The existing Penn State Smeal College of Business Building is currently a composite steel framed system with ordinary moment frames.  One of the benefits of the existing design is the relative light weight of a steel system compared to a concrete structure.  The composite system allows for a reduction of steel member depth as opposed to a non-composite system.  Because the structure was kept lightweight, the effect of the unpredictable soil – with possible sinkholes and poor soil quality – was less impactful on the footing design.  An important bonus of a moment frame system is floor plan flexibility, since there are no members within frames.  There are negatives aspects to moment frames, such as the lack of rigidity, as well as the cost of moment connections.  The spring semester work must respect the original design concerns, but it is also important to see what alternatives are possible.

                The proposed structure will include a similar design to the existing steel structure.   The bay size will be kept similar, but will vary in areas where the columns seem to be in unnecessary locations, or where bay sizes seemed unnecessarily small.  One of the most important aspects of the design is to not radically change the architecture to accommodate the redesigned structure.  In order for this to work, the braced frames will vary in style, including diagonally braced and chevrons, as well as eccentrically braced if necessary.  If absolutely necessary, moment frames could be utilized if there was no other option, but that would be the last possible solution.  In order to achieve the required two-hour fire rating, while not having to apply any extra fireproofing, the structure will have 3 ¼” light weight concrete topping on 2VLI22 composite deck.  This is a reduction from the initial design of 4 ½” normal weight concrete topping on 2VLI20 composite deck, which results in a reduction of slab weight from 69 PSF to 42 PSF, and also allows for lighter members.