dmHVAC.pdf

Facilities Management

HVAC

design

NOVEMBER 1, 2017

Rev. May 1, 2023

HVAC Design Manual May 1, 2023

GENERAL i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 1-2

1.2 ENERGY CONSERVATION ........................................................................................................... 1-3

1.3 MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION.......................................................................................... 1-4

1.4 ABBREVIATIONS AND REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 1-4

1.5 COMMISSIONING ....................................................................................................................... 1-4

1.6 VA STANDARDS .......................................................................................................................... 1-4

1.7 HVAC DESIGN MANUAL (PG 18-10) AND

A/E SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS (PG 18-15) ........................................................................ 1-13

1.8 VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM ............................................................................................. 1-14

APPENDIX 1-A: VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM .................................................................................... 1-15

1-A.1 DESCRIPTION OF MODULES ................................................................................................. 1-15

1-A.2 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 1-16

1-A.3 BASIC DESIGN OF A SERVICE ZONE ...................................................................................... 1-16

Chapter 2: HVAC DESIGN PARAMETERS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

2.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 2-2

2.2 BASIS OF DESIGN ........................................................................................................................ 2-2

2.3 SPECIAL STUDIES ........................................................................................................................ 2-8

2.4 BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE (EXISTING FACILITIES ONLY) ................................................. 2-11

2.5 VIBRATION CONTROL ............................................................................................................... 2-11

2.6 SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 2-11

2.7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION ................................................................................................ 2-13

2.8 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS ............................................................. 2-14

2.9 PROJECT PLANNING ................................................................................................................. 2-16

2.10 DEMOLITION WORK ................................................................................................................. 2-16

2.11 LOCATIONS OF OUTDOOR AIR INTAKES AND EXHAUST AIR OUTLETS .................................... 2-16

Chapter 3: AIRSIDE HVAC SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 3-3

3.2 ALL-AIR SYSTEMS .......................................................................................................................... 3-3

3.3 TERMINAL COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEMS ............................................................................ 3-13

GENERAL ii

3.4 HEATING AND VENTILATION UNITS (HVU) ................................................................................. 3-15

3.5 SUPPLY AIR OUTLETS .................................................................................................................. 3-16

3.6 ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEMS ...................................................................................................... 3-17

3.7 DESIGN CRITERIA – AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ....................................................................... 3-19

3.8 EXHAUST SYSTEMS ...................................................................................................................... 3-22

3.9 LABORATORIES AND VETERINARY MEDICAL UNITS .................................................................... 3-24

3.10 FUME HOOD EXHAUST SYSTEMS............................................................................................ 3-26

3.11 BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINETS (BSC) ..................................................................................... 3-29

3.12 BIOLOGICAL SAFETY LEVEL 3 (BSL3) ....................................................................................... 3-30

Chapter 4: BUILDING COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEM

4.1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4-2

4.2 COOLING SYSTEMS – CHILLED WATER ....................................................................................... 4-2

4.3 COOLING SYSTEMS - DIRECT EXPANSION (DX) ........................................................................ 4-12

4.4 HEATING SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................... 4-13

4.5 DESIGN CRITERIA – PIPING SYSTEMS ....................................................................................... 4-21

APPENDIX 4-A: PROPYLENE GLYCOL – WATER SOLUTION ....................................................................... 4-30

4-A.1 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. 4-30

4-A.2 PUMP SELECTION ................................................................................................................. 4-32

4-A.3 SAMPLE PUMP SELECTION – WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL SOLUTION ................................... 4-33

4-A.4 NOTES TO BE ADDED TO EQUIPMENT SCHEDULES ............................................................. 4-36

Chapter 5: HVAC CONTROL SYSTEMS

5.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 5-2

5.2 BASIC DESIGN NEW STANDALONE FACILITY .............................................................................. 5-5

5.3 BACNET CONTROLLER IDENTIFICATION ..................................................................................... 5-5

5.4 BASIC DESIGN ALL PROJECTS INTEGRATING TO EXISTING DDC SYSTEMS ................................. 5-5

5.5 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 5-6

5.6 HUMIDITY SENSORS ................................................................................................................. 5-11

5.7 SYSTEM APPLICATIONS ............................................................................................................ 5-11

5.8 SUSTAINABILITY AND MAINTAINABILITY PRACTICES ............................................................... 5-15

5.9 DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 5-16

Chapter 6: APPLICATIONS

6.1 OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 6-5

GENERAL iii

6.2 DEDICATED AIR-HANDLING UNITS ................................................................................................ 6-5

