New UWRL Building Structural, Hydraulic, and Site Design
Team: Wade Hendrickson, Ashley McAllister, Tyler Mindrum, Bryson Parker, Spencer Young
Sponsor: Dunaway Engineering
Project
The Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL), is a research facility located at the mouth of Logan Canyon that conducts world-leading hydraulic, hydrologic, and environmental research. The facility currently houses two hydraulics laboratories, the Environmental Quality Laboratory, and the Logan River Observatory. The existing infrastructure has reached its capacity, limiting the UWRL's ability to accommodate new projects and expand its research capabilities.
Figure 1. Brazos Dam Model Study (uwrl.usu.edu)
Figure 2. 72 in. Venturi in Channel (uwrl.usu.edu)
Design Goals
Project Components
Structural:
- Computer model (RAM and REVIT)
- Structural plan set
- Calculations
Hydraulic:
- Design pumps, valves, sump, and pipeline
- Hydraulic calculations and plan set
Site:
- Grading, layout, demolition, utility, and storm drainage design
- Construction documents
Alternatives Considered
Structural:
- Concrete tilt-up
- Steel frame building
Hydraulic:
- Pump sizes
- Pipe system layout
- Sump location
Site:
- Site 1: New building near road
- Site 2: New building near SMASH Lab
- Site 3: Remodel existing lab building
Figure 3. Revit Model
Methods
Cascade Engineering designed a steel frame laboratory building tailored to the UWRL's evolving needs. This proposed expansion will enhance research capacity, optimize the functionality of existing facilities, drive profitability, and support the UWRL's long-term growth objectives.
Figure 4 shows the alternatives site locations analyzed. Figure 5 shows the final site plan.
Figure 4. Alternative Site Locations
Figure 5. Site Plan for Selected Alternative
Thank you to Professor Ball, our faculty advisor Zac Sharp, and our external P.E. Nathan Fox.