revised for the change in use and to take advantage of energy saving
systems.
The building is listed on the Historical
Register so that any renovations had to be made in keeping with the
original aesthetic considerations for the building.