6.3 COMMON (NON-DEDICATED) AIR-HANDLING UNITS ................................................................... 6-6

6.4 DESIGNATED EMERGENCY EPIDEMIC AIR HANDLING UNITS ....................................................... 6-7

6.5 GENERAL NOTES ........................................................................................................................... 6-8

DEDICATED AHU SYSTEM DATA SHEETS AND ROOM DATA SHEETS .................................................... 6-15

All Chapter 6 System and Room Data in Excel (Section 508 compliant)

Chapter 7: CLIMATIC DATA

7.1 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................. 7-2

7.2 HIGH HUMIDITY LOCATIONS ....................................................................................................... 7-19

7.3 LOW HUMIDITY LOCATIONS ....................................................................................................... 7-20

Chapter 8: ABBREVIATIONS AND REFERENCES

8.1 ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 8-2

8.2 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 8-8 https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual/dmHVAC06-Table.xlsx

GENERAL iv

FOREWORD

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.

VA Standards are the culmination of a partnership among the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA Administrations, Program Officials, Clinicians, Industry, Academic and Research Organizations, Expert Consultants, and the Office of Construction and Facilities Management.

VA Standards 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 result is the establishment of best value standards for optimum functionality, safety, operability, performance, and quality throughout the VA environment of care and service.

The VA Technical Information Library (TIL) (www.cfm.va.gov/TIL) provides standards for all VA planning, design, and construction projects. VA TIL Standards communicate the basis of design and are required to be utilized by project teams working on new construction and renovations of existing facilities. VA Standards will maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning and design process and facilitate a high level of design, while controlling construction, operating, and maintenance costs.

For all VA projects, it is required that project teams comply with the following in all phases of project development:

1) All applicable VA Standards published in the VA Technical Information Library (TIL) shall be applied as a basis, foundation, and framework in planning, design, and construction.

Any substantial variance from Standards shall be considered only as required to accommodate specific site, functional, and operational conditions. Upon consideration of variance CFM shall be consulted, and each Administration will function as Authority Having Jurisdiction for decision. Each substantial variance shall have a basis rationale and be documented in the project record;

2) Clinicians, providers, primary users, and other stakeholders shall be involved in all phases of project development to best adapt Standards for specific functional, operational, and site conditions, and to provide optimum service environments for Veterans. This also includes installations and modifications of systems or technology involving safety, security, functionality, or environmental quality. Stakeholder involvement shall be documented in the project record.

VA TIL Standards are not project-specific. It is impossible to foresee all rapidly evolving requirements of VA facilities and each site or project will have unique requirements or conditions. Site-specific issues must be addressed within the context of these standards and applied to each individual project. Use these Standards does not preclude the need for, nor absolve planners, designers, and constructors of their responsibility to provide complete, http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL

GENERAL v functional, safe, and secure designs suited to the unique requirements of each project, within budget, and on schedule.

Materials, equipment and systems are shown in an illustrative, performance-based format and are not intended to depict, suggest, or otherwise constitute endorsement of any specific product or manufacturer. Manufacturers should be consulted for actual dimensions, configurations, and utility requirements.

For additional information regarding the VA Technical Information Library and 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.

GENERAL vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following individuals are those whose guidance, insight, advice and expertise made the update and revision of the HVAC Design Manual possible:

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS:

Donald L. Myers, AIA Director Facilities Standard Services (003C2B) VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management Washington DC

Mahmut Nazli, PE Senior Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager Facilities Standard Services (003C2B) VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management Washington DC

Dave Tash, PE Senior Mechanical Engineer Facilities Standard Services (003C2B) VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management Washington DC

Asesh Raychaudhuri, PE Senior Mechanical Engineer Consulting Support Services (003C5) VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management Washington DC

Don Walden Senior Mechanical Engineer Consulting Support Services (003C5) VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management Washington DC

Vincent Rizzo, PE Director, Office of Healthcare Engineering (19HEFE) VHA Office of Healthcare Environment and Facilities Programs Washington, DC

GENERAL vii

A/E AND CONSULTANTS:

TOLAND AND MIZELL ARCHITECTS, INC.

Matt Toland Project Manager Atlanta, Georgia

APPLIED ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

Pedro J. Camejo, PE Assistant Project Manager Atlanta, Georgia

CLARK NEXSEN, INC.

