Be Careful What you Say...Your Walls Could be Listening!

Princeton researchers develop a way to
 embed ultra-thin radios  to plastic sheets. 

Eavesdropping just took on new heights with the creation of walls that can listen and even speak. 

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a way to embed ultra-thin radios to plastic sheets, which can be placed on a variety of structures.  These listening walls have the potential to be the foundation for invisible communication systems inside buildings or to function as sophisticated structural monitors for bridges and roads. 

Originally the intent of this technology was for the application of smart building energy management. Through the use of distributed radio arrays that are patterned on wallpaper, temperature sensors and occupancy sensors are able to communicate with a central management system. 

These thin plastic sheets have the potential for several applications. The sheets can be painted without diminishing their function and can be applied to irregular surfaces such as bridge decks or supporting columns because of their flexibility. 

Patterning Circuits on Plastic 

One of the major difficulties with this technology was patterning circuits on the plastic sheets, as the high temperatures needed to create circuitry will melt the plastic. New methods for patterning circuits on plastics have helped researchers surpass this problem. However, these new methods compromise the performance of electronic components such as transistors, which are vital in the operation of complex devices such as radio transmitters. 

Transistors, the building block of modern electronics, are devices that control or switch the flow of electrons in circuits. The silicon crystal that forms the base of transistors allows for electrons to move quickly.  

Because plastic is susceptible to melting at high temperatures, researchers turned to amorphous silicon transistors in place of crystalline silicone, as amorphous silicon does not require high temperatures like the crystal form.  However, amorphous silicon lacks the highly ordered inner structure of the crystal form. This inhibits the electrons ability to move efficiently, as it is like changing from a smooth superhighway to a gravel road. 

Researchers were poised with the challenge of speeding up the movement of electrons through the transistor (faster movement means higher frequency), despite the lower-performing amorphous silicon transistors. 

The Super-Regenerative Circuit 

To overcome this problem, the Princeton researchers found inspiration from the father of FM Radio, Edwin Armstrong. In 1922, Armstrong developed the super-regenerative circuit, which uses other components to increase the radio's frequency and bypass the poor performance of the amorphous silicon transistors. 

In 1922, Edwin Armstrong
developed the super-regenerative circuit.

By bouncing electrons between a capacitor and an inductor, the super-regenerative circuit, is able to store and discharge energy.  The energy change caused by the bouncing electrons depends on the super regenerated circuit's capacitor and inductor--not the transistor.  This allows the radio to operate at a high frequency despite the poor quality of the transistors. 

The key was to prevent the electrons from being lost as they bounced back and forth between the capacitor and the inductor, as lost electrons would than be compensated through the faulty transistors. This meant high quality capacitors and inductors.  

This was good news to researchers as large inductors are easier to build. And due to the fact that the radios were designed to fit on walls, there was plenty of space. In the end, despite the poor quality transistors, the circuit worked perfectly with the new system.  

The Future of Structural Monitoring Systems? 

Researchers are developing ways to use this technology to create flexible structural health monitoring systems for bridges, buildings, pipelines and other structures.  

Plastic sheets embedded with radios
could better detect structural problems. 

Currently, engineers are able to use single-point sensors or fiber optic strips to detect structural problems. Unfortunately these devices are limited and can only collect data from relatively small spaces. This makes detection of early problems difficult, as most problems occur on larger spaces. 

Plastic sheet technology could make monitoring these structures more efficient.  The linked sensors could potentially detect imminent structural problems over larger areas. 

While the research of this project still remains in early development the results are encouraging. A prototype is in the works, but it will take many years of research and development before this technology is utilized in such a manner. 

This article was originally published, "The Walls have Ears: Princeton researchers develop walls that can listen, and talk" from Phys.org on August 21, 2013.  

Sick? Your Air Conditioning Could be the Cause

Is your air conditioning making you and your family sick? 

For many, air conditioning is the embodiment of comfort living, particularly in the summer months when the heat index can be unbearable.  But could your air conditioning be causing more harm than good? 

According to the Director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in Wales, Professor Rob Eccles, exposing the body to extreme temperatures could actually make you sick. 

 Here's Why: 

As warm blooded animals, the human body's optimal temperature is around 98 degrees Fahrenheit. In extreme cold environments the body will fight to maintain this body temperature.

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels
 to  constrict and diminish number 
of white blood cells.

