Narrative 687-21-106_wwva_replace_mech_100__narrative_20250317r1_20250320.pdf

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J045--CON-NRM-687-21-106 Replace Mechanical and Plumbing Systems in Multiple Buildings Tier 4
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This document is a project narrative for replacing mechanical and plumbing systems at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington. The project encompasses extensive upgrades across multiple buildings, including Buildings 63, 65, 66, 74, 81, 82, 140, 143, T-1, T-2, and T-7, with a comprehensive scope of work involving mechanical and plumbing system replacements.

Key project components include removing and replacing steam radiators, unit heaters, steam and condensate piping systems, domestic water piping, installing new air conditioning and HVAC systems, providing new steam vaults, upgrading rooftop air handlers, installing water softening and monitoring systems, and addressing clean storage room requirements. The project involves replacing aging infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and meeting updated VA design manual standards. The work is classified as a renovation that does not reconfigure building spaces, with careful attention to maintaining existing building configurations while updating critical mechanical and plumbing infrastructure.

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Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center

REPLACE MECHANICAL AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS

Project Number 687-21-106 Walla Walla, Washington

PROJECT NARRATIVE

March 17, 2025

100% Construction Documents

GDM A-E, Inc.

4317 6th Avenue SE, Suite 300 Lacey, Washington 98503

JMWM VAMC 100% CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

WALLA WALLA, WA 2025/03/17

Replace Mechanical and Plumbing Systems

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 1 of 32

Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary

2 Scope of Work

3 Applicable Building Codes and Standards

3.1 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Design Guides, Manuals, & Standards

3.2 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Directives

3.3 International Code Council (ICC)

3.4 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

3.5 Accessibility Codes

3.6 Civil Codes

3.7 Structural Codes

3.8 Low Voltage Standards

4 Architectural Design

4.1 Work Scope

4.2 Roof Structure

4.3 Existing Roofing

4.4 Interior Partitions

4.5 Exterior Windows

4.6 Interior Doors and Frames

4.7 Interior Ceilings

4.8 Interior flooring

4.9 Interior finishes

4.10 Interior Casework and Counters

5 Mechanical Systems

5.1 Air Handling Equipment & Systems

5.2 Ventilation

5.3 Ductwork

5.4 Filtration

5.5 Air inlets/outlets

5.6 Louvers

5.7 Insulation

5.8 Lining

5.9 Control Dampers

5.10 Firestopping

5.11 Steam & Condensate Systems

5.12 Hydronic Systems

5.13 Refrigerant Piping

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 2 of 32

5.14 Mechanical Controls

5.15 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s)

5.16 Clean Storage Room Systems

5.17 Plumbing Systems

5.18 Water Quality Monitoring Systems

5.19 Water Softening Systems

5.20 Building T-1 Additional Notes

5.21 Building T-2 Additional Notes

5.22 Building 74 Additional Notes

6 Electrical Systems

6.1 Electrical Demolition

6.2 Wiring Methods

6.3 Grounding and Bonding

6.4 Lighting System

6.5 Wiring Devices

6.6 Raceways:

7 Low Voltage Systems

7.1 Scope

7.2 Horizontal Pathways

7.3 Cable Pathway

8 Fire Protection and Life Safety

8.1 Building Rehabilitation Work Category

8.2 Fire Resistance-Rated Construction

8.3 Means of Egress

8.4 Fire Extinguishers

8.5 Dampers

8.6 Fire Stopping of Wall Penetrations

8.7 Fire Sprinklers and Fire Pump

8.8 Fire Detection and Notification

9 Structural Systems

9.1 Design Loading Criteria:

9.2 Structural Alterations

9.3 Structural Design

10 Civil

10.1 Project Description

10.2 Site Preparation

10.3 Site Grading

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 3 of 32

10.4 Asphalt and Concrete Pavement Section

10.5 Drainage

10.6 Landscaping

10.7 Existing Utilities

11 Hazardous Materials

11.1 Asbestos

11.2 Lead Paint and Flashings

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 4 of 32

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 5 of 32

1 Executive Summary

Many of the buildings at the Walla Walla VA exceed 50 years old and many systems are beyond their useful lives. This project replaces major mechanical and plumbing components and secondary distribution systems on the Walla Walla campus, such as piping, valves, gauges, and supporting components that have exceeded their useful life. This project includes removing dead legs from the system and providing proper routing of plumbing lines through the buildings. In some buildings, new HVAC systems are required to meet the building usage requirements as well as address deficient systems.

2 Scope of Work

The scope of work for this project includes the following:

1. General

a. Controls system modifications to integrate the mechanical scope items below & remove demolished equipment from controls systems.

b. Electrical work required to disconnect demolished mechanical equipment & connect new mechanical equipment.

c. Architectural work as required to remove & install mechanical systems.

d. Structural modifications as required to support new mechanical systems.

e. Fire/life safety modifications as required to support new mechanical systems.

2. Building 63

a. Provide new air conditioning for specified shop areas.

b. Remove & replace existing steam radiators & unit heaters.

c. Remove & replace existing steam & condensate piping systems in crawlspace.

d. Remove & replace specified portions of DWV piping.

e. Remove & replace specified portions of domestic CW, HW, & HWC piping systems.

f. Provide new steam vault exterior to building, with valving located above grade.