Wade Williams, PE Mechanical Department Manager Macon, Georgia

GENERAL viii

INTRODUCTION

This VA HVAC Design Manual for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare Facilities is the only detailed design requirements manual for VA. The original 2017 version has been edited several times since first publication to keep the information updated and synchronized with the latest industry trends. VA lessons learned, collected from VHA clinicians and operations personnel, have been incorporated as well. The November 1, 2021 revision of this manual includes high priority changes recommended by the VA CFM/VHA HVAC committee in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Compliance to the Design Manual, which promulgates minimum performance design standards for VA owned and leased new buildings and renovated facilities, ensures that VA facilities will be of the highest quality to support Veterans Health Care.

The Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) is responsible for developing and maintaining this Design Manual. Revisions are made as necessary. The Architect/Engineers (A/E), Project Managers (PM), Resident Engineers (RE), Contractors, and Consultants should refer to the VA Directives, VA Policies, VA Design Alerts and Memorandums before each use of this design manual to note any updates that have been made since the last use. The VA Design Manuals align the VA Facilities program with the VA mission.

VA has adopted the latest edition of the 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 additional codes and standards that VA follows on its projects.

Design, construction, renovation and installation of all VA Facilities must be in accordance with this Design Manual and with the latest editions and/or revisions of all applicable codes, policies and standards. Nothing in this Design Manual should be construed as authorization or permission to disregard or violate local and legal requirements.

Variance from this Design Manual may be proposed to promote new concepts and design enhancements. Variance shall not conflict with Federal Regulations, Public Laws, Executive Orders, or the needs of the end users. All variances shall be reviewed by the VHA Office of Healthcare Engineering (OHE) in consultation with CFM Consulting Support Service (CSS).

Any reviewed variances are subject to written approval by the VA Authority. The VA Authority for all VHA projects is the Director of the Office of Healthcare Engineering. The VA Authority for VBA and NCA projects is the Director of the Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM). Request for variance shall be submitted in writing by the A/E through the COR in sufficient detail to explain the issues.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-1

Chapter 1: BASIC REQUIREMENTS Chapter 1: Table of Contents ...................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 1-2

1.1.1 DEVIATIONS AND VA AUTHORITY ...................................................................................... 1-2

1.2 ENERGY CONSERVATION ........................................................................................................... 1-3

1.2.1 Energy Reduction Requirement - New Construction ......................................................... 1-3

1.2.2 Energy Reduction Requirement - Major Renovations ....................................................... 1-3

1.2.3 Life-Cycle Cost Analysis – Methodology ............................................................................ 1-3

1.2.4 VA POLICY ........................................................................................................................... 1-4

1.3 MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION.......................................................................................... 1-4

1.4 ABBREVIATIONS AND REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 1-4

1.5 COMMISSIONING ....................................................................................................................... 1-4

1.6 VA STANDARDS .......................................................................................................................... 1-4

1.6.1 VA MASTER CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS (PG-18-1) .................................................. 1-5

1.6.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES (PG-18-3) ..................................................... 1-5

1.6.3 STANDARD DETAILS AND CAD STANDARDS (PG-18-4) ...................................................... 1-5

1.6.4 DESIGN MANUALS (by discipline) (PG-18-10) .................................................................... 1-6

1.6.5 DESIGN GUIDES (graphical, by function) (PG-18-12) ......................................................... 1-7

1.6.6 OTHER DOCUMENTS AND STANDARDS ........................................................................... 1-10

1.7 HVAC DESIGN MANUAL (PG 18-10) AND A/E SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS (PG 18-15)....... 1-13

1.7.1 COORDINATION ............................................................................................................... 1-13

1.7.2 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................... 1-13

1.7.3 EQUIPMENT SCHEDULES .................................................................................................. 1-13

1.8 VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM ............................................................................................. 1-14 APPENDIX 1-A: VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM ..................................................................... 1-15

1-A.1 DESCRIPTION OF MODULES ................................................................................................. 1-15 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................................... 1-15 STRUCTURAL BAYS ........................................................................................................................... 1-15 THE SERVICE ZONE ........................................................................................................................... 1-15 THE FUNCTIONAL ZONE ................................................................................................................... 1-15 FIRE COMPARTMENT ....................................................................................................................... 1-15 UTILITIES .......................................................................................................................................... 1-15 ZONING OF AIR-HANDLING UNITS ................................................................................................... 1-16

