The Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Student Union faced a lot of unique challenges during the construction process, and many were problems that could have been resolved through a few simple techniques. The Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Student Union is a four story student union with an attached bookstore. The Student Union will act as the spirit of the student body at Embry Riddle. The final report delved into four topics, which can be found below.

Analysis 1: Raising the Building Height
One particularly large problem that the project team faced while constructing the job was MEP coordination with the allowable ceiling heights. There were many locations where the ductwork could not be run under the steel, which was discovered during MEP coordination, leading to very expensive duct penetrations through the steel. This analysis looked into the impact of raising the building height by 2 feet to allow for 6 inches of extra space per floor. In addition to facilitation of MEP coordination. The extra building cost compared to the cost of the steel penetrations proved to be a inviable option, causing a $600,000 growth in project scope.
 

Analysis 2: Acoustical Study of Main Atrium
Another area of study will focus on how effective the main atrium is in terms of sound
transmission. Acting as a student hub, the atrium will be an area where students will study and
relax. The acoustical breadth will split the four levels of the atrium into separate parts to find the
areas that need improvement. Comparing the atrium reverberation time to a typical classroom
rendering a RT of 0.6-0.7 seconds, the atrium exceeded the reverberation time needed to meet
this level. The suggested alternative was to add extra carpeting, hanging acoustical baffles and
wall panels, to bring the space back to an acoustically comfortable level. This means the
installation would save $163,614 in the project scope.
 

Analysis 3: Exterior Facade Solar Angle Study
With a building with walls completely enclosed by glass, there are areas that may receive
more heat gain than others. This analysis looked into the atrium that is located near the
exterior curtain wall. The result of the solar study yielded that the skylights and the south
facade experience partial and direct sunlight on the South side of the building, which
contribute to the buildings heat gain. The massive cantilevers and the white TPO roof block a
majority of the direct sunlight, but adding a protective film would lower the amount of heat
absorbed from the sun. In summary, it would not be recommended to use a protective film on
the curtain wall because of the affect the film would have architecturally.

Analysis 4: How Procurement Can Affect Project Success
This research was conducted to find ways to mitigate the majority of construction related
problems, before construction ever begins on a job. This research is also intended to display
the affects preconstruction has on a jobs, and highlight the critical activities that require
attention. As a result of this research, when starting a project, it is best to read and
understand the drawings and specifications, highlight areas where multiple contractor's work
take place in the same vicinity, and create a work scope that follows a responsibility matrix.