Facility Testing Case Studies

FMWRC Lodge, UT

Facility Type: Army Lodge Agency: FMWRC BCRA conducted an invasive forensic investigation of a building envelope and HVAC mechanical system at an Army Lodge in Utah. For this structure to function properly and comply with the requirements of the RFP, the building required a redesign of the mechanical HVAC system and other various elements of the building exterior envelope. Work included testing the thermal performance of the building envelope and verification of the air leakage rate. During building pressurization, infrared thermography was used along with smoke testing to identify air leakage pathways. BCRA’s investigation team determined the root causes for the building’s poor operation and identified two primary deficiencies that were the cause of the building’s unacceptable level of thermal comfort. These two primary deficiencies did not conform at ASHRAE 90.1-2001 and therefore also didn’t comply with the contract RFP. After BCRA’s recommended modifications were implemented, the building began to function properly and occupant comfort was attainable year round.

USACE Brigade Complex, WA

Facility Type: Brigade Complex Agency: USACE BCRA provided air barrier consulting services for multiple buildings in a Brigade Combat Team Complex in Washington. The project included seven buildings that ranged in type and usage; all on separate construction timelines. Scope of work included peer review of construction documents in regards to air barrier strategies and preparation of “best practice” recommendations. BCRA’s recommendations are verified in accordance to the mandated testing specification outlined in the formal RFP. The first seven units passed the USACE requirements for air-tightness and were considered to be a representative sample based on the 2005 California Energy Efficiency Standards sampling methodology. With these results, construction practices were verified and the building was delivered successfully within the constraints of the RFP. BCRA will be available to consult on tightening measures of the enclosure throughout the work process to achieve maximum level of air tightness, which will provide long-term sustainability and energy efficiency for the buildings in review.

USACE Historical Renovation, DC

Facility Type: Historical Renovation Agency: USACE BCRA evaluated and pressure tested the air enclosure of both the annex and the auditorium of a historical building in Washington, DC. Testing criteria was focused on what was outlined in the RFP: Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Attack (CBR). The annex existed primarily as a ~89,371 ft3 underground facility with only the roof exposed above grade as a plaza deck. The top portion of the south wall was exposed to the parking area and the annex was in a state of construction renovation. The building was not conditioned as the finish work had been removed. Possible air infiltration areas were noted during the primary inspection as well as during the testing. BCRA’s primary investigation of the annex and auditorium showed typical envelope breach sites that allowed air infiltration. During the air testing, these locations were confirmed to be points of air intrusion (see Figures 1-2). Air barrier failures not visible during the initial inspections showed up during the air test as cooler exterior air entered the building.