1-A.2 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 1-16 DEVELOPMENT STUDY-VAHBS (REDBOOK – REVISED 1976) ........................................................... 1-16 SUPPLEMENT TO DEVELOPMENT STUDY (2006) ............................................................................. 1-16

1-A.3 BASIC DESIGN OF A SERVICE ZONE ...................................................................................... 1-16

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-2

1.1 GENERAL

HVAC Design Manual for New, Replacement, Additions, and Renovations of Existing VA Facilities (March 2011 with Amendments A and B) and HVAC Design Manual for Community Living Centers and Domiciliary (March 2011) are revised to combine both documents into one manual and to incorporate changes resulting from the following:

• International Building Code (IBC) Including IMC and IPC

• ASHRAE Standard 170 – 2013 (Ventilation of Health Care Facilities)

• HVAC Design Criteria Revisions – Surgery Suite, SPS Suite, Animal Research, etc.

• Coordination With Current VA Design Guides

• Miscellaneous Corrections and Users’ Input

• VA Sustainable Design Manual

• Addition of Requirements for Central Laundries, and Office Buildings

This manual is intended for the Architect/Engineer (henceforth referred to as the A/E) and others engaged in the design and renovation of VA facilities. It is applicable to all Major Projects, Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) and Minor Construction Projects to ensure quality control and uniformity in design and construction practice and procedures.

Use of this manual shall result in meeting the primary objective of providing environmental comfort to patients, staff, and visitors. The HVAC system shall be:

• Technically correct, complete, and coordinated.

• In compliance with all applicable safety standards.

• Easily accessible for repairs and maintenance.

• Energy efficient.

• In compliance with prescribed noise and vibration levels.

1.1.1 DEVIATIONS AND VA AUTHORITY

Deviations from this manual may be proposed to promote new concepts and design enhancements and to contend with adverse existing conditions and limitations in renovation projects. Deviations shall not conflict with Federal Regulations, Public Laws, Executive Orders, or the needs of the end users. All deviations shall be reviewed and approved in writing by the VA Authority. The VA Authority for all VHA projects is the Director of the Office of Healthcare Engineering (OHE). The VA Authority for VACO, VBA and NCA projects is the Director of the Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM). Request for deviations shall be submitted in writing by the A/E through the COR in sufficient detail to explain the issues. The amount of documentation will vary on a case by case basis but in general may contain some or all of the following elements:

• Narrative explanation of the requested deviation (provided in all cases).

• Construction cost impact (provided in all cases).

• Construction schedule impact (provided in all cases).

• Equipment and material data sheets when applicable.

• Photographs of existing conditions when applicable.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-3

• Calculations, including cost estimates.

• Drawings and sketches.

• Other background information such as codes, standards etc.

The complete request for deviation shall include all the required elements listed above in a concise narrative package with supporting data which clearly communicate what the deviation is, why the deviation is being requested, and the operational, maintenance, energy, cost, and schedule impacts of accepting the deviation and of rejecting the deviation.

1.2 ENERGY CONSERVATION

Refer to the VA Sustainable Design Manual, May 6, 2014 or approved latest edition available at the time design NTP is issued.

1.2.1 ENERGY REDUCTION REQUIREMENT - NEW CONSTRUCTION

All new buildings and/or additions to existing buildings entering design on or after April 7, 2023, must be designed to meet the minimum requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2019. In addition, if lifecycle cost-effective, reduce site energy use by 30 percent compared to the baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE 90.1-2019, Appendix G. If a lifecycle cost effective design cannot be achieved that meets the 30 percent reduction requirements, select the most efficient design that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements and is lifecycle cost-effective.

1.2.2 ENERGY REDUCTION REQUIREMENT - MAJOR RENOVATIONS

Comply with requirement to achieve LEED Silver certification contained in CFM Policy Memo 003C-2021-21 (Green Building Certification Requirement) and Standards Alert 018 (Green Building Certification Standard Update).

Meet the minimum requirements of LEED v4.1 Energy and Atmosphere prerequisite “Minimum Energy Performance.” In addition, achieve a minimum of five points (20% better than ASHRAE 90.1-2016) under LEED v4.1 Energy and Atmosphere Credit “Optimize Energy Performance,” if lifecycle cost-effective. If five points cannot be achieved in a LCC-effective manner, design to achieve the highest number of points that are LCC-effective.