One of the body's defense mechanisms against the cold is the thermal regulator in the brain. As soon as it receives a message from the temperature sensors in the skin, the blood vessels are alerted to constrict. This immediately causes a person's skin to become ashen or mottle, which is quickly followed by shivering in order to generate heat to raise the body temperature. 

As a result, the blood vessels in the nose and throat, both of which are favorite locations for bacteria and viruses to hide, will constrict therefore limiting blood flow. 

As the blood flow diminishes, the white blood cells that typically fight bacteria and viruses do too. This allows these dormant risks to develop in to colds. Low blood flow to the throat means that there isn't enough white blood cells to ward off infection. 

Sweating exacerbates the problem because it keeps the body colder. This makes it more of a challenge for the body to maintain its optimal temperature. 

Going from hot to cold environments could put
you at risk for a cold. 

Professor Eccles emphasizes that a cold will only develop if the bacteria or virus is already present in the body.  

This phenomenon occurs when going from a hot environment to a cold atmosphere not the other way around. Though, Professor Eccles recommends limiting the number of times you go from a cold environment to the hot outside as when your body acclimates to the heat and steps back inside the chilling cycle will begin again. 

This article was derived from the headline "Does Going from Hot to Cold Cause Colds?" which appeared on August 20, 2013, in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal. 

Benefits of Green Building

The green building phenomenon is sweeping across the world, but many doubt the benefits of this movement.

Instead, they believe it is simply a political agenda or a means for more costly construction projects.

The reality is, a green building project can have environmental, economic and social benefits as described below: 

Environmental Benefits 

• Emission Reductions--Green building techniques such as solar powering and daylighting can increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
• Water Conservation-Implementing water recycle programs for urinal flow and irrigation can significantly lower water consumption and increase savings.
• Temperature Moderation-Conscientious building designs and site selection can reduce the urban heat island effect caused the heat retention properties of tall buildings and urban materials.

Economic Benefits

• Energy & Water Saving- Green design and technology can drastically reduce operation costs. This can offset any additional project costs, while offering long-term savings. 
• Increased Property Advantages-Low operating costs that come with green facilities can lead to lower vacancy rates and higher property values.
• Increase Employee Productivity & Health-There is a positive correlation between indoor environmental conditions and improved employee health and productivity. 
• Sales Improvements-Studies show stores with more natural light have more sales. 

Social Benefit 

• Improved Health-Poor indoor environment quality can contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, and nausea headaches. Implementing green building features can provide for a healthier and more comfortable living and working environment.  
•  Improved schools-About 40% of the schools in the United States are subject to poor environmental conditions that can affect the health and learning of students.  Studies show that schools utilizing green building techniques often experience a reduction in student absentees and see an improvement in test scores. 
• Healthier Lifestyles & Recreation- Sustainable designs preserve natural environments and provide for more recreation and exercise opportunities. They also promote alternatives to driving such as bicycling and public transport. 

What’s so special about Clubhouses?

Ballen Isle Country Club
West Palm Beach, Florida

The Complexities of Designing HVAC Systems for Clubhouses  

Clubhouses are unique among buildings. They house restaurants, community centers, banquet halls, entertainment complexes, retail spaces, fitness and spa centers and even offices all wrapped up into one facility! 

Dripping Diffusers

The clubhouses' unique nature is one of the major reasons why faulty HVAC systems are common; especially in humid climates such as Florida.

Perhaps, one of the most frequent issues that engineers uncover during a due diligence survey is a facility operating under a severely negative air pressure condition.

Common Symptoms of Negative Air Pressurization  

•  A lack of fresh or clean air, instead a musty smell or other bad odors lingering in the air
• Condensation on the Diffusers
• Visible Mold or Mildew Growth along with Moisture on the Walls 
• Sticky or Damp Furnishings
• Varying Temperatures Throughout the Facility 
• Stagnant, Stale or Heavy Air that causes Humidity or Condensation 
• A Rush of Air or Draft when Opening an Exterior Door 

According to Bob Davenport, RGD Consulting Engineers' Principal Engineer, who has over 35 years of experience designing HVAC systems, "Operating a clubhouse with severely negative pressure can result in serious indoor air quality problems over time." 

Solutions

 If not caught before the start of microbial growth, negatively pressurized facility can be a costly issue to rectify. This is why having the proper HVAC equipment and a good maintenance program is important to preventing issues such as negative air pressure from occurring. 

Ensuring that the clubhouse building is equipped with 100% outside air pre-conditioner, runs continuously and supplies a constant and equal volume of dehumidified outside air to the building is key to maintaining the air pressure. 

