Overview
This 164,000 SF Design-Build Project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
is the new home for scientists and other groups whose mission is
to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons through deterrence,
detection, and monitoring; a crucial responsibility considering the
array and extent of terrorist organizations throughout the world.
Security issues were definitely the driving factor on design, which
required special measures for sound transmission in all mechanical
and electrical systems. The facility includes astrophysics and radiological
laboratories, optics laboratories/clean room, communications laboratories,
shielded laboratory rooms, development laboratories, machine shops,
conference rooms, and administrative offices. Also included were
special construction challenges in areas of the building for Sensitive
Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) and Vault Type Rooms
(VTR), which require added security and a sound attenuation rating
of STC-45.
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Details
The laboratories require process-chilled water; liquid nitrogen (LN2) storage
tank and piping systems, and a nuclear grade HEPA filter exhaust system.
The security requirement of VTR and SCIF rooms and suites are maintained
by decoupling the mechanical systems and by man bars.
Two 340-ton air-cooled chillers, 13 air-handling units and 10 computer
room units cool the building. The hot water for heating is produced
by heat exchangers and LANL plant steam. The electrical distribution
system includes two 4,000 amp 15 kV/480 Volt outdoor substations,
one 4,000 amp 480 Volt indoor switchboard, one 2,500 amp 480 Volt
indoor switchboard, and numerous distribution panels, motor control
centers, bus duct, UPS system, and isolated-ground TVSS panel boards.
Also included are building security systems, fiber optic communications,
fire alarm, and lighting. |