1.2.3 LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSIS – METHODOLOGY

An engineering and economic analysis shall be performed in accordance with the procedure outlined by the DOE in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 135 dated February 1996 (or the approved latest edition) – Life-Cycle Costing Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program. The available resources are:

NIST Handbook 135 – Life-Cycle Costing Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program

Located in: http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build96/PDF/b96121.pdf

Energy Price Indices and Discount Factors for Life-Cycle Cost Analysis – 2016 (current year) – Annual Supplement to NIST Handbook 135

Located in: http://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2016/NIST.IR.85-3273-31.pdf http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build96/PDF/b96121.pdf http://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2016/NIST.IR.85-3273-31.pdf

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-4

NIST Building Life Cycle Cost (BLCC) Programs (current version and year)

Located in: https://energy.gov/eere/femp/building-life-cycle-cost-programs

1.2.4 VA POLICY

Reduction in the energy budget shall be expressed in Btu/sf (gross) [kWh/sm (gross)]. Follow the requirements in the approved latest edition of the VA Sustainable Design Manual.

1.3 MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION

Per DOE Guidelines issued under Section 103 of EPACT, install building-level utility meters in new major construction and renovation projects to track and continuously optimize performance. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) mandates that the actual performance data from the first year of operation shall be compared with the energy design target. After one year of occupancy, the A/E shall measure all new major installations using the ENERGY STAR® Benchmarking Tool for building and space types covered by ENERGY STAR® or FEMP-designated equipment. The A/E shall submit a report of findings to the VA Authority identified in paragraph 1.1.

1.4 ABBREVIATIONS AND REFERENCES

See Chapter 7: CLIMATIC DATA for weather design conditions to be used for calculations.

See Chapter 8: ABBREVIATIONS AND REFERENCES for abbreviations and references used in this manual.

1.5 COMMISSIONING

In accordance with the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings (Feb 2016), employ commissioning practices tailored to the size and complexity of the building and its system components in order to verify performance of building components and systems and help ensure that design requirements have been meet.

Comply with VA’s Whole Building Commissioning Process Manual May 2013, Revised November 2013.

1.6 VA STANDARDS

At the beginning of every design project the A/E shall download from the VA Technical Information Library (TIL) all technical documents pertinent to the scope of the project being completed and shall use those documents and the documents referenced therein as references for the completion of the project. The documents in force at the time the design notice to proceed (NTP) is issued shall govern unless they are contractually changed by the CO. The use of VA provided information does not relieve the A/E from their legal and ethical obligations to correctly apply the information and to research additional information when the VA provided documents are insufficient for the project at hand. The Fundamental Cannons of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Code of Ethics for Engineers shall apply. Descriptions of major standards follow:

https://energy.gov/eere/femp/building-life-cycle-cost-programs

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-5

1.6.1 VA MASTER CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS (PG-18-1)

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp

The VA Master Construction Specifications provide a standardized method for the A/E to ensure that the contractor provides equipment and systems that meet the design intent in terms of performance, quality and cost.

The VA Master Construction Specifications accomplish this by:

• Providing specific narrative descriptions of required equipment, salient elements, and system construction

• Listing applicable standards and codes and references

• Requiring individual submittal of equipment and systems for review and approval prior to contractor purchase

• Defining specific installation methods to be used

1.6.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES (PG-18-3)

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/cPro.asp

The design and construction procedures establish minimum consistent design and construction practices.

The Procedures section accomplishes this by:

• Referencing applicable codes and policies

• Describing standard drawing formats

• Listing security strategies

• Including miscellaneous design details

1.6.3 STANDARD DETAILS AND CAD STANDARDS (PG-18-4)

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/sDetail.asp

The standard details and CAD standards provide a standardization of CAD documents submitted to the VA Authority.

The Standard Details section accomplishes this by:

• Providing downloadable equipment schedules

• Listing symbols and abbreviations

• Providing downloadable standard details in .dwg or .dwf format

• Providing requirements for preparing CAD drawings

Note: The A/E shall utilize the VA Standard Details to the fullest extent possible. A modification to a Standard Detail requires the approval of VA Authority identified in paragraph 1.1.1 DEVIATIONS AND VA AUTHORITY. A comprehensive list of symbols and abbreviations is https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/cPro.asp https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/sDetail.asp

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-6

included with the VA Standard Details. Use of the VA abbreviation list is mandatory. Edit the VA abbreviation list to be project specific.