There are a variety of methods for achieving this goal, and the most effective HVAC design system can be determined by a professional engineer after completing a thorough survey of the facility's systems. However, even the best designed HVAC systems can fail when they are not maintained. 

Just as important as working closely with an engineer for the design of your facility's HVAC system, is the creation of an aggressive maintenance program.   With these two factors planned well, your facility's HVAC system will stay balanced and healthy for years to come. 

This article is adapted from "Is Your Clubhouse Stuffy" written by Robert Davenport, PE, LEED AP + BC. 

Self-Healing Concrete...the Future of Structures?

Bonita Bay Country Club Construction 2013
Bonita Springs, FL 

Self-healing concrete? It's closer to being possible than you think.

Concrete is a remarkable material. It can be molded into a number of forms, it sets like stone and it is extremely strong when combined with a metal such as steel.  It's no wonder it is the basic structural foundation for buildings, roadways and bridges.

Despite all these notable qualities, concrete has a major weakness--water.  Water poses a serious threat to the stability of a concrete structure, as all it takes is one small crack for water to get inside to turn a concrete structure into a pile of rubber.

Corrosion of the rebar in concrete. 

In colder climates, water can freeze and expand, compromising stability.  Water can also bring carbon
dioxides, sulfates and sulfate reducing bacteria that can cause even more damage to a structure. Perhaps the worst consequence of water in concrete is if it reaches the metal rebar. Overtime, the metal will rust, expand and slowly destroy the structure.

The key to preventing water from entering concrete is preventing the cracks from occurring. This is easier said than done. As even the most carefully prepared concrete is susceptible to cracking, especially when in a moisture prone area.

Researchers at the University of Bath in collaboration with Cardiff University and the University of Cambridge may have discovered another way to prevent concrete from cracking--a concrete mix with bacteria within microcapsules. The hope is that when water enters a crack, the bacteria will germinate and produce limestone, which will then plug the crack before water can do damage to the rebar.  The bacteria would actually use the oxygen present to repair the structure.

While this study is still in its early stages, researchers are optimistic that self-healing concrete will be able to increase the life of concrete structures vastly and would remove the need for repairs, reducing the lifetime cost of a structure by up to 50 percent. It would also reduce man-made carbon dioxide revisions.

Currently, researchers are assessing how the varying strand of bacteria survive in concrete over a period of time.

Thermostat Wars: HVAC vs. Home Security Industries

The HVAC industry is battling with homeowners, home security and home automation companies to determine who has the authority to install thermostats as a part of "smart home systems." 

The issues has taken on new heights with several HVAC industry organizations pushing for legislation to prevent home security and other non HVAC companies from replacing thermostats with products that communicate with security and home control systems. 

HVAC companies claim that HVAC systems use exclusive protocols and special communicating thermostats to control equipment that don't follow standard thermostat configurations, protocols or wiring. 

According to Dominick Guarino, the CEO of the National Comfort Institute, this approach to this issue has little substantiation, as many home security and home automation companies have their employees complete extensive education to be able to install this technology. However,  the issue that should be at the forefront of this battle, is who is responsible if the technology is incorrectly installed.  

Guarino recommends that instead of fighting this issue on a government level,  HVAC companies should fight this battle in the marketplace through education.  Let your customers know that having a third party install an intelligent thermostat could have negative consequences.

To learn more about this issue, visit the original article here.

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.

Understanding Green Certification Programs

As the Green Building movement expands, so do the resources available to design professionals and business owners.  Knowing your your project's objectives and goals can help you determine what

certification program is best for you.

Here are a few organizations that offer Green Building Certification program:

1. The Global Building Initiative (GBI)  

The Green Building Initiative is a web based green building program. This LEED alternative is, aims to reduce a facility's overall environmental impact, while improving sustainability.

The program is geared toward new construction and big renovation projects, but offers guidance and a cost effective green building rating system.

The GBI can help reduce operational costs, qualify for tax incentives, meet federal mandates or increase the marketability of your buildings.

2.  GBC Florida Green Commercial Building Certification Program.     

This nonprofit corporation is committed to spread the green building initiative in the state of Florida.  They provide a variety of resources and sponsor a variety of education programs for design professionals, consumers and government entities.

3. USGBC's  LEED Program 

LEED or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, offers flexible and comprehensive certification programs that address the entire building's lifecycle. 

With LEED, building owners and operators have a practical means for measuring and implementing green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. 

