ANDREWS DORMITORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN Constructed in 1936, Andrews Dormitory encompasses over 41,000 SF and provides co-ed residence for approximately 118 students. The residence hall features ergonomically designed living spaces, community restrooms and laundry facilities, and study areas. Goodwin Engineering was hired to design renovations to the HVAC systems, and complete replacement of the electrical power distribution, lighting, and plumbing systems. Goodwin’s designs included conversion of the constant volume air handling units to VAV, replacement of the pneumatic controls with DDC, and reconfiguration/replacement of the building chilled water and steam/steam condensate systems. The building’s chilled water system was de-coupled from the campus loop with plate-frame heat exchangers and converted into a variable flow system. Additionally, exhaust systems were designed for all restrooms. All of the restrooms were reconfigured to provide service plumbing chases and ADA accessibility where needed. The plumbing systems were completely replaced and the building domestic hot water system was replaced with instantaneous steam hot water heaters. The entire electrical power distribution within the building was replaced including switchgear, panelboards, feeders, motor circuits, branch circuits, and receptacles. The emergency power systems were also replaced. Goodwin created a model of the building’s new power systems using SKM software and conducted an arc-flash study for the building. All lighting was replaced and Goodwin provided photometric calculations for optimal lighting design. PLANNING AND CRITICAL PHASING WAS KEY… With only the 3 summer months available for the construction, detailed design along with critical phasing and planning were paramount. Goodwin completed their design, assisted the Owner with bidding/contractor selection, critical path scheduling, completed the submittal process and facilitated with long-lead equipment purchases so that demolition was able to start on the very first day of summer break. The entire $1.6m project was completed on time and within budget, and students returned for the Fall semester to a “new” dormitory. Next Project © 2021 Goodwin Engineering.