Attachment IV - Design and Construction.pdf

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES March 1, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC NUMBER TOPIC TITLE UPDATED/RATIFIED

1 CODES, STANDARDS AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS September 2013

2 DRAWINGS May 2006

3 VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM January 1, 2022

4 FOUNDATION DRAINAGE (Rescinded) January 1, 2022

5 PIPE BASEMENTS December 1, 2021

6 FLOOR SLAB DEPRESSIONS April 2001

7 PIPING AND DUCTS December 1, 2021

8 ELECTRICAL ROOMS AND CLOSETS November 1, 2021

9 ENERGY CENTER April 2001

10 COMPUTER SYSTEMS (Rescinded) July 1, 2021

11 NOISE TRANSMISSION CONTROL April 2004

12 FUTURE VERTICAL EXPANSION April 2001

13 SERVICE LIFE AND REPLACEMENT COSTS March 1, 2022

14 SECURITY November 15, 2016

15 Rescinded March 16, 2017

16 Rescinded March 16, 2017

17 PHYSICAL SECURITY AND RESILIENCY April 15, 2019

18 TRANSPORTATION,

MATERIALS AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT,

AND AUTOMATED DELIVERY SYSTEMS December 1, 2020

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES July 1, 2021

FOREWORD ii

FOREWORD

These Design and Construction Procedures establish consistent design and construction practices and are the minimum acceptable standards for the design and construction of VA facilities.

These design and construction procedures are mandatory where specific statutes and/or regulatory references are included in the Topic text. For other Topics, the procedures and included minimum acceptable standards shall be utilized to the maximum extent practicable, commensurate with cost considerations.

VA Program Offices, project teams, designers and constructors are obligated to our Nation's Veterans and taxpayers to make the most effective and efficient use of resources, by providing a continuum of safe, secure, high quality, high performance, and high value environments of care and service for Veterans. The VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) supports the Department's mission through development and application of standards as a basis for disciplined planning, design, and construction of VA facilities.

The VA Technical Information Library (TIL) is the culmination of a partnership among the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA Administrations, Program Offices, Clinicians, Industry, Academic and Research Organizations, Expert Consultants, and the Office of Construction and Facilities Management. TIL publications are developed through integration of VA-specific requirements, Federal law and regulation, benchmarking of industry best practice, evidence-based research and design, and value-based analysis of leading-edge innovation. The VA TIL (https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL) establishes the basis of planning and design for all VA projects. TIL documents, when properly applied to projects, will maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning and design process and support a high level of functionality and quality in the environment of care.

For additional information regarding the VA TIL development and application of VA planning, design, and construction standards, please contact Donald L. Myers, Director, Facilities Standards Service, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Construction and Facilities Management.

Donald L. Myers, AIA, NCARB, AAH, ASHE Director, Facilities Standards Service US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Construction and Facilities Management

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES September 2013

CODES, STANDARDS & EXECUTIVE ORDERS 1-1

TOPIC 1 – CODES, STANDARDS AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS

PURPOSE: The Public Buildings Amendment Act of 1988, Public Law (Pub. L.) 100-678 requires Federal agencies to follow national recognized "model" building codes. The Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Standards, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-119, requires all executive agencies to rely on voluntary standards, both domestic and international, whenever feasible, and to participate in voluntary standard bodies.

GENERAL: VA has adopted the latest edition of the following codes and standards as a minimum for all projects performed in the modernization, alteration, addition, or improvement of its real property and the construction of new structures. VA design Manuals and Master Specifications specify other codes and standards that VA follows on its projects:

• VA Directives, Design Manuals, Master Specifications, VA National CAD Standard Application Guide, and other Guidance on the Technical Information Library (TIL) (www.cfm.va.gov/til/).

• International Building Code (IBC) (Only when specifically referenced in VA Design Documents, see notes below)

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (see notes below)

• NFPA National Fire Codes, with the exception of NFPA 5000 and NFPA 900

• Occupational, Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards.

• VA Seismic Design Requirements, H-18-8

• National Electrical Code (NEC)

• International Plumbing Code (IPC)

• Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, American Society of Mechanical Engineers

(ASME) A 17.1.

• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

• ASME Code for Pressure Piping

• Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS) including VA supplement, Barrier Free Design Guide (PG-18-13)

• Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete, American Concrete Institute and Commentary (ACI 318)

• Manual of Steel Construction, Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings, American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES September 2013

CODES, STANDARDS & EXECUTIVE ORDERS 1-2

• Energy policy Act of 2005 (EPAct)

• DOE Interim Final Rule: Energy Conservation Standards for New Federal, Commercial and Multi-Family High-Rise Residential Buildings and New Low-Rise Residential Buildings, 10 CFR Parts 433, 434 and 435.

• Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

• Executive Order 13423: Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management.

• The Provisions for Construction and Safety Signs. Stated in the General Requirements Section 01010 of the VA Master Construction Specification.

• Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality – ASHRAE Standard 62.1- 2004.

• Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems – ASHRAE Standard 15 – 2007.