LEED uses third-party verification to determine that a facility or community was built with environmental and sustainability in mind. 

LEED Green Building Certification to Include Cradle to Cradle

Despite the controversy surrounding the federal governments preference to LEED building certifications, the latest LEED Version 4 rating system was overwhelmingly approved (85 percent) last week by the U.S. Green Building Council with the inclusion of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Program. 

Developed 25 years ago by American Architect William McDonough and German chemist Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle aims to enforce the environmental qualities of materials used in green buildings. 

“We salute the USGBC’s courageous leadership in making material health a priority in the face of immense challenge from industry,” says William McDonough. “The stand they have taken will help continue their meaningful input as an agent of market transformation.”

Cradle to Cradle will officially be adopted into the LEED certification criteria in November 2013.  

What does that mean for your LEED Project? 

With the addition of Cradle to Cradle to the LEED Version 4 rating system, you can get credits for materials & resources if you disclose and optimize where your building materials are sourced and purchased. 

Facilities that utilize at least 20 Cradle to Cradle Certified products or use "at least 25% by cost of the total value of permanently installing building products" can earn points toward certification. 

For more information visit USGBC or view the original press release. 

• Cradle to Cradle® is a registered trademark of MBDC.
• Cradle to Cradle Certified^CM is a certification mark licensed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
• U.S Green Building Council is a certification mark licensed to the U.S. Green Building Council. 

How to Reduce your Energy Costs this Summer

Air-conditioning is often a welcomed relief from the unremitting summer heat, but the high costs associated with energy consumption can leave homeowners and facility managers unsatisfied. 

Currently, HVAC systems are responsible for around 40% of total building energy consumption, which is why it is no surprise that according to a recent report by Navigant Research, the revenue of energy efficient HVAC systems will increase from 17.2 million in 2013 to $33.2 billion in 2020.  

If an energy efficient HVAC system isn't in your budget this year, there are several budget friendly ways for keeping your energy consumption down this summer. 

1. Change your Filters 

Clean air filters are key to getting the best air flow from your HVAC system. Not changing your filters could mean more maintenance because it forces your system to work harder and less efficiently. 

2. Add Insulation 

Check to make sure your facility is properly insulated. According to the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), insulation not only can reduce your carbon imprint and save you money on your energy bill, but it can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout your facility. 

3.  Programmable Thermostats 

A programmable thermostat can help control your system even when you aren't around. By setting different temperatures for different times of the day,  you are better able to monitor your energy consumption and cut on your costs. 

4. Invest in

Energy Efficient Shades 

Keeping your windows covered all day and installing energy efficient shades can help reduce the load on your AC unit. 

5. Annual HVAC Systems Maintenance 

Like your car, your HVAC system needs a yearly checkup. This can help ensure that your system is running efficiently and prevent costly problems later on. 

Getting a cooling load calculation completed by a certified engineer can also determine the efficiency of your HVAC system and can make sure your system meets required building codes.  

Want to find out if your HVAC system is running efficiently?  RGD Consulting Engineers can perform an on-site inspection of your facility to determine the proper remediation to help you save money on your energy consumption. Inquire today! 

New Liability Laws for Design Professionals in Florida

As of July 1 2013, Florida Design Professionals have liability protection under the condition they follow specific requirements of the new bill.  Previous court decisions have stripped engineers of the right to enforce liability clauses in design professional contracts.

Under Senate Bill No. 286, signed by Governor Rick Scott in April, redefines the term "design professional to include Geologists . It also specifies that individual design professionals employed by a business entity may not be held liable for negligence.  

In order to be protected by this statute, contracts between the business entity and claimant, must exclude mention of specific design professionals, and include a clear statement specifying that the individual employee or agent may not be held liable.   A design professional will not be held liable for negligence for professional services under these conditions:

1. The business entity must execute the contract with a claimant or with another entity for the provision of professional services on behalf of the claimant; 
2. The contract includes a prominent statement, in uppercase font that is at least 5 point sizes larger than the rest of the text, that, pursuant to this section, an individual employee or agent may not be held individually liable for negligence;
3. The contract does not name the individual employee or agent as a party to the contract;  
4. The business entity maintains any professional liability insurance required under the contract; and any damages are solely economic in nature the damages do not extend to personal injuries or property not subject to the contract.
5. The conduct of the design professional giving rise to the damages occurs within the course and scope of the contract; and
6.  The harm does not extend to persons or property not subject in the contract and is exclusively economic in nature.