3. Building 65

a. Provide new air conditioning for specified shop areas.

b. Remove & replace specified portions of DWV piping.

c. Remove & replace specified portions of domestic CW, HW, & HWC piping systems.

d. Remove & replace existing plumbing fixtures.

e. Remove & replace existing water heaters with new point-of-use water heaters.

f. Remove & replace the existing water header, including backflow preventer.

4. Building 66

a. Remove & replace specified portions of existing steam & condensate piping systems in crawlspace.

b. Provide new steam vault exterior to building, with valving located above grade.

c. Remove & replace specified portions of DWV piping.

d. Remove & replace specified portions of domestic CW, HW, & HWC piping systems.

5. Building 74

a. Provide new HVAC system for room 126 to meet Clean Storage Room application.

b. Remove & replace existing rooftop air handlers, including upgrade from multi-zone to VAV system configuration.

6. Building 81

a. Provide new air conditioning unit for mail room office.

b. Remove & replace existing steam & condensate piping systems in crawlspace.

c. Provide new steam vault exterior to building, with valving located above grade.

d. Provide new HVAC system for room 106 to meet Clean Storage Room application.

e. Remove & replace specified portions of DWV piping.

f. Remove & replace specified portions of domestic CW, HW, & HWC piping systems.

g. Abate existing pipe insulation for domestic water, steam, & condensate systems.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 6 of 32

7. Building 82

a. Remove & replace specified portions of DWV piping.

b. Remove & replace specified portions of domestic CW, HW, & HWC piping systems.

c. Remove & replace existing plumbing fixtures.

d. Remove & replace existing steam & condensate piping systems in garage.

e. Provide new steam header assembly at steam entry to building, with valving located above grade.

f. Provide new exhaust fan for restroom.

g. Abate existing pipe insulation for domestic water, steam, & condensate systems.

8. Building 140

a. Remove & replace rooftop air handling units, energy recovery units, and makeup air unit.

b. Provide new water softening system sized for whole-building application.

c. Evaluate fire sprinkler system to determine if fire pump system can be removed.

9. Building 143

a. Provide new water softener system sized for whole-building application.

b. Replace existing AHU steam humidifier with new, VA-furnished unit.

c. Provide new water monitoring station for Legionella testing.

10. Building T-1

a. Remove & replace existing steam & condensate piping systems in crawlspace.

b. Remove & replace existing steam radiators.

11. Building T-2

a. Remove & replace existing steam & condensate piping systems in crawlspace.

b. Remove & replace existing steam radiators.

c. Provide new steam vault exterior to building, with valving located above grade.

d. Remove & replace specified portions of DWV piping.

e. Remove & replace specified portions of domestic CW, HW, & HWC piping systems.

f. Remove & replace existing plumbing fixtures.

12. Building T-7

a. Provide new HVAC system for main sanctuary room.

b. Remove & replace existing steam & condensate piping systems in crawlspace.

c. Remove & replace existing steam radiators.

d. Provide new steam vault exterior to building, with valving located above grade.

e. Remove & replace specified portions of DWV piping.

f. Remove & replace specified portions of domestic CW, HW, & HWC piping systems.

g. Remove & replace existing plumbing fixtures.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 7 of 32

3 Applicable Building Codes and Standards

3.1 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Design Guides, Manuals, & Standards

• PG-18-1 Master Construction Specifications

• PG-18-3 Design and Construction Procedures—April 15, 2019

• PG-18-14 Room Finishes, Door and Hardware Schedule – March 2010

• PG-18-15 VOL CA/E submissions instruction of minor and NRM Construction Program Nov 2008.

• PG-18-10 Architectural Design Manual – August 1, 2014

• PG-18-10 Electrical Design Manual – December 1, 2019

• PG 18-10 Fire Protection Design Manual— November 1, 2023

• PG-18-10 HVAC Design Manual—November 1, 2023

• PG-18-10 Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces – June 1, 2023

• PG-18-10 Interior Design Manual – November 1, 2020

• PG-18-10 Lighting Design Manual — January 1, 2022

• PG-18-10 Plumbing Design Manual – January 1, 2023

• PG-18-10 Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021)

• PG-18-10 Site Design Manual – March 1, 2024

• PG-18-10 Structural Design Manual – July 1, 2023

• PG-18-10 Sustainable Design Manual – Rev 1 August 18, 2017

• PG-18-12 Research and Development Design Guide – June 1, 2022

• VA Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces

• VA Enterprise Facility IT Support Infrastructure Standards

• VA Seismic Codes and Standards, H-18-8

• VA Asbestos Abatement Design Manual for New Hospitals, Replacement Hospitals, Ambulatory Care, Clinical Additions, Energy Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Animal Research Facilities, Laboratory Buildings –

July 2011

• Appendix A1 – VA Standard Security Door Types – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021)

• Appendix A2 – Security Door Opening Schedule – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021)

• Appendix A3 – Security Door Opening Matrix – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021)

• Appendix 4 – Security System Application Matrix – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021)