All drawings shall be numbered and arranged in strict accordance with VA CAD Standards.

1.6.4 DESIGN MANUALS (BY DISCIPLINE) (PG-18-10)

Located in Technical Information Library http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/dManual.asp

The design manuals provide specific VA design philosophy for medical and support facilities.

The Design Manuals accomplish this by:

• Explaining specific design methodologies

• Listing acceptable system types

• Codifying certain code interpretations

• Listing values for design parameters

• Referencing certain sections of the Master Specification and Standard Details

• Containing examples of certain design elements

The A/E shall review all applicable design manuals. Some that are specific importance are as follows:

1.6.4.1 Fire Protection Design Manual

This manual provides the fire protection engineering design criteria for all categories of VA construction and renovation projects.

The Manual accomplishes this by:

• Mandating code and standard compliance

• Defining water-supply requirements

Defining fire extinguishing and fire alarm system requirements

1.6.4.2 Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual (PSRDM) For VA Facilities

This manual defines physical security standards required for facilities to continue operation during a natural or man-made extreme event and for facilities that are required to protect the life safety of patients and staff in an emergency.

The Manuals accomplish this by:

• Setting objectives for physical security

• Providing strategies for use in design and construction to provide protection to VA facilities

• Providing cost-effective design criteria http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/dManual.asp

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-7

1.6.4.3 Plumbing Design Manual

This manual provides the plumbing engineering design criteria for all categories of VA construction and renovation projects.

The Manual accomplishes this by:

• Mandating code and standard compliance

• Setting objectives for Legionella Mitigation

• Listing values for design parameters

1.6.4.4 Steam, Heating Hot Water, and Outside Distribution Design Manual

Volume 1 - Steam Boilers Volume 2 - Water Boilers Volume 3 - Outside Steam and Heating Hot Water Distribution Systems

This manual provides the engineering design criteria for steam, hot water and outside distribution systems for all categories of VA construction and renovation projects.

The Manual accomplishes this by:

• Mandating code and standard compliance

• Establishing VA requirements on the quantity, capacity, arrangement, and standby capability of boilers and auxiliary equipment

• Establishing a baseline for LCCA and equipment life for system comparisons

1.6.4.5 Sustainable Design Manual

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/sustain.asp

This manual provides sustainable design practices to improve the building environment and to provide cost savings for long-term building operations and maintenance.

The Manual accomplishes this by:

• Prescribing the use of integrated design practices

• Providing strategies for optimization of energy performance

• Providing strategies for protection and conservation of water resources

• Providing strategies for enhancement of indoor environmental quality

• Providing strategies for reduction of environmental impact of materials

1.6.4.6 Telecommunications Systems Infrastructure Standards and Design

Primary telecommunications reference for data center specifications and design templates.

1.6.5 DESIGN GUIDES (GRAPHICAL, BY FUNCTION) (PG-18-12)

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/dGuide.asp https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/sustain.asp https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/dGuide.asp

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-8

The design guides provide the designer with specific layout templates and medical equipment lists for all types of spaces, uses and specific design parameters for structural, electrical and mechanical service.

The Design Guides accomplish this by:

• Publishing design information

• Including functional diagrams and layout plates

• Listing standards

1.6.5.1 Audiology and Speech Pathology Service

This design guide provides design requirements of audiology and speech pathology clinics within hospital or outpatient clinic environment.

1.6.5.2 Cardiovascular Laboratory Service Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for cardio vascular laboratory service clinics within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

1.6.5.3 Dental Service Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for dental services clinics within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

1.6.5.4 Digestive Diseases Endoscopy Service Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for digestive diseases and endoscopy service clinics within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

1.6.5.5 Electroencephalography Laboratory (EEG) Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for electroencephalography laboratories within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

1.6.5.6 Emergency Department (ED) Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for Emergency Department within hospital environments.

1.6.5.7 Eye Clinic: Ophthalmology and Optometry Services Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for eye clinics within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

1.6.5.8 Imaging Service Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements of MRI, nuclear medicine, and radiology services suites within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1-9

1.6.5.9 Medical/Surgical Inpatient Units & Intensive Care Nursing Units Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for medical inpatient units, surgical inpatient units and intensive care nursing units within a hospital environment.

1.6.5.10 Mental Health Facilities Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for several mental health (MH) facilities / services including inpatient MH units, outpatient services, and residential rehabilitation and treatment facilities. Depending on the service and circumstances these facilities may be part of hospitals, outpatient clinics or even standalone MH facilities.

