2012 Magazine Archive
December 2012
Meeting the challenges of globalizationThis firm’s globalization process has come with many “lessons learned.” » more
Providing power for high-tech facilitiesHigh-tech buildings as well as mission critical facilities must have reliable electrical power. » more
How to specify an indoor lighting systemBy following a few guidelines, engineers and lighting designers can specify the correct lighting system for a facility. » more
Wireless building controls Creative use and selection of wireless devices can potentially reduce construction costs, decrease construction time, and add future flexibility to buildings. » more
College campus engineering: Challenges, retrofitting, renewable energy systemsColleges and universities bear the important responsibility of molding the minds of future generations. To tackle the formidable task, such institutions require the expertise of engineers to ensure... » more
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Mechanical systems in hospitals, health care facilitiesWith daunting aspects such as ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity, and dwindling capital budgets, hospitals and health care facilities are among the most challenging... » more
Fire protection systems in hospitals, health care facilities
With daunting aspects such as ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity, and dwindling capital budgets, hospitals and health care facilities are among the most challenging... » more
With daunting aspects such as ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity, and dwindling capital budgets, hospitals and health care facilities are among the most challenging... » more
Building automation for hospitals, health care facilitiesWith daunting aspects such as ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity, and dwindling capital budgets, hospitals and health care facilities are among the most challenging... » more
Data, research to help you excelWatch for specialized surveys and research requests in your e-mail in-box, and be sure to share your knowledge. We'll keep you and your firm apprised of the best research possible so that you can... » more
Integrating advanced power managementIntegrating advanced power management with control system architecture enables continuous power to mission critical facilities » more
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Commissioning best practices for building performanceFollow these best practices to ensure a building meets the performance standards required by the owner and design engineer. » more
Designing office space: HVAC systems
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings. » more
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings. » more
Designing office space: Fire, life safety
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings. » more
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings. » more
Designing office space: Building automation
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings. » more
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings. » more
Designing office space: Electrical, power systems
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings. » more
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings. » more
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Sizing equipment for closed-transition transfer operationFault contributions of all parallel sources must be considered only for systems designed for continuous parallel operation. » more
Using BIM in electrical, power designBIM can help facilitate efficiency gains in design, construction, and facility operations. » more
Vote with an engineer's heartWhat are the political topics of key importance to professionals in the building industry in the 2012 presidential elections? » more
Understanding diesel emissions regulation changesEngineers and designers should understand how continually evolving diesel emissions regulations affect them and their clients. » more
Next-generation energy modelingSince 2001, the DOE has released the energy modeling calculation engine called EnergyPlus as a new generation flagship tool meant to combine the best features of the multiple previous tools funded... » more
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Retro-commissioning guidance: Fire and life safetyWhile starting from scratch on a not-yet-built structure can be taxing, engineering systems on existing buildings presents a unique set of challenges. Here, experts in the field offer advice on how... » more
Retro-commissioning guidance: Electrical and energy
While starting from scratch on a not-yet-built structure can be taxing, engineering systems on existing buildings presents a unique set of challenges. Here, experts in the field offer advice on how... » more
While starting from scratch on a not-yet-built structure can be taxing, engineering systems on existing buildings presents a unique set of challenges. Here, experts in the field offer advice on how... » more
3-D modeling surges ahead 3-D modeling continues to improve the overall design and construction process, saving time and money. » more
Designing, updating buildings for the Smart GridHere’s how to achieve maximum operational benefits and increased energy savings by making a building Smart Grid compatible. » more
Grounding and bonding in commercial buildingsAn understanding of the basic operations between a grounded and an ungrounded electrical system is necessary for matching the appropriate grounding topology to the electrical system performance. » more
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Tapping into the gray water wellGray water system codes are still a gray area. Here are some tips for engineering a nonpotable water system. » more
Integrating fire systems with HVAC controlsWith building sophistication comes the need for a BAS to allow for nearly seamless operation of various interrelated equipment. » more