3.2 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Directives

• 0055-Energy and Water Management Program—December 10, 2014

• 055- Sustainable Building Program—October 11. 2012

• 1028 FACILITY ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS – February 24, 2020

• 6500 VA CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM Reissue 4 – January 29, 2019

• 6512 SECURE WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY – October 12, 2017

3.3 International Code Council (ICC)

• IBC—International Building Code, 2021

• IFC – International Fire Code, 2021

• IMC—International Mechanical Code, 2021

• IPC—International Plumbing Code, 2021

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 8 of 32

3.4 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2022

• NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022

• NFPA 45 Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, 2024

• NFPA 70 National Electric Code, 2020

• NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2021

• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2022

• NFPA 75 Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2020

• NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-condition and Ventilating Systems, 2021

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2024

• NFPA 241 Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, 2022

• NFPA 291 Recommended Practice for Water Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants, 2022

• NFPA 855 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Storage Systems, 2020

• NFPA 2001 Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2022

3.5 Accessibility Codes

• Federal Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABASS)

3.6 Civil Codes

• Washington State Department of Transportation (WS-DOT)

3.7 Structural Codes

• American Concrete Institute (ACI 2019)

• American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC 15th Edition)

• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE 7-16)

3.8 Low Voltage Standards

• NFPA 70, National Electrical Code

• International Building Code

• International Fire Code

• VA Seismic Design Requirements (H-18-8)

• VA Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces

• Telecommunications and Special Telecommunications Systems Design Manual

• VA Enterprise Facility IT Support Infrastructure Standards

• Underwriter’s Laboratory, Inc (UL) Standards

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code

• ANSI/TIA-526-7-A Measurement of Optical Power Loss of Installed Single-Mode Fiber Cabling Plant

• ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B series, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard, and its published addenda.

• ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-C.0, Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises, and its published addenda.

• ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-C.1, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard, and its published addenda.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 9 of 32

• ANSI/TIA 568-C.2, Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components.

• ANSI/TIA/EIA 568.3-D., Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard, and its published addenda.

ANSI/TIA/EIA-569-C, Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces, and its published addenda.

• ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-C, Administration Standard for the Telecommunications Infrastructure

• ANSI/J-STD-607-A, Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding Requirements for

Telecommunications, and its published addenda.

• Building Industries Consulting Services International (BICSI)ANSI/BICSI N1

• Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM) -14th Edition

• 802.3at-2009 - IEEE Standard for Information Technology—Local and metropolitan area networks—

Amendment 3: Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) Power via the Media Dependent Interface (MDI)

Enhancement

• 802.11ac – IEEE Standard for Information technology –Telecommunications and information exchange between systems – Amendment 4: Enhancements for Very High Throughput for Operation in Bands below

6 GHz.

• Wireless LAN (WLAN) Standard and WLAN Controller – Secure Configuration Baseline

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 10 of 32

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 11 of 32

4 Architectural Design

4.1 Work Scope

• Architectural work under this project is limited to cut & patch work as necessary to provide for access to existing mechanical/electrical systems, install new mechanical/electrical systems, or patch areas where existing mechanical/electrical systems have been removed.

• Walls, floors, and ceilings shall be patched to match existing surrounding materials and finishes.

• Ceiling systems shall be removed & reinstalled where necessary to accommodate other work scopes

(primarily mechanical and/or electrical).

• Roofing systems shall be patched using products and methods approved by the manufacturer of the existing roofing system at each location of work.

4.2 Roof Structure

• The Existing Buildings vary in construction type and materials.

4.3 Existing Roofing

• The existing roofing on Building 74 is single ply membrane. The New rooftop Mechanical units and Curbs will require patching of the existing roof. Only the minimum amount of roofing required to permit installation of new units shall be removed. Patch per roof manufacturers standard details.

• The existing roofing on Building 81 is built up. The New rooftop Mechanical units and Curbs will require patching of the existing roof. Only the minimum amount of roofing required to permit installation of new units shall be removed. Patch per roof manufacturers standard details.

• The existing roofing on Building 140 is single ply membrane. The New rooftop Mechanical units and Curbs will require patching of the existing roof. Only the minimum amount of roofing required to permit installation of new units shall be removed. Patch per roof manufacturers standard details.

• New tapered fully adhered rigid Insulation crickets shall be installed with a minimum slope of ¼” per foot, crickets shall be installed to ensure drainage around all proposed roof top mechanical equipment.

4.4 Interior Partitions

• The existing Interior wall construction is typically drywall over stud framing that is textured and painted.

Where existing mechanical systems require walls to be “opened up” for repair the existing gypsum shall but cut in a straight orthogonal manner, backing will be install as necessary to install gypsum patches. New gyp board shall be primed textured and painted to match existing, new paint shall extent to the nearest interior or exterior corner.

• Where wall base, window trim, ceiling cover or other trim items interfere with utility work, it shall be carefully removed and reinstalled or replaced if necessary.

4.5 Exterior Windows

• No window systems are expected to be impacted by this project. In the event windows are damaged by construction activity they shall be replaced in whole or in part to restore to existing conditions.

4.6 Interior Doors and Frames

• No existing doors are expected to be impacted by this project. In the event doors are damaged by construction activity they shall be replaced in whole or in part to restore to existing conditions.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 12 of 32

4.7 Interior Ceilings

• Interior ceilings are a mixture of gypsum board and suspended lay-in ceiling tile.