1.6.5.11 Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces (ISTS)

This standard provides design requirements for telecommunications spaces (entrance rooms, telecommunications rooms, and server rooms), cable plant equipment and systems, and infrastructure systems providing support for telecommunications equipment and spaces. This standard replaces the Office of Information & Technology Design Guide as described in Standards Alert 017. The older Design Guide continues to provide a link to functional areas used in Program for Design (PFD) space planning in PG 18-9 VA Space Planning Criteria and SEPS (Chapter 232).

1.6.5.12 Lease Based Outpatient Clinic Design Guide

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/leasing.asp

This design guide provides design requirements for leased based outpatient clinics. Depending on the size and location these clinics will contain numerous services. The A/E shall refer to other specialty design guides for additional information. A related document, Leased Based Outpatient Clinic SFO Template, shall be used by the A/E tasked with developing the SFO documents for the leased based clinic.

1.6.5.13 Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Module Design Guide

This general design guide provides design requirements to implement PACT concepts on inpatient and outpatient clinics and other departments.

1.6.5.14 Pharmacy Service Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for inpatient and outpatient pharmacy service units. Note that while outpatient clinics will only have outpatient pharmacies, hospitals will have both inpatient and outpatient units.

1.6.5.15 Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for polytrauma rehabilitation centers. These centers may be standalone buildings within a medical center campus or may be a section of a larger hospital.

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/leasing.asp

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1.6.5.16 Pulmonary Medicine Service Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for pulmonary medicine services clinics within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

1.6.5.17 Radiation Therapy Service Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for radiation therapy clinics within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

1.6.5.18 Research and Development Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for research service units within hospital environments.

1.6.5.19 Small House Model Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for community living centers which include resident living spaces, dining areas and other community areas such as the community center.

These typically standalone facilities may be located within a larger medical center campus or as a completely standalone facility away from a main campus.

1.6.5.20 Spinal Cord Injury Disorders Center

This design guide provides design requirements for spinal cord injury disorders centers. These facilities may be a single ward, a wing of a larger hospital, or a standalone building within a medical center.

1.6.5.21 Sterile Processing Service and Logistics Service Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements for logistics services spaces and sterile processing service spaces. Both these functions occur in hospitals and in outpatient clinics.

1.6.5.22 Surgical and Endovascular Services Design Guide

This design guide provides design requirements of operating rooms and their support spaces within hospital or outpatient clinic environments.

1.6.6 OTHER DOCUMENTS AND STANDARDS

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/

In addition to Design Guides and Design Manuals the Technical Information Library contains other types of documents listed below. The purposes of these documents vary from addressing A/E submission requirements and peer reviews to specific technical guidance, to urgent response to discovered recurring or non-recurring deficiencies.

https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/

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1.6.6.1 A/E Submissions Requirements (PG-18-15)

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/aeDesSubReq.asp

These requirements provides a staged list of tasks in various design categories to define the A/E scope and ensure thorough and timely completion of the final design package and bid documents.

The requirements accomplish this by:

• Progressively listing tasks at Schematic, Design Development, and Construction Documents stages

• Requiring task completion and submission for each stage according to a Critical Path Method (CPM) calendar

• Requiring implementation of a QA/QC process to ensure a quality design product

• Requiring life-cycle analysis of alternatives in order to optimize the design-to-cost tradeoff

• Listing and detailing all the drawings, calculations, and specifications required for a complete design package

• Indicating the final distribution of bid documents

• Indicating the interface between this Design Manual and Submission Requirements at each submission phase

1.6.6.2 Design Review Checklist

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/aeDesSubReq.asp

This checklist provides the VA Peer Reviewer with a minimum list of critical items which must be included in each A/E submission. Also, it ensures the design A/E is aware of the required data at each submission. These actions mitigate delays on the project and additional costs to the A/E due to rework.

The Checklist accomplishes this by:

• Referring to all VA design tools which pertain to the specific project

• Detailing certain life safety and coordination requirements

1.6.6.3 Seismic Design Requirements (Structural) (H-18-8)

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/seismic.asp

The manual defines the requirements for seismic design in new facilities and for rehabilitation of existing facilities.

