Florida International University Chiller Plant, MIAMI, FL

CLIENT OBJECTIVES

To supplement its existing chilled water generation operations with an additional satellite plant to handle the growing research and academic health center located at the Modesto M. Maidique Campus in Miami.

VALUE DELIVERED

Poole & Kent responded to the University’s request for Construction Manager Services in 2010 and was selected as Construction Manager (CM) over other nationally recognized CM firms. During the pre-construction phase, P&K’s responsibilities consisted of providing input and review at each milestone for design documents generated by SGM Engineering. P&K reviewed the documents for feasibility of construction, availability of materials and labor, procurement lead times, and also provided recommendations for alternative materials, designs, and construction methods that affected cost and/ or schedule. P&K was also responsible for the development of detailed schedules and estimates of the work, which were updated throughout the design phase to ensure the project remained within the FIU’s budget and time frames. Upon completion of the final construction documents, P&K submitted a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal to FIU.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

After winning this project, P&K handled all coordination with trade contractors including pre-qualifications, public advertisements, bid evaluations, and execution of trade contracts. P&K created six bid packages for the project: site work, general construction, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and controls. P&K managed every aspect of the day-to-day activities associated with construction including scheduling SCOPE OF SERVICES trade contractors, completing progress logs and reports, and negotiating change orders. P&K also implemented and maintained quality control and health and safety programs throughout the construction period. The project was completed safely, on time, well within budget, and to FIU’s satisfaction. The site identified for the facility posed some unique challenges in that the designers had to aesthetically blend a highly industrial, utilitarian structure within a busy area of campus and highly visible public location. Likewise, construction of the facility required heavy coordination and scheduling so as to not disrupt normal campus operations and pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Upon build out, this plant will be largest standalone central energy plant in the State University System (SUS).

SOLUTIONS

P&K’s primary responsibility as the Construction Manger was to manage, supervise, and successfully execute the construction phase of the project. The project, in general, consisted of the following components:

• A 14,000 s.f. building consisting of a 55-foot tilt wall system to house all equipment
• Installation of two FIU-furnished 1,500 ton chillers
• Installation of two FIU-furnished 1,500 ton cooling towers
• Nine pumps ranging from 100 – 250 HP
• 450 linear feet of underground insulated chilled water distribution piping connecting to the existing campus chilled water loop
• Electrical/mechanical and structural components for three additional chillers and cooling towers to be installed in the future
• All related structural, concrete, and steel work

BACKGROUND

P&K has a long-standing relationship with Florida International University (FIU) and has successfully completed numerous construction management projects for the university, including three previous chiller plants totaling an installed capacity of 15,500 tons. FIU recently recognized the need to supplement its existing chilled water generation operations with an additional satellite plant to handle the growing research and academic health center located at the Modesto M. Maidique Campus in Miami. The satellite plant is sized for an ultimate cooling capacity of 7,500 tons, with two 1,500 ton chiller units installed initially.

OPERATING COMPANY:
Poole & Kent Company of Florida

CLIENT:
Florida International University

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER:
Poole & Kent Company of Florida

ENGINEER:
SGM Engineering

SCHEDULE:
January 2012 to June 2013

COST:
$5,531,904

	Traditional Delivery
	Design/Build
	Construction Management
	Prime Contractor
	New Construction
	Retrofit/Renovation
	Existing Facility