Local Codes: As an agency of the federal government, VA is not subject to local imposition of code enforcement procedures (drawing reviews, building permits, inspections, fees, etc.). VA must function as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and thus has the responsibility to guard public health and safety through enforcing its adopted codes. However, local authorities should be notified about planned projects and given opportunity to review drawings provided that VA does not pay for review or inspection fees.

NOTES:

1. NFPA 101 primarily addresses life safety and fire protection features while the IBC addresses a wide range of considerations, including, but not limited to, structural strength, seismic stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and energy conservation. VA buildings must meet the requirements of NFPA 101 and documents referenced by NFPA 101 in order to comply with the accreditation requirements of The Joint Commission.

Therefore, designs shall comply with the requirements of the latest edition of NFPA 101 and documents referenced therein. Design features not addressed by NFPA 101 or documents referenced therein shall comply with the requirements of the latest edition of the IBC or as otherwise addressed above in this Program Guide. For design features that are addressed by both the IBC as well as NFPA 101 or a document referenced by NFPA 101, the requirements of NFPA 101 or the document referenced by NFPA 101 shall be used exclusively (this applies even if the IBC requirements are different).

2. Conflicts between Nationally Recognized Codes and Standards and VA Requirements – Should a conflict exist between VA requirements and VA adopted nationally recognized codes and standards, the conflict shall be brought to the attention of VA. The resolution of the conflict shall be made by the authority having jurisdiction for VA to ensure a consistency system wide.

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES May 2006

DRAWINGS 2-1

TOPIC 2 – DRAWINGS

1. DRAWING MATERIAL AND SIZE

a. Prepare Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) drawings for review submittals, bidding and construction in accordance with instructions in A/E Submittal Guide PG-18-15. Submit record drawings on bond paper, full size one copy and on standard format DVD, two copies. Each of the two electronic copies shall contain .dwg and .pdf files of each drawing, and .doc and .pdf files of each project manual document. Each DVD will be labeled as to station #, project #, date, etc.

b. Standard sheets are Architectural F size, 1069 mm (42 in.) long by 762 mm (30 in.) wide.

c. Electronic files shall conform to National CAD Standard and VA Application Guide.

2. DRAWING FORMAT: Computer aided design and drafting (CAD) is the preferred method of presenting drawings. The format to be used in creating the CAD drawings (i.e. layer/level structure, fonts, font sizes, file naming conventions, etc.) shall be the latest edition of the National CAD Standard as amended by VA Application Guide.

3. SIZE AND SCALE: Use minimum lettering height of 3 mm (1/8 in.). Computer-generated or typewritten notes are preferable to hand lettered. Hold screening, shading, crosshatching and other indications of materials or locations to a minimum. Place symbols and lettering so that they are not confused with dimension lines, arrowheads, or other indications.

4. TITLE BLOCK

a. Use VA Standard Title Block for CAD drawings. Follow the format indicated in the Standard Title Block for hand drawn sheets.

b. For Schematics and Design Development Drawings, identify drawings above the title block in large font stating as appropriate either "Schematics ONLY" or "Design Development ONLY", and in small font "NOT for Construction".

5. GENERAL INFORMATION

a. Organize and number drawings into technical classifications as listed in Item 6, Identification of Drawings.

b. Indicate scales by note for each plan, section and detail on each drawing. Provide graphic scales.

DRAWINGS 2-2

c. Show north arrow indicators on plan sheets.

d. Orient plans with North toward the top of the drawing.

e. Note section symbol on the referenced sheet location.

f. Indicate the relationship of details, plans, elevations, and sections, other than standard details, by cross-reference. Note the sheet number and drawing location of detailed feature on details and sections. Provide key plans on stair-section sheets to indicate the location of the stairs in the buildings.

g. Provide a key plan to show the location of a portion of a plan or elevation with respect to the total project.

h. Use legends, abbreviations, and symbols that conform with the National CAD standard as amended by VA Application Guide and VA documents PG-18-4, PG-18-6, and PG-18-14 when developing VA drawings and specifications.

i. Do not write specification information on contract drawings. Show notes or dimension information on the 1:100 (1/8 in.) scale drawings or 1:50 (1/4 in.) scale drawings, but not on both. Do not repeat drawing information on plans, elevations or details.

j. Clearly distinguish between new, existing, and replacement items of work.

k. Locate room names and room numbers within the spaces to which they apply and locate equipment symbols or names adjacent to the equipment shown on the floor plans.

l. Indicate all smoke barriers and fire-rated partitions on architectural, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical 1:100 (1/8 in.) scale floor plans.

m. Show future expansions (both vertical and horizontal) by dotted lines on site plans, architectural floor plans, engineering floor plans, and in elevations and sections.

n. For buildings which are to be fully sprinklered, place the note "FULLY SPRINKLERED" above the title block, close to the right margin, on each architectural, structural, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical floor plan.

