The Construction Process at A Glance
Wedge 2-5 Renovations Continue
As the renovations continue in the Pentagon, it's time again to highlight what the Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office (PENREN) face to complete such a massive endeavor. With approximately 4 million square feet of space, the design-build renovation of Wedges 2-5 includes the removal of all hazardous materials, replacement of all building systems, addition of new elevators and escalators to improve vertical circulation, and installation of new security and telecommunications systems. Additionally, sustainable design measures and force protection initiatives prompted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack have been successfully integrated into the design.
There are going to be a variety of challenges that will be faced when relocating and coordinating 5,000 tenants per renovation phase, and 20,000 people altogether occupying Wedges 2-5. Some of these include the integration of changing requirements (primarily telecommunications and force protection upgrades), tenant requirements gathering, and coordination of project turnover and tenant relocations.
In order to help complete the renovation of the Pentagon four years earlier than previously anticipated, the wedges were put on a short interval construction schedule (SIPS). Each wedge was divided into areas of approximately 10,000 square feet, where every individual trade is allowed five days to complete their particular task before moving on to the next 10,000 square foot area. The sprinkler mains are installed first, followed by additional plumbing work, the HVAC installation, then electrical work, etc. The first area is completed in 26 weeks with the remaining areas following every week thereafter.
Another way PENREN supplements the aggressive schedule is through the Universal Space Plan (USP). Under the USP, Pentagon offices are constructed as generically as possible with a very robust infrastructure in order to accommodate all standard DoD office configurations. The offices are built using open office bays, enhanced natural lighting, and "smart walls," which are permanently constructed walls that provide a rigid yet easily reconfigured space.
Composed of designers, constructors and experts in sustainable
construction initiatives and environmentally preferred products, the
Wedges 2-5 design-build team is also using an integrated sustainable
design and construction approach that evaluates design decisions
in a holistic framework. Sustainable design includes not only
environmental considerations, but how environment integrates with
cost, schedule, operations, maintenance, and worker/employee consideration.
Some features from the Wedge 2 renovation included: 90
percent of all concrete and metal were diverted from landfills, high
efficiency lights requiring less lumens, recycled gypsum wall board,
and highly sustainable recycled-content carpet.
The renovation of Wedges 2-5 is being accomplished in four major increments, wedge by wedge, each of which has been sub-phased to accommodate the accelerated schedule: Wedge 2 was completed in December 2005, and Wedge 3 construction will be finished in November of this year, while 3,000-plus tenants will be moving into Wedge 3.2 this month. With all of the hurdles PENREN must face to complete such an immense undertaking, they make sure the Pentagon renovations continue to be "On Cost, On Schedule, and Built for the Next 50 Years."