• Where access to utilities require removal of the existing ceilings, contractor to document the existing conditions (photograph) carefully remove and store ceiling tiles and grid sections as required to perform the work, then reinstall. Gypsum ceilings shall be cut and patched. The existing gypsum shall but cut in a straight orthogonal manner, backing will be install as necessary to install gypsum patches. New gyp board shall be primed and textured to match existing, when patched entire ceilings shall be repainted.

4.8 Interior flooring

• Protect existing flooring from damage during construction. When removal or reconfiguration of systems leaves gaps or damage to existing flooring, damaged flooring to be removed and replaced to the extent necessary to match existing adjacent flooring.

4.9 Interior finishes

• Where finishes other than painted drywall are encountered, contract shall carefully remove and reinstall to existing joints as necessary to access repair or install systems. If removed material cannot be reinstalled, then new matching material shall be used.

4.10 Interior Casework and Counters

• Where existing cabinets or counters require removal to access systems they shall be carefully removed and protected and reinstalled to match existing conditions. If damaged replacement with equal materials will be required.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 13 of 32

5 Mechanical Systems

5.1 Air Handling Equipment & Systems

• Air handlers, energy recovery ventilator (ERV) units, and makeup air units are being replaced at multiple buildings. Generally the equipment is like-for-like replacement to replace aging equipment.

• Where possible, new units have been selected to include improved energy efficiency measures, such as heat pump systems.

• Units are provided with gas or steam primary or auxiliary heat.

• New units are selected with low-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B wherever possible.

• VRF systems are currently scheduled with R-410a refrigerants. At the time of design, this is still permitted by the EPA. It is anticipated that when the project is constructed, VRF systems with R-32 refrigerant will be available and will replace the R-410a systems. At the time of design, information on these systems was not available.

• New dedicated exhaust fans are provided for clean storage rooms in Buildings 74, 81, & 140.

• New dedicated outside air (DOAS) & variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system are provided for Building 65 &

T7.

• New mini-split system air conditioning units are provided for building T7, 63, & 81.

• Steam radiator systems are being demolished & replaced with new steam radiators in Buildings T1, T2, T7, 63, & 82.

• Steam unit heaters are provided at Buildings 63 & 65 for specific shop areas.

• New and replaced air handling units will be connected to the existing fire alarm systems for shutdown.

5.2 Ventilation

• New systems will provide ventilation meeting or exceeding minimum rates per VA Design Manual & IMC requirements.

5.3 Ductwork

• Ductwork will be steel sheet metal, fabricated rectangular or premanufactured oval or spiral wound round ductwork, all constructed per SMACNA guidelines.

• Flexible ductwork will be provided for connections to air inlets & outlets located in ceiling systems. Flexible duct sections will be limited to a maximum length of 5’.

5.4 Filtration

• Filtration will be provided per the VA HVAC Design Manual requirements.

• For small package equipment, the highest grade filter option(s) will be provided that are available from the manufacturer.

• Final filters for equipment serving new clean room locations will be MERV-14.

• Generally filters are designed to be installed in the air handling equipment where possible.

• Unit 140-RTU-4 cannot accommodate the required filtration within the unit, so an inline duct filter rack is utilized to serve the clean room space. This is located in the accessible attic area.

5.5 Air inlets/outlets

• Air inlets and outlets will be provided in each space as required to distribute airflow.

• Air inlets and outlets will be of aluminum or steel construction and will be provided with a painted/coated finish as required to match surrounding surface finishes.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 14 of 32

5.6 Louvers

• Fixed blade aluminum drainable-type weatherproof aluminum louvers will be provided where exterior wall louvers are required.

5.7 Insulation

• Ductwork will be externally insulated to meet IECC requirements.

• Duct insulation will be fiberglass wrap for interior applications.

• Piping will be insulated to meet or exceed IECC requirements.

• Hydronic piping insulation will be pre-formed fiberglass with an all-service jacket.

• Condensate piping insulation (where required) will be closed-cell elastomeric type.

• Refrigerant piping insulation will be closed-cell elastomeric type.

• Domestic water piping insulation will be pre-formed fiberglass with an all-service jacket.

• Exterior pipe or duct runs will be provided with aluminum jacketing over the insulation.

5.8 Lining

• Duct lining is not permitted for use in the air handling equipment and duct systems, per the NIH Design

Manual.

5.9 Control Dampers

• Motorized 2-position (open/closed) dampers will be provided for all outside air intake & exhaust outlet locations. Shutoff dampers at OSA inlets and exhaust outlet locations will meet IECC leakage requirements.

• Modulating dampers will be provided at locations where control of airflow is required.

5.10 Firestopping

• All firestopping installation locations will be Hilti fire stopping systems and comply with all applicable NFPA

101 requirements for firestopping identification and inspection at health care facilities.

5.11 Steam & Condensate Systems

• Existing steam vaults are being revised to have all possible components such as steam valving & PRV stations located above grade inside easily accessible enclosures.

• Where existing steam valving is installed in building basements, new steam vaults are being provided outside the building, including above-grade enclosures for steam valving & PRV stations.