DRAWINGS 2-3

6. IDENTIFICATION OF DRAWINGS

a. General. Bind all drawings into sets and identify drawing classification, relative order of issue, amendment, and change order by symbols placed on drawing title blocks as described below:

Cover sheet (include Index to Drawings on small projects) Index to Drawings start with ......................................................................................... GI Critical Path Method start with .................................................................................... GC Site Development start with ........................................................................................ GS Sub-Surface Investigation start with ............................................................................. BI Asbestos Removal start with ........................................................................................ HA Architectural* start with .............................................................................................. AS Architectural Miscellaneous Detail drawings for single building projects shall follow numbers for architectural drawings. Architectural Miscellaneous Detail drawings start with (on projects of two or more buildings) ........................... AS

Plumbing start with ....................................................................................................... PL Sanitary start with ........................................................................................................ CU Structural start with ...................................................................................................... SS Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration start with .......................... MH Steam Generation start with ....................................................................................... MP Outside Steam Distribution start with ........................................................................ MS Electrical start with ........................................................................................................ ES Fire Protection start with ............................................................................................. FA

NOTE: Normally Equipment Drawings are shown as part of the Architectural set.

(1) Building number shall precede the classification identification (Building No. 20 as example) 20-BI 1, 20-GS 1, 20-AS 1, 20-SS 1. When a drawing reflects work that is associated with several buildings or the station in general, such as details sheets and exterior utility distributions systems, no building number will precede the symbol which identifies the classification.

(2) Number the drawings in sequence within each classification, for example 1-SS 1, first structural sheet Building No. 1; 1-SS 2, second structural sheet, etc. Directly below the drawing number, show the position within the series that each drawing occupies, for example, sheet 1 of 30 (structural sheets), sheet 2 of 30 (structural sheets), etc.

(3) Drawings for each new project shall begin with number one. Distinguish the drawings by their project titles and dates.

(4) The preferred method for classifying drawings is by identification of technical information shown on drawing, for example, Architectural or Electrical. However, an exception is made when one design discipline has limited work. Show this limited work on a drawing with another

DRAWINGS 2-4

classification. The drawing number shall show the symbol for the major work classification;

indicate that other work is shown on the same drawing by a description, such as "Plumbing", above the title block.

(5) When work including two or more buildings is described on a single drawing, the sheet shall bear the number of the building involving the work of the major magnitude; indicate that work on other buildings is shown on the same drawing by a note above the title block.

b. Amendment Construction Drawings

(1) Issue a drawing which is produced to supersede an original working drawing as a corrected plot of the CAD file or as a photocopy reproduction of the original drawing, on vellum or mylar. Identify the number of this amendment drawing with the number of the sheet it replaces plus the suffix "R". Identify additional replacements of the same drawing as - "R2"-"R3", etc. Note the revisions dates. Place the words "Amendment Drawing" above the Title block with a statement of the original drawing which it supersedes.

(2) Give a drawing, which supersedes a portion of an original working drawing, a new number in sequence with other drawing numbers. Place the notation "Amendment Drawing" above the title block with a statement of the drawing number of the original drawing it modifies. Insert the date of the amendment on the drawing. Place a cross reference note, on the superseded drawing, calling attention to the amendments.

c. Change Order Construction Drawings. Give a drawing, which describes the work involved in a "Change Order", a number in sequence with the original drawings. Place the words "CHANGE ORDER" above the title block with a statement of the drawing that it modifies or supersedes. Insert the date of the change order on the drawing. Place a cross-reference note calling attention to the change order on the superseded or modified drawing. For reference prints in Central Office or on the project site in the possession of the Resident Engineer, stamp drawings with; "See Change Order Drawing No. _______, dated _______."

d. Reissue Construction Drawings

(1) When a complete set of working drawings is to be reissued without change, remove the original date and insert the new date of the reissue.

(2) When a complete set of working drawings is to be reissued with changes, replot the changed drawings, or provide a photocopy vellum or mylar reproduction of the original drawings, where feasible, with changes incorporated. These reproductions (or drawings) shall retain original dates and drawing numbers with the suffix - "R", but the reissue date shall appear in the Revision column.

DRAWINGS 2-5

(3) When some drawings only of an entire set are changed, the entire set shall retain original dates and drawing numbers with the suffix "R" added; and the reissue date shall appear in Revision column of the changed drawings only.

e. Completion Item Construction Drawings. Completion Items are additional work required beyond the original contract and after its completion.

(1) Provide drawings prepared to describe Completion Items with drawing numbers in sequence with last working drawing of a series, i.e., "Architectural", "Structural", "Electrical", etc., and earlier Change Order and Completion Item drawings. Insert the words, "COMPLETION ITEM NO._______" above the title block. The VA Project Manager shall assign the Completion Item numbers and drawing numbers.

(2) In the title blocks of Completion Item drawings, show the same project titles and project numbers as the original working drawings. Show a sheet title in the top spaces of the title block. Date the drawings to reflect the date on which the completion item drawings were ordered by the VA Project Manager.

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES January 1, 2022

VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM 3-1

TOPIC 3 – VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM

1. PURPOSE: VA policy on the design of new hospital buildings is to provide for their continuing adaptability to changing conditions and programs throughout their structural life.

2. VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM (VAHBS): The VAHBS concept described in VA Hospital Building System Research Study Report, Project No. 99-R047 (U.S. Government Printing Office Stock No. 051-000-00 112-5), provides such adaptability. All new and replacement VA hospital buildings should use the VAHBS system to the maximum practicable extent, to optimize construction, flexibility, accessibility, and systems accessibility and maintenance. Also consider using this system for major additions to existing hospitals where future adaptability is an important factor.