Properly applying automatic transfer switchesCircuit protection analyses have to look at the routine, standby, and emergency power systems. This shows how selective coordination needs to include generators and transfer switches—not just circuit... » more
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Data center efficiency, cooling considerationsEngineers should know how inefficiencies in electrical systems affect data center cooling load. » more
Sorting out the changes in NFPA 70E-2012The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revises NFPA 70E: Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace every three years. The latest version, the 2012 edition, was released in September... » more
Transformer efficiency: Yesterday’s news, tomorrow’s concerns Although many engineers and design professionals don’t get a lot of time to spend looking under the hood of equipment, we should certainly take a closer look at transformers. » more
Boiler systems: Economics and efficienciesEngineers can meet a building’s hot water needs with today’s boiler systems. » more
Economic analysis in individual project selectionUsing net present value analysis instead of the rate of return will treat investment scale as one of the key value drivers, and will help engineers select money-making projects. » more
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NFPA 99: New healthcare facility code requirements
The National Fire Protection Assn. sets forth the criteria to minimize the hazards of fire, explosion, and electricity in healthcare facilities providing services to human beings. » more
The National Fire Protection Assn. sets forth the criteria to minimize the hazards of fire, explosion, and electricity in healthcare facilities providing services to human beings. » more
2012 40 Under 40: Becky Ellsworth, PE, 34Associate Principal, Senior Electrical Engineer, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore. » more
2012 40 Under 40: Brandon D. Enevold, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 35Principal, Electrical Systems, MW Consulting Engineers, Spokane, Wash. » more
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HVAC: documenting ASHRAE 62.1 compliance
Standard 62.1 specifies minimum ventilation rates and other measures intended to provide IAQ to building occupants. » more
Standard 62.1 specifies minimum ventilation rates and other measures intended to provide IAQ to building occupants. » more
Specifying LEDs for commercial useGood lighting enhances design, conserves energy, and increases productivity, safety, security, personal comfort, sales, attendance, and profit. » more
Code strategies for mixed occupancy buildings: tables
The code application options for mixed occupancy buildings, when applied strategically, can minimize the amount of fire-resistance-rated construction required by code. » more
The code application options for mixed occupancy buildings, when applied strategically, can minimize the amount of fire-resistance-rated construction required by code. » more
Code strategies for mixed occupancy buildingsThe code application options for mixed occupancy buildings, when applied strategically, can minimize the amount of fire-resistance-rated construction required by code. » more
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10 ways to save water in commercial buildingsThis article outlines 10 ways that engineers can save water across both mechanical and plumbing systems within commercial buildings. » more
Firm gives back to community, young engineersSSOE Group, based in Toledo, Ohio, talks about some of their programs designed to help the community from a charitable standpoint. » more
School is in sessionWith mitigating factors like aging structures, complex codes and standards, and emerging technologies, K-12 school projects can pose quite a test. Here, top consulting engineers share important... » more
LEED 2012 anticipated changes
Performance accountability and design integration are key to the anticipated changes to the energy and atmosphere credits, with green hospitals and data centers on the horizon. » more
Performance accountability and design integration are key to the anticipated changes to the energy and atmosphere credits, with green hospitals and data centers on the horizon. » more
LEED 2012 for data centers and healthcare
In an effort to be more market-focused, LEED 2012 tackles data centers and hospitals, buildings that often have a more difficult time achieving LEED certification because of their significant energy... » more
In an effort to be more market-focused, LEED 2012 tackles data centers and hospitals, buildings that often have a more difficult time achieving LEED certification because of their significant energy... » more
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Data processingSince the 21st century business world relies heavily on information, data centers are one of the most crucial components of any company. Here, engineers share advice on how to handle such important... » more
Designing for selective coordinationBy following basic guidelines, both fusible and circuit breaker systems may be selectively coordinated without the engineer ever having to perform a detailed selective coordination study. » more
Intelligent lighting improves data center efficiencyCentralized control of a data center’s lighting was achieved through implementing LEDs that improved lighting quality and increased visibility in the facility. » more
Control sequences for chilled water systemsThe most important component of good chiller plant control is understanding the full and part load requirements and then matching those to system performance. » more
Modular ventilation system simplifies retrofit at San Francisco landmarkThe Fanwall Technology modular fan-cube system replaced a single, large air-handler fan, lowering costs and reducing energy use at the Transamerica Pyramid. » more
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