• Where existing steam valving is installed inside a building (such as Building 82), the valving and traps at the steam entry are being replaced and all possible components are being located above floor level for improved service access.

• Where steam or condensate system valves cannot be raised above grade or floor level, valve handle extensions are provided to facilitate valve operation without entering pit or other confined space areas.

• Condensate sampling tanks are provided in pit areas with isolation valving and sampling tubes to facilitate testing without entering pit or other confined space areas.

• Steam valves for buildings will be double block & bleed type.

• Steam piping will be schedule 80 steel with welded, flanged, or threaded fittings.

• Steam condensate piping will be schedule 80 steel with welded, flanged, or threaded fittings.

• Steam vaults will include pressure & temperature sensors to allow monitoring via the facility DDC system.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 15 of 32

5.12 Hydronic Systems

• Hydronic piping will be steel with grooved, welded, or threaded fittings, or Type-L copper with brazed or sweat fittings.

• 2-way or 3-way control valves will be provided for all new hydronic coil connections. The valves and actuators will be selected to be compatible with the existing DDC system and hydronic system operation.

• Coil connection kits will be provided for all new unit connections, and will include flexible piping (if required), control valve, wye strainer, isolation valves, and test ports.

• Building 140 hydronic pumps will be demolished and replaced with inline units in order to provide installation space for the new water softening system. The new inline pumps will be bronze-fitted or bronze construction, with integral VFDs.

5.13 Refrigerant Piping

• Refrigerant piping will be brazed copper.

• Premanufactured refrigerant linesets may be used in lieu of field-constructed refrigerant piping systems if allowable by the split system manufacturer.

5.14 Mechanical Controls

• The existing control systems at the facility are Schneider, with LONworks top-end communication.

• The existing DDC system communicates on a dedicated fiber and LAN network.

• The existing DDC system will be updated to include new buildings, units, and systems.

• Demolished equipment and systems will be removed from the DDC system.

• Where necessary, new DDC systems for specific buildings may communicate over the existing OIT-managed LAN, with dedicated VLAN or subnet.

5.15 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s)

• VFD’s will be provided for various fan equipment provided under this project.

• VFD’s will be connected to the DDC system for monitoring and control.

• Pump VFD’s may be provided as separate units or integral with the pump assembly.

• VFD’s for air handling equipment will be provided with the equipment package.

5.16 Clean Storage Room Systems

• HVAC systems serving the clean storage rooms in Buildings 74, 81, & 140 have been updated to meet the standards of Sterile Processing Supplies Storage spaces per the VA HVAC Design Manual, including temperature control, humidity control, supply/exhaust airflow (with no return air), positive pressurization, and minimum 4 air changes per hour.

5.17 Plumbing Systems

• Domestic Water Piping:

o General Use: Type-L copper with brazed or sweat fittings.

o Press fit copper systems are prohibited for use per VA Plumbing Design Manual.

• DWV Systems:

o General Use: Solid-core PVC or ABS DWV piping or hubless cast iron DWV piping shall be used for new DWV systems.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 16 of 32

• Domestic Hot Water Systems:

o New tank-type water heater is provided in Building T2.

o New tankless type water heaters are provided in Buildings T7 & 65.

o Hot water will be delivered at 140°F for mop sink fixtures.

o Hot water will be delivered at approximately 104°F for lavatory fixtures.

• Plumbing fixtures are being demolished & replaced in multiple buildings. Where replaced, fixtures are provided in accordance with VA Plumbing Design Manual requirements, and are generally selected as like-for-like replacements.

• New reduced pressure backflow preventers are provided where water headers are being replaced.

• New tempering valves are provided in Buildings T2, 63, & 140. Tempering valves are thermostatic & pressure balancing type.

• New hot water recirculation pumps are provided in Buildings T2 & 140.

5.18 Water Quality Monitoring Systems

• The existing water monitoring system in Building 140 is to be demolished and replaced with a new water monitoring system.

• A new water monitoring system is to be provided for Building 143.

• Water quality monitoring systems will monitor the domestic CW & HW systems.

• Water quality monitoring systems include sensors for free chlorine, conductivity, water temperature, pH, & flow.

• Water quality monitoring systems will be monitored by the facility DDC system.

• These systems are intended to be utilized to monitor water systems and prevent conditions that could lead to growth of pathogens such as legionella in the monitored systems.

5.19 Water Softening Systems

• A new water softening system is provided for Building 140. This system is sized to treat the whole building water supply.

• The existing water softening system in Building 143, which currently treats only some hydronic system supply, is being replaced with a new system which provides softened water to the entire building domestic system as well as the hydronic systems.

• New water softening systems will be monitored by the DDC system.

5.20 Building T-1 Additional Notes

• The original intent for this project included replacement of the existing window-shaker type PTAC units in the building, with the goal of having the new PTAC units mechanically provide outside air for the space.

After researching available products, it was determined that direct replacement units were not available in configurations that would meet the outside air requirements. As the existing units are in good working order, it was determined that the preferred course of action was to leave the existing PTAC units in place.