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES December 1, 2021

PIPE BASEMENTS 5-1

TOPIC 5 – PIPE BASEMENTS

1. GENERAL: Evaluate the use of full or partial pipe basements on an individual project basis through a design analysis of the most efficient and economical method of adapting piping, duct, and electrical conduit systems to the building. Design pipe basements to provide a minimum clearance of 1200 mm (4 ft.) under pipes, ducts, and electrical conduits for access to these systems for maintenance and repair. Provide pipe basements with two means of egress.

Provide a means of access for personnel and equipment.

2. CONSTRUCTION

a. Insulate the exterior pipe basement walls to prevent freezing temperatures for locations where ambient temperatures are -7°C (20°F) or below.

b. Provide access to the pipe basement at stairwells and emergency egress to the exterior through the use of areaways where necessary.

3. HEATING AND VENTILATION

a. Provide thermostatically controlled mechanical ventilation to prevent excessive rise in basement temperature and/or prevent moisture problems.

b. Provide intake louvers with dampers of sufficient size to satisfy fan requirements.

c. Screen all ventilator and louver openings to prevent entry of insects and small animals.

d. As dictated by design computations for maintaining slab at 21°C (70°F), provide heating in the pipe basement or insulate the slab or both.

e. Provide heating in the pipe basement to avoid freezing conditions.

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES April 2001

FLOOR SLAB DEPRESSIONS 6-1

TOPIC 6 – FLOOR SLAB DEPRESSIONS

1. GENERAL: Use floor slab depressions in specific areas or rooms to direct water into drains by sloping the floors:

a. To insure that the floor of prefabricated rooms and access floors are level with the corridor floor,

b. To provide clearance for equipment,

c. To provide space for the installation of shielding in certain areas, and;

d. To provide for special floor finishes that require a setting bed.

2. DEPRESSED SLAB AREAS: Minimum recommended depressions:

a. Ceramic Floor Tile with Slope to Drain 75 mm (3 in.)

b. Quarry Tile Floor without Drain 50 mm (2 in.)

c. Quarry Tile Floor with Slope to Drain 100 mm (4 in.)

d. X-Ray Rooms in Radiology Suites 100 mm (4 in.)

NOTE: For items c and d, install a 75 mm (3 in.) topping over the entire structural slab, where hospitals are designed in accordance with the VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS). Exceptions occur in areas requiring depressions greater than 75 mm (3 in.). In these areas, modify the framing and depress the floor slab in accordance with the requirements of proposed equipment.

e. Terrazzo Floor 50 mm (2 in.)

f. All Walk-in Freezers and Refrigerators 100 to 200 mm (4 in. to 8 in.)

g. RFI Shielded Rooms 38 mm (1 1/2 in.)

h. Central Computer Rooms 300 mm (12 in.)

NOTE: See Computer Systems, Chapter 12.

i. Animal Cage Washer 300 to 350 mm (12 in. to 14 in.)

j. Cart Washer 300 to 350 mm (12 in. to 14 in.)

k. Audio Testing & Control (Prefab. Units) 175 mm (7 in.)

FLOOR SLAB DEPRESSIONS 6-2

NOTE: The preceding list of floor slab depressions may not include all the areas where floor slab depressions are required for a specific project. Ensure that the listed depressions are adjusted to suit the actual equipment provided and to satisfy the actual conditions required by the design.

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES December 1, 2021

PIPING AND DUCTS 7-1

TOPIC 7 – PIPING AND DUCTS

1. GENERAL: Exposed piping and ducts are acceptable where finished ceilings are not provided. Maintain standard ceiling height in the space.

NOTE: Do not allow pressure pipes, ducts, clean-outs, and drains, not serving the area, to enter or pass through gas storage rooms and elevator and dumbwaiter machinery rooms and hoistways.

2. CONSTRUCTION:

a. Locate vertical runs in pipe spaces, pipe chases, or furred-in spaces, in walls adjacent to permanent structures such as stairwells or elevator shafts.

b. In main kitchens, place steam, condensate, gas, and water headers below the floor or in trenches. In laundries, place horizontal drain runs, and low-pressure condensate lines below the floor or in trenches; however, water and steam may be exposed overhead. In warehouse buildings or rooms, place horizontal runs at height that will not reduce or restrict the net usable space.

NOTE: Do not locate piping and ducts where they will be subject to damage or rupture or other conditions of risk according to VA Physical Security Design Manual. Where unavoidable conditions occur, provide suitable protection.

c. In geographical areas where pipes conveying liquids that are subject to freezing, minimize locating those pipes in exterior walls or in unheated areas, such as attics, spaces between ceilings and roofs, or near exterior doors. If pipes are located in those areas, provide appropriate insulation.

NOTE: Do not design pipes conveying liquids or gases within masonry walls, concrete walls, or cast in place floors.

d. Provide access panels or doors for concealed items requiring operation, maintenance, or periodic inspection; for example, clean-outs, coils, dampers, filter, fire alarm apparatus, strainers, switches, traps, and valves. Appropriately mark access panels and doors to preserve the required fire resistance and acoustical characteristics.