The Manual accomplishes this by:

• Defining critical and essential facilities https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/aeDesSubReq.asp https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/seismic.asp

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• Prescribing code compliance with modifications

• Prescribing occupancy categories

1.6.6.4 Design Alerts

Located in Technical Information Library http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/alert.asp

Design Alerts are issued for the purpose of reducing construction change orders and for addressing other construction related issues.

The Design Alerts accomplish this by:

• Publishing periodic alert memos

• Summarizing design solutions

1.6.6.5 Standards Alerts

Located in Technical Information Library http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/alert.asp

This category of Alert serves to identify innovative and broad ranging Standards and Design processes and procedures that have a major impact on the VA's goal of delivering world-class facilities.

The Standards Alerts accomplish this by:

• Publishing immediate memos that modify standards before updates are able to be coordinated and issued formally

• Providing guidance pertaining to updated national references

1.6.6.6 Cost Estimating Requirements

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/aeDesSubReq.asp

The manual provides guidance on VA cost estimating requirements and philosophy for medical facilities.

The Manual accomplishes this by:

• Explaining specific estimating methodologies

• Providing examples of certain design elements.

1.6.6.7 Building Information Modeling (BIM) - VA BIM and CAD Standards

Located in Technical Information Library http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/projReq.asp

The use of BIM platform is required for all major construction and renovation projects per details given in VA BIM Manual.

http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/alert.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/alert.asp https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/aeDesSubReq.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/projReq.asp

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1.6.6.8 Whole Building Commissioning Process Manual

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#Cx

This manual provides the VA requirements for the commissioning process during design phase, construction phase and warranty phase.

1.7 HVAC DESIGN MANUAL (PG 18-10) AND A/E SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

(PG 18-15)

1.7.1 COORDINATION

The documentation requirements outlined in PG-18-15 are the minimum contractual milestones and not the details and procedures described in this Manual. By supplementing each other, these two documents provide comprehensive guidelines to develop supporting documentation for successful and state-of-the-art design.

1.7.2 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

For each submittal, the A/E shall forward to the VA a detailed list of the submissions required with a notation of full or partial compliance.

1.7.3 EQUIPMENT SCHEDULES

1.7.3.1 Order of Presentation

For each item in a schedule, show the Basis of Design, including the manufacturer and model number selected. These columns shall be hidden on the final design documents but available for VA use and for use later in the design, construction and maintenance process.

Equipment schedules shall be grouped on the design documents by system type, such as air side, water side, and steam.

1.7.3.2 Equipment Capacity and Performance Data Requirements

Scheduled output (required) performance such as CFM, cooling and heating capacities, GPM, lbs. of steam per hour etc. shall be based on the actual design calculations and not on any particular manufacturer’s capacity. Other equipment characteristics such as internal friction losses, exterior dimensions, fan and pump efficiencies, motor horsepower and other electrical requirements shall be scheduled using actual equipment data from the range of available manufactured products.

1.7.3.3 Equipment Schedules – Glycol Data

Heat exchangers, coils, pumps and chillers in glycol-water system shall be identified on the equipment schedule showing the percent glycol by volume of the circulating fluid for equipment derating purposes.

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#Cx

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1.8 VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM

Located in Technical Information Library https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spclRqmts.asp#VAHBS

The VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS) is a methodology based on a modular concept for planning, designing, and constructing hospitals.

The methodology has been used nationwide successfully for capital and operating cost containment, shortened delivery schedules, and improved space utilization flexibility. All new and replacement VA hospital buildings shall use the VAHBS system. This system is also recommended for major additions to existing hospitals where future adaptability is an important factor.

See VHA Program Guide PG-18-3, Design and Construction Procedures, Topic 3, “VA Hospital Building System,” for further guidance. The complete reference for the VAHBS is contained in the 1976 Development Study (referred to as the Redbook) and the 2006 Supplement.

Additional details are included in Appendix 1-A.

https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spclRqmts.asp#VAHBS

APPENDIX 1-A 1-15

APPENDIX 1-A: VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM

1-A.1 DESCRIPTION OF MODULES

GENERAL

The Redbook (see link in Paragraph 1-A.2 below) proposes a systematic or modular approach to the design of new hospital buildings with interstitial spaces. The building system approach requires integration of service modules starting with the initial stages of the design process.

Service modules are defined as one-story units of building volumes with a footprint of 10,000 sf (930 m2) to 20,000 sf (1,860 m2). Each module consists of structural bays, a service zone, and a functional zone (often subdivided into space modules). Each service module is completely contained in a fire compartment, either alone or with one or more other modules.