If a contract fails to meet these specifications, then a licensed engineer employed through a business entity is not except from personal liability for negligence, misconduct and wrongful acts.  

Visit Florida Senate Bill No. 286, to learn more the liability protection for design professionals. 

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.  

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 +.

Happy Spring!

Happy First Day of Spring! 

The RGD Engineers' team is grateful for the beautiful weather in Jupiter, Florida. What an amazing start to spring.  Check out the Jupiter Inlet! 

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 +.

New Education Center for Autism 

Golfer Ernie Els plans to build a learning facility for Autism

Jupiter, FL--March 8, 2013--Pro Golfer Ernie Els and his foundation plan to build a 100,000 sq. ft. school and resource center for children with autism in the Limestone Creek area near Jupiter.

The $30 million dollar project will be an "epicenter for autism, research, transition and treatment" and provide services for 300 students' ages 3-21 years. This will be the first charter school in Palm Beach County to offer education from first grade through high school followed by transition to adulthood.

The new facility will not only be an autism research center, but it will also offer students medical treatment along with a sports complex and a swimming pool. Plans submitted to the Palm Beach County suggest that the center will be opened at the conclusion of 2014.

RGD Engineers is proud to be a part of this amazing project. It will provide the design and management for many of the foundational components including the mechanical, electrical and plumbing designs. It is expected that this learning facility will attract international and national recognition.

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.

Ocean Reef Club Renovations Complete

RGD Engineers is pleased to announce the reopening of the newly renovated Spa and Fitness Center at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo. RDG Engineers played an integral role in the exciting transformations that the newly expanded 8,000-square-foot Spa and Fitness Center underwent.

The new Spa renovations offer Club Members the ultimate space experience with new and remodeled space. The elegant expansions include:

• 10 individual massage and treatment rooms
•  An experience shower
•  Dry sauna
•  Men’s and ladies’ steam rooms
• Relaxation lounge
• Retailed boutique
• VIP couple’s suite with an outdoor terrace and a private Jacuzzi 

The fitness center also was renovated to better meet the needs of Ocean Reef Club members.  Members can now enjoy some of the spacious new features:  

• An additional fitness center and treatment rooms
• New state-of-the-art service equipment and enhanced services
• Four aerobic rooms and one exclusively for spinning classes
• A Pilate’s studio
• Stretching Space
• Functional training room
• Expanded juice bar 

RGD Engineers is proud of the work it contributed to the renovations of this state-of-the-art facility. Ocean Reef Club’s beautiful renovations are a testament to RGD Engineers’ commitment to provide quality services and excellence in all its projects.

To view more photographs of the renovations that were completed in December go to the Ocean Reef Club Website. 

RGD Consulting Engineers is a premier consulting engineering firm based out of South Florida, for more information about our services, visit our website. 

How to Avoid Costly Air Quality Problems

           As I approached the club's main entrance, the automatic doors opened and a rush of air filled the lobby. I noticed the receptionist's hair rustle as she placed her hand on the papers on the desk to keep them from blowing on the floor. As I waited for the club manager, I could smell a slight mustiness in the air, furnishings felt sticky, and the air conditioning diffusers were sweating. Discussions with the club manager revealed that members complained frequently of being warm. The card rooms were stuffy and the humidity was so high in the locker rooms that mold was growing on some of the golf shoes. Further investigation revealed that the building was operating under a severely negative pressure condition.

Few things damage a clubhouse more profoundly than a negatively balanced HVAC system. It is most acute in humid, Southern climates.Operating a clubhouse with severely negative pressure can set off an avalanche of bad things that can result in serious indoor air quality problems over time. Correcting these problems after the microbial growth has started can be a very expensive process.The good news is that these problems can be averted with proper HVAC equipment selection and a good maintenance program.

How it Happens

      A negatively pressurized building draws unconditioned outside air through every available opening. The lobby area is usually the first to feel the impact. Automatic doors opening and closing allow a huge amount of humid air to enter with each cycle, making the receptionist sweat in the summer and freeze in the winter.The lobby diffusers begin to sweat and soak into the surrounding hard ceiling where mold starts to grow.The humidity level everywhere inside the building rises.

Members feel warm because the evaporative cooling they get naturally from their skin under lower humidity conditions is reduced, so they call the facilities manager to lower the temperature in the space. Under elevated humidity conditions, the temperature usually needs to be maintained at 68-69 degrees for the majority of people to feel comfortable. When this happens, the building is in its most dangerous state for microbial growth. When the interior temperature of the building maintained is lower than the outdoor dew point temperature for a significant amount of time, water vapor will be drawn through the exterior walls. It usually condenses on the first impervious membrane it encounters. This can be the back of the wall board or some vinyl wallpaper. Once condensation occurs, mold, and the inevitable remediation costs, will not be far behind.
              Negative pressure is a condition found in clubhouses with alarming frequency. Clubhouse buildings, by their nature, employ significant numbers of constant volume exhaust fans. Usually the largest component of exhaust is located in the food service facility. It is not unusual for a major cooking facility to be exhausting 10,000-20,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air from the cooking hoods. A properly balanced cooking hood system should be replacing approximately 80 percent of the exhausted air with fresh make-up air. This is usually supplied through a make-up air plenum located near the front of the hood. This leaves a net exhaust of 3,000-4,000 CFM from the kitchen area.

Add to this another 600-1,200 CFM from the dishwasher hood and another 500-1,000 from a display kitchen hood, and the aggregate exhaust can be in excess of 6,000 CFM from the food preparation area alone. Another 2,000-3,000 CFM likely will be added from the locker rooms and restrooms throughout the building. The net result is that a large clubhouse building can have a constant volume exhaust rate of 8,000-10,000 CFM. This is particularly problematic for clubhouse buildings because the exhaust rate is large compared with the square footage of the building, and units are run continuously.
To counteract the exhaust and maintain a neutral or preferably positive pressure in the building, an offsetting amount of outside air must be introduced. Because exhaust fans are at

Operating a clubhouse building with severely negative pressure can set off an avalanche of bad things that can result in serious indoor air quality problems over time.

constant volume (which means they run continuously with no variation in the flow rate), the make-up air also must be introduced in a similar manner.This is done through the air conditioning system- and therein lies the challenge.In humid Southern climates the humidity in the outside air is normally very high and goes through dramatic seasonal swings.The HVAC engineer is faced with the daunting task of providing a stable temperature and humidity condition inside the building with wildly varying outdoor temperature and humidity conditions.

Air conditioning systems maintain inside conditions normally by increasing or decreasing the air flow and/or the supply air temperature.There are a number of techniques engineers use to accomplish this task and some are more successful than others. Chilled water systems can use variable frequency drives on the air handlers to vary the air flow. Direct expansion systems, such as package roof top units, simply turn on and off based on the sensible demand. The challenge for clubhouse engineers is that neither of these methods are effective in maintaining neutral or positive pressure in the building when exhaust fans are running continuously.

What to Do?

Clubhouse buildings must be equipped with a dedicated 100 percent outside air pre-conditioner. This unit runs continuously and supplies a constant and equal volume of dehumidified outside air to the building. It should be interlocked to run when the cooking hood exhaust system runs. There are a number of manufacturers that produce this type of equipment. It can be done with chilled water or direct expansion equipment. The units are designed to remove large amounts of moisture from the air stream.

 The units also include a method of reheating the supply air to prevent overcooling the space. It can be done with a non-energy absorbing hot gas reheat coil or with electric heat. Sizing the unit is a subject of design as long as it can deliver an amount of outside air at least equal to the exhaust.

A very useful system to include is a cooking hood variable air volume system. This system uses variable frequency drives on the exhaust and make-up air fans to slow the exhaust rate down when there is no significant cooking being done on the line. The reality is that a fairly small amount of the hood's total daily operating time involves heavy grease and smoke-laden cooking. There is no need for the hood to be running full speed when there is no smoke being generated.

To provide comfort at the cooking line, it is advisable to provide temperature control for the hood make-up air. In the summer, the ambient air temperature can easily be 95 degrees plus. Dumping this air down on the chef at the cooking line can raise the temperature in this area to 110 degrees. This alone frequently drives the chef to turn the make-up air fan breaker off. Cooling half of the makeup air stream to 55 degrees and re-mixing with the remaining air will drop the temperature from 95 degrees in the summer to 75 degrees and 70-80 percent humidity.

With the basic equipment in place, the unit needs to be maintained regularly. All of the above discussed equipment can fail due to lack of maintenance and put the building into a negative air balance. The problem is that the equipment can fail and not be immediately noticed until serious problems start to develop. An aggressive maintenance program will keep the building properly balanced and healthy for many years.

About the Author

Robert Davenport is president and principal Engineer of RGD & Associates Inc., a South Florida firm specializing in clubhouse construction and renovation projects. 

 For more information about our services, visit RGD Consulting Engineers corporate website.