Commissioning and Close-out of Technically Complex Buildings: A Lifecycle Approach

Commissioning and Close-out of Technically Complex Buildings:

A Lifecycle Approach

Presented to ISPEAugust 9, 2005

Facilitated by Ric Holman and Adam BenzulyAffiliated Engineers, Inc. – Walnut Creek, CA

A Quick Introduction of AEI…A Quick Introduction of AEI…A Quick Introduction of AEI…A Quick Introduction of AEI…

• Full service MEP firm with national resources.

• Nationwide Cx provider for over 20 years.• Specialize in technically complex R&D and

healthcare projects.• 20+ dedicated Cx staff.• Recent clients include: Chiron, UCSF,

Alameda County, Gap Inc., Amgen, UCB, etc.

Our quick bio…Our quick bio…Our quick bio…Our quick bio…

• Ric Holman, CSI– 20+ years in

construction project delivery.

– Walnut Creek Cx Group Leader.

– Extensive field experience

– Has found a new home underwater.

• Adam Benzuly, P.E.– Background in HVAC

design.– Commissioned over

1,000,000 sq. ft. of new construction.

– Project Manager for Mechanical and Field Services Depts.

– Contributor to LBNL Cx study.

What Cx Means to AEIWhat Cx Means to AEIWhat Cx Means to AEIWhat Cx Means to AEI

• A systematic process of ensuring that all building systems perform interactively according to the design intent and the Owner’s operational needs.

• Design phase activities• Construction phase activities• Post-occupancy activities

Close-out IssuesClose-out IssuesClose-out IssuesClose-out Issues

• What are Contract Document requirements?– O&M Manuals– Punchlist– Validation– Warranty– Move-in– Record drawings– Training– Reconciliation of Change Orders?

The Quality Assurance CycleThe Quality Assurance CycleThe Quality Assurance CycleThe Quality Assurance Cycle

Communicate Expectations

RefineExpectations

Document Outcome

Verify Execution

Discussion Ideas…Discussion Ideas…Discussion Ideas…Discussion Ideas…

• Cx/validation similarities?

• Documentation vs. operational tools

• How to determine desired outcome?

• How to incorporate requirements into Contract Docs?

• Cx cost/benefits?

• Typical close-out problems?

• How to make sure things continue to work as intended?

• Tracking close-out items to completion.

• When Cx finds problems?