Electrical Enhancements for VA's 9th Floor
Project Overview
This project consisted of increasing the electrical capacity and all associated architectural upgrades at an occupied VA medical facility. The electrical upgrades included installing backup electrical power from the 2nd-floor substation to the 9th-floor server room and the 10th-floor UPS equipment.
Scopes of work included 9-story scaffolding, demolition, electrical UPS equipment, electrical conduits/wiring/connections/terminations, backup power to server room data equipment, telecommunications, aluminum screen wall, structural steel, roofing, painting, spray fireproofing, fire caulking, joint sealants, ceiling tile installation, and a proactively coordinated electrical shut down. Existing electrical and telecommunication systems were left in place and upgraded while still interfacing with new systems to create a seamless transition during construction while also maintaining all necessary Interim Life Safety Measures.
All construction work was performed while the facility remained fully occupied and operational. Each phase of construction was isolated from VA staff, patients and visitors by proper temporary barriers and signage. Work schedules were adjusted when appropriate to minimize the effects of noise and vibration-making activities. Coordination of phasing and operations with the client and staff was critical and weekly meetings between contractor and owner were utilized for frequent and optimum communication.
Infectious Control Risk Assessment measures were implemented for this project and partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs to phase construction activities, accelerate the construction schedule when possible, and work diligently with the client to ensure the safety of all VA staff, patients and visitors. This project included one scheduled power outage, power transfers, and provisions of temporary emergency power where mission critical scopes were required to be completed within a specified time frame. During these shutdowns, construction operations continued until regular power was restored. Each shutdown was thoroughly planned and scheduled considering all areas and systems affected while also closely being monitored by the facility’s on-call electrical and mechanical maintenance staff.