Commissioning and Close-out of Technically Complex Buildings:
A Lifecycle Approach
Presented to ISPEAugust 9, 2005
Facilitated by Ric Holman and Adam BenzulyAffiliated Engineers, Inc. – Walnut Creek, CA
A Quick Introduction of AEI…A Quick Introduction of AEI…
• Full service MEP firm with national resources.
• Nationwide Cx provider for over 20 years.• Specialize in technically complex R&D and
healthcare projects.• 20+ dedicated Cx staff.• Recent clients include: Chiron, UCSF,
Alameda County, Gap Inc., Amgen, UCB, etc.
Our quick bio…Our quick bio…
• Ric Holman, CSI– 20+ years in
construction project delivery.
– Walnut Creek Cx Group Leader.
– Extensive field experience
– Has found a new home underwater.
• Adam Benzuly, P.E.– Background in HVAC
design.– Commissioned over
1,000,000 sq. ft. of new construction.
– Project Manager for Mechanical and Field Services Depts.
– Contributor to LBNL Cx study.
What Cx Means to AEIWhat Cx Means to AEI
• A systematic process of ensuring that all building systems perform interactively according to the design intent and the Owner’s operational needs.
• Design phase activities• Construction phase activities• Post-occupancy activities
Close-out IssuesClose-out Issues
• What are Contract Document requirements?– O&M Manuals– Punchlist– Validation– Warranty– Move-in– Record drawings– Training– Reconciliation of Change Orders?
The Quality Assurance CycleThe Quality Assurance Cycle
Communicate Expectations
RefineExpectations
Document Outcome
Verify Execution
Discussion Ideas…Discussion Ideas…
• Cx/validation similarities?
• Documentation vs. operational tools
• How to determine desired outcome?
• How to incorporate requirements into Contract Docs?
• Cx cost/benefits?
• Typical close-out problems?
• How to make sure things continue to work as intended?
• Tracking close-out items to completion.
• When Cx finds problems?