Benefits of Spiral Round Ductwork

Spiral Round Ductwork is more Efficient than
Conventional Rectangular Ducting. 

For facilities managers, optimized facility performance is an important part of their job.  That's why many facilities are moving toward spiral round ductwork as opposed to conventional rectangular ducting. Static regained spiral round ducting can do more with less when compared to conventional rectangular ductwork: 

• Costs about 1/4 less 
• Weighs 25% less 
• Easier to install 
• Less bulky than conventional rectangular ducting in variable (VAV) or constant volume systems (SPIDA). 

Spiral round ducting can enhance the HVAC systems performance, as systems that include static regain designed spiral round ductwork use less energy, deliver air to every VAV box and create a more comfortable indoor environment for occupants and visitors. 

Take for example the leakage rate of rectangular ductwork compared to spiral round ductwork. Leakage for rectangular ductwork occurs at a much higher rate than spiral ductwork, which has a leakage rate of less than 1% (SPIDA). 

By reducing leakage, there is a significant impact on the HVAC energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The right amount of conditioned air can be directed to the intended locations within a facility, which results in better indoor air quality and a more comfortable environment for occupants. 

Another benefit of spiral round ductwork, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE), is the allowance of spiral round ductworks for higher uses of air velocity than compared to rectangular ductwork. Higher velocity, static regain designs are state-of-the-art for current lower installed costs VAV systems.  

Direct Digital Control (DDC) strategies can enhance the efficiency of a round ductwork system. DD/VAV controls allow for fan pressure optimization because you can identify which VAV box in the system requires the maximum static pressure and then control the fan to provide just that amount of static pressure and no more. 

This article was derived from the headline "The HVAC Factor: Spiral Round Ductwork", which appeared on September 17, 2013 in the Today's Facility Manager. 

Due Diligence: Why you Need it Before Buying

Buying a building can be a daunting task, but don't let a bad decision haunt you for years to come. Being a pro-active buyer and having a professional engineering firm perform due diligence to your facility prior to

your purchase can significantly decrease problems later down the road.

What is Due Diligence? 

Due Diligence is the process of systematically investigating and verifying the condition of a facility in order to audit the potential investment. If you are considering purchasing a commercial property,  due diligence can confirm that your intended use of the facility is possible.

A professional engineering team can help you evaluate whether or not there are any major issues with the building.  After the analysis of your facility, the firm will produce a report of their findings that will include:

1. Analysis of the structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems' conditions and adequacy. 
2. Estimated life span of existing equipment and structural support. 
3. Recommendations for immediate repairs and replacements.
4. Upgrades for improving existing systems' efficiency and reducing costs.
5. Building Code Violations that needed to be addressed.

Are you looking to Buy?

 Let RGD Consulting Engineers help you get the most of your investment.  While many engineering firms specialize in particular areas, RGD is a multidisciplinary engineering firm and able to evaluate all your structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems.  Contact us to see how we can help you on your next project.

Enhancements Completed on Broken Sound Clubhouse

The Broken Sound Club located in Boca Raton, Florida recently unveiled the final  phase of a $26 million renovation that included design and construction upgrades to the pool, bistro, spa and fitness center.

The transformation, which began in 2010, took 3 years to complete and was designed by Peacock and Lewis Architects, constructed by +The Weitz Company and +RGD Consulting Engineers provided the designs for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing requirements of the project.

The new poolscape features beautiful waterfalls, kids pool area and a heated whirlpool. The Bistro offers guests casual dining and an outdoor bar and table setting in which to enjoy refreshments.

Another part of the enhancements is the addition of the tranquil Moonstone Spa. The 13,100 sq. ft. spa offers a refreshing ambiance for guests with six treatment rooms, a couple's suite, men's and women's locker rooms equipped with showers, steam rooms, relation rooms and whirlpools along with gender specific relaxation rooms.

Next to the spa, the new 7,000 sq. ft. fitness center offers an array of group classes, private, training sessions, free weights, cardio machines and wellness services.

For the past 35 years, RGD Consulting Engineers has provided Florida and the Caribbean with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and structural engineering services. You can also find RGD on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.  

RGD Engineers Provides Engineering Solutions for new Jewish Community Center & Meyer Academy

Construction is well underway for th $30 million Mandel Jewish Community Center and Arthur I. Meyer Academy on Hood Road. Tercilla Courtemanche Architects are responsible for the design and RGD Consulting Engineers will provide the engineering solutions.