5.21 Building T-2 Additional Notes

• The original intent for this project included replacement of the existing window-shaker type PTAC units in the building, with the goal of having the new PTAC units mechanically provide outside air for the space.

After researching available products, it was determined that direct replacement units were not available in configurations that would meet the outside air requirements. As the existing units are in good working order, it was determined that the preferred course of action was to leave the existing PTAC units in place.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 17 of 32

5.22 Building 74 Additional Notes

• The existing air handling units 74-RTU-1 & 74-RTU-2 are dual-duct multizone units. These units are prohibited in HVAC replacement projects by VA HVAC Design Manual 2.8.2.2. This section requires such units to be replaced with VAV systems.

• The new 74-RTU-1 & 74-RTU-2 units are configured as VAV air handlers, and new VAV boxes have been provided to serve each of the zones in the building.

• New VAV boxes are single duct type without reheat coils. Each VAV box includes an airflow monitoring station.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 18 of 32

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 19 of 32

6 Electrical Systems

6.1 Electrical Demolition

• Demolish conduit and conductors feeding T1P11 in room C1-1 of building T-1 back to source. Remove

T1P11.

• Existing PTAC units in buildings T-1 and T-2 are of cord-and-plug type and only require unplugging from wall receptacle prior to demolition of mechanical unit.

• Demolish all conduits and conductors associated with water fountain to be removed in the area of work for building T-7.

• Demolish conduit and conductors feeding panels T7P11 and T7P12 of building T-7 back to source. Remove associated panels.

• Demolish conduit and conductors feeding swamp cooler in building 63 back to source.

• Demolish all conduits and conductors associated with mechanical equipment to be removed in the area of work for building 65. PTAC unit is of cord-and-plug type and only requires unplugging from wall receptacle prior to demolition.

• Demolish conduits, conductors, and disconnects feeding 74-AC-1 and 74-AC-2 on 2nd floor roof of building

74 back to source.

• Demolish conduits, conductors, and disconnects feeding 81-RTU-1 in building 81 back to source.

• Disconnect and maintain conduits, conductors, and disconnects associated with mechanical equipment to be removed in the area of work on the roof of building 140.

• Disconnect and maintain conduits, conductors, and disconnects feeding water softeners in mechanical room on 1st floor of building 143.

• Demolish conduits, conductors, and disconnects feeding OPC-SH-2 in mechanical room on 1st floor of building 143.

6.2 Wiring Methods

• General wiring methods are to be in conduit. Minimum conduit size shall be 3/4".

• All conductors downstream of secondary-side of new site transformers shall be copper of type

THHN/THWN-2, or XHHW-2 insulation. Conductors feeding primary-side of new site transformers shall be copper of type MV-105 insulation.

• Wiring for power will be solid conductors for #10 AWG and #12AWG, and stranded conductors for all cables

#8 AWG and larger. Minimum size conductors for lighting and power wiring will be #12 AWG.

• Neutral conductors will be full size throughout the system as a minimum. No shared neutrals will be provided.

• The minimum size conductors for control wiring will be #14 AWG.

• The minimum size conductors for signal wiring will be #14 AWG.

6.3 Grounding and Bonding

• Grounding for the building shall be in compliance with Article 250 of the National Electrical Code. All electrical power systems shall be bonded to the equipment grounding system for both safety and ground potential differences. All branch circuit conduits will contain an equipment ground conductor from panel ground bus to the devices and equipment served.

• The minimum size of any bonding conductor shall be #6 AWG copper.

• Grounding for the separately derived systems shall be in compliance with Article 250 of the National

Electrical Code.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 20 of 32

6.4 Lighting System

• Design of lighting and electrical power distribution systems shall comply with the PG-10 Lighting Design

Manual (LDM) http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual/dmLighting.pdf,

• Electrical Design Manual (EDM) http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual/dmElec.pdf , and

• Physical Security Resiliency Design Manual where applicable.

• Lighting will be served at 277/120V, single-phase, 60 hertz.

• All lighting will be energy star rated. ASHRAE 90.1 – will be used for lighting power density and voltage drop calculations.

• Emergency/egress and exit lighting will have emergency LED drivers.

• Illumination levels will be provided to meet the requirements of the Illuminating Engineering Society

Standards and VA requirements in PG 18-12. All stated illumination levels will be at average-maintained levels, calculated at the work surface using an 80% maintenance factor.

• Spaces with exposed ceilings will be illuminated with direct/indirect, pendant mount LED fixtures.

• LED lighting will be provided throughout the new spaces.

• Exit identification will be provided to identify egress pathways in accordance with building codes.

• Lighting controls will utilize stand-alone occupancy sensor wall switches and ceiling mounted occupancy sensors where required due to the size/layout of the new/modified areas.

6.5 Wiring Devices

• Specification grade 20-ampere switches and receptacles will be installed. Special ampere and voltage outlets are provided for specific equipment as programmed.

• Receptacles for maintenance and special equipment will be provided as required by code. Receptacles will be provided per equipment layouts and equipment requirements.

• Receptacle and faceplate color shall be red for devices served from the UPS system, and white for all others.

• All receptacles in exterior locations will be in-use extra duty weatherproof with weather resistant GFCI type receptacles.

6.6 Raceways:

• A complete raceway system will be provided for all power conductors.

• Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit and/or electrical metallic tubing will be used within the building. Rigid metal conduit will be used where conduit is installed both exposed and in location that is susceptible to damage. Electric metallic tubing may be used in all other interior locations.

• Underground conduit will be PVC schedule 40 with Galvanized Rigid Steel bends, concrete encased.

• If used, exposed exterior conduit will be Galvanized Rigid Steel.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 21 of 32

7 Low Voltage Systems

7.1 Scope

• Provide new low-voltage wiring system required for new controls work.

• Demolish existing low-voltage wiring where controls are removed or replaced.

7.2 Horizontal Pathways

• The horizontal pathway system is the pathway through which cables are pulled from the TR to the data outlets located throughout the floor or area. If possible, they will not be placed above private offices or inaccessible spaces. Outlets will only be connected to a TR on the same floor. Wiring pathways will be at least twelve inches from unshielded power lines of ˂480 volts and least 5” from any fluorescent light fixtures. Copper communications cable shall be supported at appropriate distances by J-hooks sized along pathways for a maximum of 40% fill at any given location. Cable gravity droop shall not exceed twelve inches.

• Penetrations though walls or fire barriers shall pass through via Hilti Speed Sleeves or equivalent and EMT as called out on drawings upon completion of installation of any EMT sleeve, it shall be fire stopped per code at both ends of the sleeves.

• All penetrations shall be appropriately fire stopped and labeled.

7.3 Cable Pathway

• Existing cable tray will be re-used to the extent possible. New J-hook pathways will be installed above accessible ceilings for new cabling pathways.

• It is important that the path for the new cable J-hooks be clear of obstructions, such as HVAC ducts, large pipe, and structural beams within the building. Where fire or smoke barriers are penetrated by the cable routing, Hilti Speed Sleeves shall be used to maintain the ratings of the fire barrier. The number of sleeves required depends on the number of cables. Use 50% fill ratio to determine the number of sleeves. Two additional spare sleeves should be installed to accommodate future cable placement.

• Cable pathway J-hooks will be placed above drop ceilings in corridors four feet on center. If possible, they will not be placed above private offices or inaccessible spaces. There will be at least four inches of vertical spaces between the suspended ceiling tile and the bottom of the cable droop; 12 inches of vertical clearance from the top of the H-hook assembly to the floor or roof deck; and 2’ total side clearance.

• J Hooks will not be attached to any existing ceiling grid wire or other existing supporting structure. If where cable routing pathway is passing through a hard-lid ceiling a minimum of 2 4” conduits shall be installed to transit hard-lid area Conduits shall be fire blocked to maintain fire rating of any penetrated barriers.

Conduits will not exceed 40% fill ratio, add 4” conduits as needed.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 22 of 32

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 23 of 32

8 Fire Protection and Life Safety

8.1 Building Rehabilitation Work Category

• The nature of this proposed work is classified as a Renovation per NFPA 101-2021 43.2.2.1.2

43.2.2.1.2 Renovation. The replacement in kind, strengthening, or upgrading of building elements, materials, equipment, or fixtures, that does not result in a reconfiguration of the building spaces within.

• Therefore, the proposed work shall not make the building less conforming with other sections of NFPA

101, or with any previous approved alternative arrangements, than it was before the renovation was undertaken,

8.2 Fire Resistance-Rated Construction

• There are no planned fire resistant rated construction modifications planned as part of this project.

8.3 Means of Egress

• There are no planned Means of Egress modifications planned as part of this project.

8.4 Fire Extinguishers

• There are no planned fire extinguisher modifications planned as part of this project.

8.5 Dampers

• There are no new fire dampers planned as part of this project.

8.6 Fire Stopping of Wall Penetrations

• The contractor is required, as specified in Specification 07 84 00, to provide UL-listed or equivalent firestopping systems to seal openings in walls, floors, and roof decks. These systems must protect against the penetration of flame, heat, smoke, and gases in fire-resistant-rated construction. To ensure compliance, the contractor must engage a qualified third-party inspector to perform inspections and prepare final reports for all firestopping systems.

• Firestopping systems must be UL-listed or equivalent and are required for all rated walls and penetrations, including:

Cable tray penetrations, Other cable penetrations, Pipe penetrations, Duct penetrations, and

1-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour rated wall assemblies.

• Before beginning work, the contractor must request permits for all fire and/or smoke-rated walls requiring new penetrations. All proposed penetration assemblies must be submitted to the VA for review and approval prior to construction. Submissions must include the UL-listed system numbers for the proposed assemblies, which will be used to inspect and verify compliance during installation.

• Additionally, any penetrations in rated walls abandoned as a result of the work must be sealed in accordance with a listed penetration assembly that corresponds to the appropriate rating of the affected barrier.

8.7 Fire Sprinklers and Fire Pump

• There are no fire sprinkler modifications planned as part of this project.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 24 of 32

• The scope of this project did include reviewing the fire sprinkler booster pump for removal from Building

140. This fire pump requires maintenance and testing that the adjacent buildings do not require. GDM recommends the fire pump remain. Building 140 has a higher water supply demand than the adjacent building due to the following reasons:

• The attic system utilizes a Special Application Sprinkler used specifically for combustible attics.