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES November 1, 2021

ELECTRICAL ROOMS AND CLOSETS 8-1

TOPIC 8 – ELECTRICAL ROOMS AND CLOSETS

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR NEW BUILDINGS

a. Provide a minimum of two means of egress from switchgear rooms, transformer vaults, generator rooms. Egress by means of a ladder in an areaway is prohibited.

b. Provide doors that open under simple pressure leading from switchgear rooms, transformer vaults, and generator rooms with door swing in the direction of exit travel.

c. Provide standard hardware on doors of electrical closets. Doors must swing out.

d. Refer to the HVAC Design Manual for necessary mechanical ventilation or mechanical cooling system to maintain indoor temperatures as required for proper operation of the equipment for all electrical rooms, generator rooms, and transformer vaults.

2. SWITCHGEAR ROOMS AND TRANSFORMER VAULTS IN NEW BUILDINGS

a. Refer to the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual (PSRDM) for requirements.

Additionally, locate switchgear rooms and transformer vaults as close as practical to the utility electrical service entrance.

b. Establish the required size of switchgear rooms and transformer vaults after the electrical loads and equipment layouts have been determined. For high, medium and low voltage switchgear, allow a minimum clearance of 1.2 m (4 feet) on both ends and rear, and 1.8 m (6 feet) in front, from any wall, column or other equipment. Additionally, NEC’s required working clearance shall be complied with if more than 1.8 m (6 feet) is required.

3. ELECTRICAL CLOSETS IN NEW AND MAJOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS

a. Except for the VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS) concept, provide one centrally located electrical closet for each wing with length of 45.7 m (150 feet) or less. When the wing length exceeds 45.7 m (150 feet), provide a minimum of two electrical closets.

Where feasible, centrally locate electrical closets in the area to be served. The minimum size of electrical closets containing step-down transformers should be at a minimum 2.4 m (8 feet) by 3.0 m (10 feet). Establish the size of closets - that do not contain step-down transformers – with sufficient width to accommodate all installed panels. Provide closet with a minimum of 20% spare wall space for a future expansion. Walk-in closets should be a minimum 2.1 m (7 feet) wide.

b. In electrical closet where one, or a maximum of two branch-circuit panels are installed, shallow closet is permitted. The depth of the closet should be 0.6 m (2 feet) minimum.

The length should be 1.8 m (6 feet) with double doors that swing 180 degrees out into the corridor.

c. Position electrical closet locations to avoid disturbances to building structural framing elements such as structural steel beams. This arrangement is to allow conduit feeder

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES November 1, 2021

ELECTRICAL ROOMS AND CLOSETS 8-2

risers to be routed vertically straight up and down the building, without going through building structural framing elements.

4. EMERGENCY and/or STAND-BY GENERATOR ROOMS

Size the generator room to accommodate the generator(s), and all associated electrical equipment. At a minimum, provide a horizontal clearance of 1.5 m (5 feet) between generators, and 1.2 m (4 feet) between a generator and a wall or other piece of equipment.

Additionally, refer to the PSRDM for physical security requirements. Refer to the Architecture Design Manual for ceiling height requirements.

5. ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS

Follow the recommended space requirements as described herein for new buildings.

ENERGY CENTER 9-1

TOPIC 9 – ENERGY CENTER

1. GENERAL

a. An Energy Center should house the boiler plant, chiller plant, engineering control center, associated electrical switchgear and boiler plant emergency generator. If practical, include other systems such as domestic water pumps, hot water generators, emergency generators and electrical switchgear serving the hospital.

b. Design boiler plants in accordance with the Steam Generation System Design Manual.

Design air conditioning chiller plants and the Engineering Control Centers in accordance with the Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) Design Manual. Design the electrical equipment areas in accordance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Design Criteria for Engine-Generators and Distribution.

NOTE: It is recommended that VA technical experts in the Office of Facilities Management review the design of each proposed facility.

2. BUILDING

a. Provide a structural system which permits access to overhead members for pipe and duct support and allows for future expansion.

b. Design the building to allow all equipment to be installed (and removed in the future) after the building is architecturally and structurally complete.

c. Locate the main equipment floor above finished grade to preclude flooding and to permit horizontal rigging of equipment in and out of the building.

d. Establish roof height to provide adequate clearance above all equipment and piping.

e. Provide basement area if necessary for proper operation.

f. In boiler plants, provide a mezzanine for the feedwater heater.

g. In Energy Centers, provide a block wall partition between the chiller portion of the building and other areas.

h. Provide overhead roll-up doors and/or removable panels through which all equipment can be rigged. Locate roll-up security grills inside the doors.

ENERGY CENTER 9-2

i. Design the building to allow for future expansion of boiler plant and chiller plant areas and associated expansion of electrical equipment.

3. SITE

a. Provide space for future expansion of the boiler plant and chiller plant.

b. Provide an area for underground or aboveground fuel oil tanks for boilers and engine-generators.

4. PLANT FACILITIES

a. Plant Arrangement

(1) Arrange boilers, chillers, emergency generators, control and instrumentation panels, motor control center along an aisle.

(2) Locate all equipment to allow operation, maintenance, repair and replacement without disturbing other equipment or piping systems.

(3) Provide unobstructed view from aisle of all boiler-mounted and burner-mounted gages and indicators.