Construction of Mandel Jewish
Community Center

JCC will offer a variety of educational and recreational activities including a summer camp, adult education classes and special need programs. the 56,000 sq. ft, JCC is expected to open this summer and has several notable features:

• Early Childhood Learning Center 
• Indoor children's play area
• Gymnasium 
• Fitness Studio 
• Social Hall 
• Fully equipped classrooms for adult education
• Art Gallery and Cafe
• Youth Lounge 
• Aquatics Center
• Playground 

Rendering of Meyer I. Jewish Academy

In addition, the property will be shared by the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy. The 41,600 sq. ft. facility will serve up to 500 students k-8 grade and construction is expected to be completed in June 2014. Students will start the 2014-2015 school year at the new facility.

RGD has worked closely with Tercilla Courtemanche Architects throughout the construction of JCC and will continue to do so for the Meyer Academy. Both facilities will work together to provide the finest educational and recreational programs to the Jewish community. 

RGD Consulting Engineers is multi-faceted engineering based out of South Florida. For more information about RGD Engineers, please visit the RGD Website. You can also find RGD Engineers on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google +.

Palm Beach's newest Cocktail Lounge: HMF

Palm Beach, Florida--March 5, 2013--Opened in December of 2012, The Breakers' newest restaurant venture, HMF, introduces a thrilling new take on the classic cocktail lounge. 

The HMF, named for The Breakers' founder Henry Morrison Flagler, is a nod to the timeless American glamour of the cocktail culture.  Hospitality designer, Adam D. Tihany, acting as a design consultant for Peacock + Lewis Architects, was challenged with the task of re-creating the historic Florentine Room into a "contemporary Palm Beach cocktail soiree." 

"The nostalgia and the glamour of yesteryear are quite en vogue, while palates continue to become more sophisticated," said Tihany.  "We conceived HMF to be an open, interactive arena of decadent delights, and to cultivate a distinctly social, dynamic and inviting environment for the resort's savvy clientele."  

For the remodeling of the former Tapastry Bar and L'Escalier, RGD Consulting Engineers was enlisted to create and manage the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs. RGD worked closely with Peacock + Lewis Architects to ensure that Tihany's vision was captured. 

The new space features an open theater-style kitchen, a wine wall, and two mahogany bars with the original high beamed ceiling and wrought-iron chandeliers. The HMF is opened daily and offers its regular menu from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. and its late night menu from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. 

RGD Consulting Engineers is a multi-faceted engineering firm based out of Jupiter, Florida.  For more information about RGD Consulting Engineers or any media inquiries, please contact Nate Davenport at 561-743-0616 or visit the RGD Website here.   You can also find RGD on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. 

Jupiter Engineering Firm instrumental in development of Renaissance Charter Schools

Renaissance Charter Schools are expanding throughout Palm Beach County and RGD Consulting Engineers is proud to be a part of the expansion.

The Renaissance Charter Schools are managed by Charter Schools USA Inc., a Fort Lauderdale based company. They currently manage 37 schools in the state of Florida and are hoping to increase that number.  Last year, a Renaissance Charter school was opened in West Palm Beach, and three more are being planned.   

RGD Engineers has played an integral role in the development of these schools throughout the county.  Recently, RGD provided mechanical, electrical, and structural solutions for Renaissance Summit Blvd. located in West Palm Beach.  The school is now accepting applications for 2013-2014. 

Planning for another Renaissance school is underway with the new location in the Gardens.  Construction cannot begin until, city planning, zoning and appeals board reviews the plan and the city council approves it.  RGD Engineers will be planning and providing on-site management for the mechanical, electrical, and structural designs.

Jupiter Engineering Firm will provide services for Megachurch in Boynton Beach

RGD Engineers, a multidisciplinary engineering firm based out of Jupiter, will provide mechanical, electrical, and structural design and management for the megachurch set to be built in the empty Dillard’s store at the Boynton Beach Mall. The church is not expected to open until January 2014.

The church, a branch of Christ Fellowship, will renovate the 127,000 square-foot property in order to serve what is estimated to be about 9,000 worshippers each Sunday. The renovation plans will include gutting the entire department store to convert it into a 1,500-seat theater.

The RGD Engineering firm will be in charge of the mechanical, electrical, and structural design for the church and will provide on-site management for the duration of the project. The goal is to provide innovative cost effective designs that are safe, code compliant and always energy efficient.  RGD will work closely with Beck Architecture, a Dallas based firm, to ensure that careful attention is paid to all details involved in the preparation and execution of each design aspect of the project.

It is estimated that the project will create 348 construction jobs and 35 permanent jobs with a payroll of more than $1.5 million.