Technical
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Services:
Innovations:
Revit (BIM) Software
RFD has developed in-house Laboratory Furnishings Parametric Families to expedite our scope of work in the most efficient manner. These components were created with flexibility in mind to give full control over its visibility to other Design-Team members. Since the work is created in 3D throughout the design process, elevations and perspectives are quickly generated to better communicate the design intent to the client. Interdisciplinary coordination can be done rapidly and problem areas can be detected and corrected with “clash detection”. RFD fully embraces new software such as BIM/Revit, but we remain committed to hard-copy quality control reviews and submissions of printed documents on all of our projects.
Mechanical Systems 3-D BIM Modeling
RFD employs BIM Revit 3-D software for Plumbing, HVAC, and Process piping design for Laboratory related mechanical systems. The use of 3-D modeling allows detailed coordination of the Laboratory mechanical systems with the building structure, Architectural components, Laboratory Furnishing, and connection to central building mechanical distribution systems. RFD has developed many of the custom 3-D models used for detailed mechanical components within the Laboratories. Through the use of BIM, we are able to better communicate the design of Laboratory mechanical systems to the client, provide enhanced design team coordination, and improved overall project delivery quality.
Biological Safety Level Requirements
The Biological Safety Level Requirements chart illustrates requirements for biosafety levels 1-3+, for laboratories, plant and animal containment utilizing the NIH-CDC BMBL (Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories). This simple chart allows comparison of design related elements, differentiating between requirements and recommended best practice. Revisions in the 5th Edition BMBL are also integrated.
Animal Caging and Washing Program
The Animal Caging and Washing Program contains detailed manufacturers’ information on all major cage and rack systems, as well as cagewashing equipment. Inputting a few details such as desired species, population and anticipated washing regimen produces results indicating the utilization for each type/size of cagewasher to ensure right-sizing of equipment, as well as cooling loads, utility requirements, and space distribution for holding and cagewashing.
Program Space List
The Program Space List tracks spaces by types and departments, illustrates the progression of spaces through the design process, and the effects of increasing or decreasing the building efficiency, or grossing factor. This tool readily shows the overall impact of adding or reducing space, changes in laboratory/laboratory support ratio, and efficiency adjustments. By separating offices, administrative space and classrooms from laboratories and laboratory support spaces, comparison with critical ratios allows validation of space allocations. Because laboratories cost significantly more to construct, operate and maintain than other space types, the ability to observe changes to the space allocations through the design process is of primary importance.