(4) Design the control and instrumentation panels to be visible from the aisle, and to the maximum extent possible, visible from the operations room.

(5) Locate all valves not more than 2100 mm (7 ft.) above a floor, mezzanine, or platform.

Limited exceptions are permitted for valves that are rarely used and can be reached with portable ladders.

(6) Locate electrical generators so they are visible from the room that contains their paralleling and distribution equipment, via view window.

b. Access Platforms

(1) Provide platforms as necessary to allow access to equipment requiring maintenance which is located more than 4.5 m (15 ft.) above the floor or which is not accessible directly from a portable ladder;

(2) Provide permanent ladders for access to all platforms. The design of ladders and platforms should conform to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements; and

(3) Provide platforms as required by the Steam Generation Design Manual for boiler plant.

ENERGY CENTER 9-3

c. Building Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Noise Control

(1) Provide combustion and ventilation air intakes through the building walls and roof;

(2) Provide roof-mounted exhaust fans;

(3) Provide heat in personnel rooms to maintain 21°C (70°F);

(4) Provide heat as necessary in the equipment spaces to maintain 18°C (65°F);

(5) Provide air-conditioning in the personnel spaces including operations room, eating area, office, toilet, shower and locker rooms;

(6) Provide noise control in the operations room and the office in accordance with Noise Transmission Control (Chapter 8); and

d. Boiler Stack and Diesel Engine Exhaust. Locate boiler stack and diesel engine exhaust outlets to avoid entraining the gases into building air intakes.

COMPUTER SYSTEMS (Rescinded) 10-1

TOPIC 10 – COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Rescinded July 1, 2021

This standard, dated April 2001, was rescinded following an evaluation performed by the VA offices listed below. The evaluating offices found the criteria was no longer necessary due to error, obsolescence, or supersedence by other VA standards on the VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) Technical Information Library (TIL) or by industry standards.

For a copy of the rescinded standard with commentary detailing the technical assessment of the former requirements, submit a request to TIL@va.gov. Contact information for VA work units and individual staff participating in the evaluation are limited in distribution to VA staff and VA contractors upon request through the same channel.

Evaluating VA Offices The following offices were the key participants in this evaluation:

• Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) – Office of Facilities Planning (OFP) – Facilities Standards Service (FSS)

○ Electrical Subject Matter Expert (SME)

○ Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) SME

○ Information and Communications Technology (ICT) TIL Standards Coordinator

• Office of Information and Technology (OIT) – Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) – IT Operations and Services (ITOPS) – Solution Delivery (SD) – Infrastructure Engineering (IE) – Data Center and Cloud Engineering (DCCE) – Data Center and Infrastructure Engineering Team (DCIE)

• Veterans Health Administration (VHA) – Health Care Environment and Facilities Programs (HEFP)

Other offices consulted on select tangential issues are recorded in the list of participating staff.

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COMPUTER SYSTEMS (Rescinded) 10-2

Superseding Standards The following superseding standards were identified during the evaluation. They are provided for reference only. They are not referrals for current criteria as they do not reflect changes or removals after the publication date of this recission. The list is not comprehensive and does not represent a rigorous investigation to identify original sources for all criteria, such as when a requirement in a superseding VA standard originates in an industry standard. The technical assessment of the rescinded standard provides a complete list of all standards referenced during the evaluation.

VA Standards

• OIT Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces (OIT IS) v3.0, August 21, 2020

• PG 18-10 Electrical Design Manual (EDM), December 1, 2019

• PG-18-10 Fire Protection Design Manual (FPDM), 7th Edition, December 2015 (and 8th edition, published June 1, 2021)

• PG-18-10 Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual (PSRDM), October 1, 2020 revised April 1, 2021

Industry Standards

• International Code Council (ICC)

○ 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 1st Printing, October 2020

○ 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2nd Printing, January 2021

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

○ IEEE 1100 Recommended Practice for Powering and Grounding Electronic

Equipment (2005)

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

○ NFPA 70 National Electric Code (NEC) (2017)

○ NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code (2021)

○ NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2018)

• Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

○ TIA 569-E Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces (May 2019)

○ TIA 607-D Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding (Earthing) for

Customer Premises (July 2019, including addenda).

○ TIA 942-B Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers

(July 2017)

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES April 2004

NOISE TRANSMISSION CONTROL 11-1

TOPIC 11 – NOISE TRANSMISSION CONTROL

1. GENERAL: Where rooms do not contribute to or are not affected by sound transmission from an adjacent space, conventional construction is satisfactory.

2. PARTITION-CEILING-DOOR-DUCT SYSTEM ACOUSTIC DESIGN

a. Acoustical Isolation. Design the sound resistant enclosures of the following spaces to suppress generated noise and provide a satisfactory degree of acoustical isolation for adjacent occupied spaces. Achieve a minimum Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 45.

NOTE: When the VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS) is used, achieve the required rating using construction such as a double layer of 16 mm (5/8 in.) gypsum board (GB) on both sides of 100 mm (4 in.) nominal metal studs and 64 mm (2 1/2 in.) sound attenuation blankets between the studs. These should extend above conventional lay-in ceilings to the underside of walk-on deck/platforms.