The special use heads have a higher flow and pressure need than a standard head. This approach was likely used because it drastically cuts down on the number of heads and amount of pipe needed for the system.

• The attic system in Building 140 is also a dry system. NFPA 13 requires that dry pipe systems use an increased design area, typically a 30% increase, to account for the slower response of these systems.

• When the fire pump was incorporated into the original system design, the system designer likely reduced the piping sizes to take advantage of the additional pressure and reduce their installation costs.

• In the provided shop drawings, there are five separate remote areas calculated for Building 140.

The highest pressure demand for the system is in the south wing patient rooms at a demand of

105 psi at 445 gpm. The highest flow demand for the system is in the attic at a demand of 75 psi at 600 gpm.

• From the sprinkler as-builts, the water supply was 50 PSI static in 2008. So, the water supply would have to be significantly increased to meet this demand without a pump.

8.8 Fire Detection and Notification

• This section of the specifications includes the furnishing, installation, and connection of new duct detectors for the new air handling units, and the integration of these new duct detectors to provide AHU shutdown upon smoke detection. The Contractor is required to provide new duct detectors, new automatic AHU shutdown, and new manual shutdowns for the following units:

74-RTU-1

74-RTU-2

81-RTU-1

140-RTU-1

140-RTU-2

140-RTU-3

140-RTU-3

140-RTU-4

T7-IU-2/T7-OU-2

• The Contractor is required to provide new manual AHU shutdowns for the following units:

140-MAU-1

63-OU-2/63-IU-2/3/4

74-EF-1

81-EF-1

140-EF-1

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 25 of 32

9 Structural Systems

9.1 Design Loading Criteria:

• Minimum uniform basic design live loads will conform to current code. Increase live load above code limits where current and future program flexibility is required as discussed with the COR.

• All building modifications and building components will be designed in accordance with a minimum IBC and

ASCE Occupancy Category III per code regardless of building program. New work in essential Facilities will be classified as Occupancy Category IV per VA Design Guide.

9.2 Structural Alterations

• GDM has evaluated the load-bearing capacity of the existing structural elements to support the new design loads.

• No alterations are planned to be made to the structural elements inside the existing buildings. If GDM foresees any resulting deficiencies to complete our design, they will be reinforced accordingly. All structurally modified components will be brought into accordance with current code. Renovations that serve to increase the gravity load on any structural element by more than 5% will be brought into compliance with current code. Renovations that serve to increase the seismic force in any structural element by more than 10% will be brought into compliance with current code.

9.3 Structural Design

• Structural framing supporting all new and replacement mechanical or electrical equipment has been analyzed by GDM where the new loading exceeds the original design load.

• Analysis has confirmed that existing structural framing is adequate to support the new/replacement mechanical units at all locations and therefore additional reinforcing is not required.

• All new equipment will be anchored to the existing framing to resist all seismic loads in accordance with current seismic standards.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 26 of 32

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 27 of 32

10 Civil

10.1 Project Description

• Exterior buried electric duct banks are required to route the new underground electric utility throughout the campus.

10.2 Site Preparation

• Site preparation for the new electric duct banks will consist of demolishing and removing landscaping, irrigation, hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, and other existing site improvements. These improvements will be restored to their existing or better condition upon completion of the new electric conduit runs. Existing vaults to be used, will be cored and new conduits connected.

• Conduits will daylight to connect to new transformers. Refer to electrical for detail.

• Conduits will connect to existing buildings, refer to architectural for penetration details.

10.3 Site Grading

• There will be limited site grading in areas disturbed by the new duct banks. Site grading will be restored to match existing condition.

• Sidewalks that are disturbed will meet ADA and ABBA criteria when restored.

10.4 Asphalt and Concrete Pavement Section

• It is anticipated that the electric duct banks will disturb existing asphalt and concrete surfaces. Disturbed asphalt and concrete surfaces will be restored to its existing condition. All trenches shall be backfilled and compacted appropriately.

• The sidewalk will be poured in place concrete. The sidewalk will follow the standard VA detail 32 05 23-18.

10.5 Drainage

• Existing drainage patterns will be maintained.

10.6 Landscaping

• The fiber optic lines will avoid existing trees. Landscaping areas disturbed will be restored to their existing condition. Where trees come within close proximity, root barriers may be required to avoid future conflicts.

10.7 Existing Utilities

• The new ductbanks will be designed to provide appropriate vertical and horizontal clearance to avoid conflict with known existing utilities such as gas, electric, stormwater, domestic water, sanitary sewer, steam and irrigation systems.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 28 of 32

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 29 of 32

11 Hazardous Materials

11.1 Asbestos

• Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) exists in the areas of work. The contractor shall remove all hazardous materials as necessary to fulfill the demolition and construction requirements of this project. The contractor shall prepare an abatement plan in accordance with the requirements of the state of California.

11.2 Lead Paint and Flashings

• Lead-Based Paint in the areas of work. The contractor shall remove all hazardous materials as necessary to fulfill the demolition and construction requirements of this project. The contractor shall prepare an abatement plan in accordance with the requirements of the state of California.

VA Project 687-21-106 Page 30 of 32

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .