Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Fred L. Hasler / This paper discusses the potential of using LED modules as the primary light source for office buildings’ lighting systems. The LED lamps are the newest mass-produced lamps today; they have many insurmountable advantages compared to other light sources, like long lamp life, high efficacy, and low heat emission. Because of these advantages, owners and occupants of buildings can benefit greatly from the application of LED luminaires. The main focus of this paper is in 4 categories, which include the reliability of published data, occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and the life cycle costs of building lighting systems. LED light sources are compared to other primary light sources, which include fluorescent and incandescent lamps, of low ceiling office spaces from these 4 categories. The reliability of published data discussion covers color rendering index (CRI), correlated color temperatures (CCT), lamp life, and efficacy of the different type of lamps. The criteria of LED lamps are the most emphasized point of this section. The current CRI, efficacy, and lamp life evaluation systems are not suitable for LED lamps, and this paper discusses the practical value of each of these published data in office lighting system design. Some technical reports presented in this paper show that high CRI values of LED light sources do not directly link to excellent color rendition. However, LED light sources can have similar spectrum power distributions as natural light, and offer adequate visual comfort. Efficacy and lamp life are in the same situation. Even though, the published values do not necessarily reflect the real life performance of LED lamps, they often still have the longest lamp life and highest efficacy. Human comfort is the second factor discussed. Engineers and lighting designers consider illuminance level, color rendering ability, and glare of lighting systems to be deciding factors of human comfort from a lighting design perspective. However, many medical studies show that the human is much more sensitive to the correlated color of light sources. Light sources must vary output luminous flux and correlated color temperatures over time to help occupants reach optimum office task productivity and maintain health and visual comfort. LED lamps are the only light source that can practically change both the output luminous flux and correlate color temperature without heavy extra investments in equipment, which makes it the perfect candidate for this category. Energy efficiency is the third discussion point presented in this paper. Efficacy is a widely adopted term for evaluating the energy efficiency of a lamp, which describes the ratio of the output illuminance and input power. Because the output illuminance of LED lamps is decided not only by the illuminant bodies, but also many other electronic components in the lamps, some experts suggest that using efficacy to judge LED lamps is biased. This paper states the author’s position on whether efficacy can adequately describe the efficiency of LED lamps. Costs are also an inevitable point of this paper. LED lamps have the reputation of being the most expensive type of light source, but marketing data shows that the price of LEDs has been dropping dramatically recently. Moreover, Haitz’s law predicts that the price of LEDs will drop even more in the future. In this paper, the lifecycle costs of a light system have also been addressed across different types of light sources. Some crucial drawbacks of LED lamps, such as narrow photometric distribution and thermal damage control, are also addressed in this paper. Scientists and engineers still have not found the perfect solution to these drawbacks, but they are not significant enough to jeopardize the application of LED lamps in most architectural lighting design cases. According to the finding of this paper, LED lamps are the mainstream light source of future office lighting systems. The author also gives some suggestions for using LED lamps as primary light sources in office lighting system design applications at the end of the paper.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Kimberly Waggle Kramer / Architecturally exposed structural steel, AESS, is a unique member designation used in contract documents to describe steel members designed according to stringent provisions as to be completely exposed in close proximity to the human eye after the structure is completed, rather than concealed from view. These members are often used to convey architectural art or expression, and have a distinctive beauty that attracts the eye. The requirements for AESS members are much more stringent than those for typical structural steel members, and therefore is more controversial as to whether it is worth the extra attention it requires. The purpose of this report is to examine the design, detailing, fabrication and execution of architecturally exposed structural steel. This is done by examining what contributes to each of these stages from design to field erection. Much of this report is based on guides and sample specification by various sources, including the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC), Rocky Mountain Steel Construction Association (RMSCA), and the AISC 303-10 Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (American Institute of Steel Construction Committee on the Code of Standard Practice, 2010) in addition to other sources. The conglomeration and in-depth review of this information provides the Structural Engineer, Architect, Fabricator and Owner an enhanced understanding and knowledge of AESS, as to make better decisions throughout its use.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering / Fred Hasler and Russ Murdock / The correlation between natural and artificial lighting and the human circadian rhythm was researched to determine how changing artificial lighting design could improve the working environment in healthcare facilities. Research showed that human circadian rhythm is largely influenced by daylight and the accompanying light color (CCT) change in a day. Consequently, healthcare providers who are not exposed to daylight are isolated from this natural indicator. This can disjoint their circadian cycles from a normal rhythm and lead to physiological and psychological complications. Daylighting and standard artificial lighting design conditions were observed at Mercy Regional Medical Center (MRMC) in Manhattan, Kansas,. Then, healthcare providers at MRMC were anonymously surveyed about their perceived alertness throughout a typical working shift . The data was charted and plotted against a normal circadian rhythm to demonstrate whether a normal or disjointed cycle was experienced by healthcare providers. The comparison of this data to observed lighting conditions exhibited the necessary influence of daylight on achieving a normal circadian rhythm. This study reinforced the information available from many other sources connecting healthcare lighting and the circadian rhythm. Working on this premise, research suggested two lighting designs that would improve the working environment in healthcare facilities. The first of these would be the inclusion of circadian rooms. Special rooms in a healthcare facility would be available to staff in order to provide light therapy. Short wavelength blue light, experienced at optimal times throughout a shift, would act as stimulants (similar to daylight cues), adjusting employees' circadian cycles to normal when daylight exposure was unattainable. Alternately, a healthcare facility working on set, not-staggered, shifts could incorporate a variable lighting system. This system would rely on specialized lights to alter light color (CCT) throughout a shift to mimic daylight rhythms. Accordingly, staff would be exposed to daylighting cues from artificial sources and experience normal circadian rhythms.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Kimberly Waggle Kramer / This report discusses the two main types of structural connections used for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) pultruded shapes, which are mechanical and bonded connections. The most common types of mechanical and bonded connections for FRP pultruded shapes are bolted and adhesively bonded joints respectively, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. Bolted connections are the most common type of connection used for FRP pultruded shapes and are therefore the focus of this report. Limit states and critical stresses for FRP bolted connections are explained along with the appropriate material properties that are needed to determine them. A simplified mechanics approach to determining the stresses in the FRP material and connection is presented along with a design procedure for FRP connections. A design example is given for a simple beam-to-column shear connection using three materials: FRP pultruded shapes, W-flange steel shapes, and wood sawn lumber in which the beam-to-column shear connection is compared. It is found that the FRP connection is comparable to the steel and wood connections, and all three are able to meet the requirements for the loading conditions given with reasonable results. Possible uses for FRP that would be more ideal than using steel or wood members are presented and areas that still need to be developed or require further research are discussed.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Raphael A. Yunk / The conservation of energy is an increasingly important issue. To raise awareness of energy conservation, the State of Kansas initiated the Take Charge Challenge, which focuses on energy conservation in homes across Kansas. The program pits city against city in a competition to determine which city can conserve the most energy in one year. In the spirit of friendly competition, Manhattan, Kansas, home of the Kansas State University Wildcats, and Lawrence, Kansas, home of the University of Kansas Jayhawks, competed in the Challenge during 2011. At the end of the Challenge, Kansas State was victorious saving a total of 5,783 million Btu (MMBTUs). In the Spring of 2011, Noel Shultz, first lady of Kansas State University and co-chair of the Take Charge Challenge in Manhattan, set an example for other area residents by having an energy audit performed on her home, the historic Kansas State University President's Residence. The author used the audit, which was performed by an independent company, thermal images, a lighting survey, and various performance calculations to examine energy use in the building. The audit results include suggested improvements in order of importance. The suggestions were to install programmable thermostats, reduce air infiltration, and increase insulation. These improvements have the potential to provide a return on investment, although not all the suggestions are applicable to the home because of its historic nature. Other improvements, such as replacing lamps and insulating windows, were also researched by the author as means to reduce energy use. This paper compares the audit results and the author's calculations to verify whether the suggestions are feasible and would provide a return on investment. Materials were donated by Kansas State University’s Facilities Department for the improvements. Students and faculty volunteers participated in a work project to install the donated material. Only days after the insulation was installed, Mrs. Shultz mentioned that the family could feel an improvement in comfort. Thermal images of the roof verified that the insulation had reduced the heat loss. It is hoped that the improvements will also reduce energy consumption during the winter months.

Master of Science / Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Donald J. Phillippi / Special steel moment frames are one of the most common systems used to resist high seismic forces. Well-proportioned moment resisting connections are essential. Special steel moment frame connections must be capable of transferring moment and shear forces that are developed in the beams to the column. These connections must be designed as a highly ductile element in order to dissipate extensive energy thus undergo inelastic deformations. Doubler plates and continuity plates have been recommended by several design codes and standards in order to strengthen the column web and prevent the inelastic deformation of the panel zone due to high shear stress concentrations. However, doubler plates and continuity plates are very expensive due to the large amount of detailing and welding requirements. Furthermore, the extensive welding may affect the properties of the steel in which it may cause shrinkage, lower potential notch toughness and cracking. In any of these cases, there is high potential of losing the desirable inelastic performance required for these SMF. This report investigates the design of the special steel moment frame connections thus eliminating the use of doubler and continuity plates in these connections. Tables are provided that show all steel W-Shape beam sizes with all the adequate steel W-Shape column sizes used in special steel moment frames without the use of doubler and continuity plates in frame connections.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Sciences / Kimberly Waggle Kramer / Bill Zhang / Cold-formed steel members quickly are becoming a popular material for both commercial and residential construction around the world. Their high strength to weight ratio makes them a viable alternative to timber framing. In most cases cold-formed steel is used as a repetitive member in floor, wall, or roof assemblies. Structural sheathing is used in conjunction with the framing members in order to transfer loads between individual members. This sheathing is connected mechanically to the cold-formed steel through a variety of methods. The most common method uses screws spaced at close intervals, usually between 6 to 12 inches on center. When such assemblies are constructed, load is transferred from the sheathing through the connectors into the cold-formed steel, forming a composite assembly in which load is transferred and shared between two materials, providing a higher strength and stiffness over individual members themselves. The amount of load that can be transferred is dependent on the amount of slip that occurs when the assembly is loaded. This slip value describes the amount of composite action that takes place in the assembly. The amount of slip can be described by a value called the slip modulus. The composite, or effective, bending stiffness can be calculated using the slip modulus. In current design of cold-formed steel composite assemblies this composite action is not being taken into account due to a lack of research and understanding of the composite stiffness present in these assemblies. Taking composite action into account can lead to decreased member sizes or increased spacing of members, thereby economizing design. Furthermore, improved understanding of the effective stiffness can lead to more accurate design for vibrations in floor systems. This thesis tests cold-formed steel plywood composite members in an effort to verify previously established slip modulus values for varying steel thicknesses and establishes new values for varying fastener spacings. The slip modulus values obtained are used to calculate effective bending stiffness values in an effort to prove that composite action should be utilized in design of cold-formed steel composite assemblies.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Fred Hasler / Over 26.6 million people suffer from Alzheimer's Disease in the United States, and while no cure exists, how their built environment is illuminated - lamp type, color selection, wavelengths emitted, luminaire specifications, and luminaire layout - may enhance the lives of Alzheimer's patients (APs), their relatives, and caretakers. Research has found mixed results when it comes to selecting the correct lamp, but most researchers agree illumination levels benefit APs quality of life. Achieving higher illumination levels can be achieved by adding more luminaires to the ambient lighting layout, placing additional task lighting in specific locations, or using light therapy. Exposing APs to higher illumination levels can have positive behavioral benefits and help shift the circadian rhythm. Common problems such as aggression, sleepiness, and agitation can be reduced if proper lighting layouts or light therapy is used on a consistent basis. Adding to research, several Alzheimer’s facilities in Kansas and Colorado were contacted to complete questionnaires about their lighting and resident’s behaviors. Upon analysis, these facilities concurred with research about lamp types, daylight, and luminaire layouts showing higher levels of illumination were preferred by APs and also where they displayed their best behaviors. Ninety percent of facilities agreed that APs enjoyed sitting by the windows, and over half agreed APs exhibited better behavior while seated here. Homes with CLFs documented APs were typically more calm and happy than those with tubular fluorescents, but the conclusions made need additional research to support the findings.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Thomas Logan / Typical building sanitary lines are sloped at a minimum of 1/8” to utilize gravity and prevent liquid separation from solid waste. The purpose of this research is to analyze how a lesser amount of water from a 1.6 gallon per flush water closet affects drainage in a four inch diameter pipe at 1/4" slope. Low flow water closet manufacturers ensure that waste clears the bowl, but there is no significant research following the flushed water further down the pipe line. This research utilizes a 1.6 gallon per flush floor-mounted water closet connected to 30 feet of sloped four inch PVC Drain Waste Vent piping. Data presented from 25 flush trials indicates that further research needs to be conducted at a smaller pipe diameter. Four-inch piping is too large, causing the 1.6 gallons of water to quickly lose the required force over the course of 30 feet, resulting in pipe line clogs. An average of four additional water-only flushes are necessary to completely clear the test media and toilet paper from the pipe. This research references previously published research and focuses on test results presented by the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition. Two case studies of city wide replacements of old water closets are presented to discuss the viability of city wide mandates in relation to water conservation.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Julia A. Keen / The purpose of this report is to provide information on Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) as a construction project delivery method and identify some of the obstacles that are limiting its implementation into the design and construction industry. This report includes a general overview of IPD and a comparison to traditional project delivery methods: Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and Construction Manager at Risk. The advantages of IPD and its possible positive impact on the industry is introduced followed by the three major obstacles that must be evaluated and resolved before this delivery method can begin to be embraced by the industry. The three major obstacles include: contracts, insurance, and IPD structure for facilitation. Each of these obstacles is explored in detail and solutions being successfully implemented by industry professionals are presented. Finally, conclusions about the future of IPD are presented along with future research that needs to be conducted for a better overall understanding of IPD.