(1) A/C and other mechanical equipment rooms.

(2) Manual arts therapy shops.

(3) Auditoriums.

(4) Multipurpose rooms.

(5) Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service i.e. group therapy rooms.

(6) Emergency generator rooms.

(7) Kitchen & Dishwashing spaces.

NOTE: Alternatively, provide a gypsum board ceiling or gypsum board lay-in panels both with a 65 mm (2 1/2 in.) sound attenuation blanket for non-VAHBS type of construction where ducts, pipes, etc., make it impractical to extend sound partitions to slabs or deck above. Where gypsum board ceilings with attenuation blankets are used, the double GB partitions and sound attenuation blanket should extend 100 mm (4 in.) above the ceiling. Studs should continue to the floor above. Give special attention to details shown on the construction documents to prevent possible flanking paths for noise transmission.

b. Speech Privacy. Design the sound resistant enclosures of the following spaces to assure speech privacy and achieve an STC rating of 40 (45 for space marked with an asterisk).

PG 18-3 – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES April 2004

NOISE TRANSMISSION CONTROL 11-2

(1) Conference rooms.

(2) Consultation offices.

(3) Examination and Treatment Rooms.

(4) Individual Offices in Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service.

(5) Audiology and Speech Pathology Areas.

(6) Medical Media Production Services* (Recording Areas).

NOTE: Partition and ceiling construction should be similar to Paragraph 1.a., except that for spaces requiring an STC value of 40, use only a single layer of gypsum board on both sides.

c. Sound Dampening. Provide sound damping in libraries, chapels, quiet rooms, telephone operator's room, and similar areas by finish materials shown for these areas in Program Guide PG-18-14, "Room Finishes, Door, & Hardware Schedule".

NOTE: Where an area generating unusual noise or vibration is located adjacent to occupied spaces, the A/E should obtain the services of a professional acoustical consultant to design the sound suppression measures required to produce a comfortable working environment in the adjacent spaces.

d. Door Types. Use door types 19 and 20 with mechanical seal at entrances to spaces where noise suppression or speech privacy is a requirement. See VA Standard Detail Nos. 08100- 1.DWG and 08100-2.DWG.

NOTE: Duct system sound attenuation and room noise criteria are shown in the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) design manual.

3. MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ITEMS: Properly locate, detail, and caulk or insulate penetrations of the sound resistant enclosure by electrical boxes, light fixtures, air conditioning or ventilating ducts and grills, and other mechanical and electrical components to suppress generated noise or provide speech privacy for the spaces listed in paragraph 2.a. and 2.b.

Evaluate equipment and mechanical rooms for noise problems and provide recommendations during the design phase as to additional sound attenuation required. In the analysis, list the possible flanking paths for noise transmission and the methods recommended to prevent this leakage through the enclosure.

4. EXTERIOR ENCLOSURES: In the design of exterior building walls and fenestrations at sites near airports, freeways, or heavy city traffic, give consideration for the control of noise transmission from external sources.

FUTURE VERTICAL EXPANSION 12-1

TOPIC 12 – FUTURE VERTICAL EXPANSION

1. GENERAL: When the approved scope of a project includes provisions for future expansion, design the structural, mechanical, and electrical systems in accordance with the following guidelines. Indicate future equipment and floors on the design development and construction drawings by broken or dotted lines.

2. ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL

a. Design columns, bearing walls, and foundations for future loads. Design details to facilitate splicing future columns. In preparing design analyses, use live load reductions permissible for future gross areas.

b. Design columns for the more critical of the two possible interacting future load conditions (combinations of bending moment and axial load).

c. Base wind and seismic analyses on gross projected future configuration and mass of building.

d. If the planned future expansion includes additional stories intended to align with an existing floor, depress the roof slab 50 mm (2 in.) minimum below the existing finished floor to receive a future leveling topping for the future functional floor.

e. Provide removable floor slabs, wall panels, etc., for future openings for stairways and elevator and other shafts.

f. For record purposes, note structural design assumptions on contract drawings. Indicate future column loads and also gross loads used in designing original structures on column schedules.

3. PLUMBING AND SANITARY

a. Size main interior cold water, hot water, waste, fire sprinkler, medical laboratory, and dental gases, and fuel gas lines to serve future loads.

b. Size underground water, fuel, gas, and oxygen service lines, and storm and sanitary sewers serving the building to serve future loads.

c. Size selected equipment, such as hot water generators, air compressors, and vacuum pumps for original loads in accordance with plumbing design manuals. Indicate locations for future equipment on schematic drawings.

FUTURE VERTICAL EXPANSION 12-2

4. HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

a. Size main chilled water and condenser water lines for future loads.

b. Design chillers and chilled water pumps for original loads in accordance with HVAC design manuals. Indicate locations for future chillers and chilled water pumps on design development and construction drawings.

c. Provide pipe fittings and valves for connections to future chillers, pumps, and accessories.

d. Size cooling towers to match originally installed chillers. Indicate locations for future cooling towers on design development and construction drawings.

e. Provide sufficient capacity for engineering control center panels to accommodate controls for future equipment.

f. Size main steam and condensate return lines for future loads. Use diversity factors applicable to future conditions.

g. Size boilers for original plus known future loads in accordance with the Steam Generation Design Manual. Indicate locations for future boilers and related equipment on design development and construction drawings. Size fuel, condensate and feedwater piping system, and condensate storage tanks for probable future maximum design-day demands. Size deaerating feed water heaters for future loads. (Do not size pumps and control valves for future; add additional capacity later.)

h. Size natural draft stacks for future loads.

5. ELECTRICAL

a. To serve future expansion, allow space in main electrical rooms for addition of future equipment for following systems:

(1) Secondary power distribution system.

(2) Essential electrical system.

(3) Local fire alarm system.

(4) Telephone system.

(5) Other communication systems.

FUTURE VERTICAL EXPANSION 12-3

b. Where feeder raceways cannot be readily installed in the future, install empty raceway in original design.

6. ELEVATORS, DUMBWAITERS, AND TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

a. Locate elevators, dumbwaiters, and transport systems, requiring future vertical and horizontal expansion, to serve functions and activities in original building and proposed future expansion.

b. Select types of vertical and horizontal transport designs on the basis of the kind and volume of original and projected future traffic.

c. Analyze traffic during preliminary design stage to determine the economic feasibility of originally installing vertical and horizontal transport systems having future additional capacity.

If that is not feasible, provide spaces for future hoistways. Provide future hoistway space with knockout floor slabs to allow that floor space be utilized until the future expansion takes place.

d. When the designed equipment is overhead traction type, design the machine room area and the machine beams to be removable. This facilitates machine room relocation and extensions of hoistways.

e. When the designed equipment in hydraulic and designed for future vertical expansion, structure the hoistway for future electric traction elevator.

SERVICE LIFE AND REPLACEMENT COSTS 13-1

TOPIC 13 – SERVICE LIFE AND REPLACEMENT COSTS

1. GENERAL: Design VA facilities in a cost-effective manner while providing an environment that promotes quality health care, which:

a. Allows staff to maximize patient care and provide efficient medical services.

b. Is safe and user friendly to patients and staff.

c. Offers best value for construction dollars.

d. Provides longevity and meets industry standards for maintainability.

e. Remains attractive and provides a visual statement of quality health care.

2. SERVICE LIFE: Design the structure and exterior skin, respectively, to support specific loads and to provide a weather tight enclosure so that the critical building systems inside the building have a finite service life. Recommended service life of the building's critical individual components are identified below, assuring appropriate maintenance:

CRITICAL BUILDING COMPONENT SERVICE LIFE PERCENTAGE OF COST OF FACILITY

Structural (foundation, sub-structure, & superstructure)

Indefinite

20%

Exterior Skin Indefinite 12% Roofs 20 Years 2.5% Interior Construction/Equipment 10 Years 24% Mechanical Systems 25 Years 25% Electrical Systems 20 Years 12% Automatic Transport 25 Years 4.5%

3. DEFINITIONS

a. Service Life. The average time during which a particular system or component remains in it original service application and when it should be replaced. Replacement may occur for any reason, including, but not limited to failure, general obsolescence, reduced reliability, excessive maintenance cost, and changed system requirements due to such influences as changed functional programs or energy prices.

b. Critical Component. Major system without which the facility could not provide its primary function

SERVICE LIFE AND REPLACEMENT COSTS 13-2

c. Major Component. Building System that is 10% or more of the cost of the facility.

4. CRITICAL BUILDING SYSTEMS: The following is a list of typical, but not limited to, design for critical building systems which impact service life of facilities:

a. Architectural Systems

(1) Roofs. Provide long-lived and leak-free roofs. Geometry of very large buildings dictates a flat roof, restricting the choice of materials to built-up or single-ply membranes. Smaller buildings may have pitched roofs, allowing more material options, such as asphalt shingles, metal, or tile.

(2) Windows. Design windows for low maintenance, trouble-free operation, weather-tightness, insulating value, security (in psychiatric areas), and appearance. Operable windows are the easiest and least costly type if the facility cleans its windows with in-house staff. For large scale facilities, such as hospitals, the most satisfactory type are side-hinged windows.

Fixed windows (non-opening) are less costly initially and may last indefinitely since they have no moving parts. However, fixed windows have higher maintenance cost since they must be washed from the outside, usually by professional window washers

(3) Interiors. Use materials that are typically hard surfaced and durable and have an architecturally pleasing appearance. Damage to finishes may occur more frequently because of extended footrests on wheelchairs or type of patients, such as those with substance abuse or psychological problems.

(4) Ceilings. Normally, provide lay-in acoustical tile (AT) systems, which is the most common and cost-effective system that is in line with the standard practice of private sector. Use plaster only in limited areas where infection, cleaning and security are of paramount concern. Avoid the use of AT systems with regular (recessed) edges that cost more. Base ceiling selection on acoustic performance, low replacement cost, and initial cost.

(5) Floors. Provide vinyl composition tile (VCT) or sheet vinyl (SV) for general use medical areas, ceramic tile (CT) for wet areas, quarry tile (QT) for heavy duty areas like kitchens and SPD, carpeting (CP) for office, waiting, and special areas, and special material, such as pavers, for entrance/lobby spaces.