Rhino

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P-154 Joint Aircrew Escape Component Center

Owner

U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC)

Location

Naval Surface
Warfare Center

Project Information

3 Buildings / 22,100 SF (total)
Close coordination amongst Rhino FPE, client, general contractor, & suppliers to devise practical solutions

Sector

This project encompassed construction of three new buildings: a 3,000 sf Magazine Building, 8,600 sf Storage Facility, and 10,500 sf Office Building. At project outset, Rhino conducted interviews with the tenant to gain an understanding of the daily facility operations planned for each structure along with the types of hazardous materials to be stored and the functional processes to be conducted. Our subsequent fire protection systems designs were based on these interviews and applicable codes to provide an adequate level of protection.

The fire alarm system was designed for all three buildings. Due to small building size, sprinkler systems were required for only two structures. Rhino also provided an explosion suppression system designed to provide detection and suppression of an oxidizing explosion in under 500 milliseconds for a portion of one building to satisfy client requirements.

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Kabul LSA

Owner

U.S. Department of State

Location

Kabul, Afghanistan

Project Information

Self-Supporting Compound for 1,200 personnel
Design / Build
Fast-Track Schedule

Sector

Development of a new, self-supporting, multi-use compound with all mission operations support facilities within a secure perimeter. The 15-acre compound encompassed construction of 36 buildings including residential, dining, medical, dog kennel, training and recreational areas, laundry, multiple warehouses, and other facilities. As Fire Protection Designer of Record, Rhino developed the fire protection infrastructure for the compound as well as designs for each facility.

Housing is provided via prefabricated Containerized Housing Units (CHUs) stacked three stories high with unheated exterior corridors. Rhino routed fire protection water piping to all sleeping units by interconnecting heated areas with sections of underground piping to bypass unheated areas, and thus protect the piping runs from freezing. We also minimized the number of valves and piping for an economical and simple system installation.

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Pennsylvania State University – Fire Alarm System Upgrades

Owner

The Pennsylvania State University

Location

University Park, PA
United States

Project Information

49 Buildings
Designed & Implemented in Six Phases
retrofit of the existing fire alarm systems

Sector

Rhino FPE was engaged to provide the retrofit of fire alarm systems in 49 occupied buildings at the University’s flagship campus. The facilities were various sizes and uses, and included research labs, classrooms, auditoriums, historic buildings, and large venues such as the Eisenhower Auditorium|Center for the Performing Arts.

Rhino conduced a review of the existing fire alarm system, developed designs in accordance with applicable codes; provided power calculations; developed full contract documents and a complete system layout; provided construction phase services; and served as Owner’s Representative for acceptance testing. Several buildings provided notification challenges which Rhino addressed by obtaining variances from the PA Department of Labor and Industry. Work was conducted in six phases and with minimal disruption to building occupants and on-going activities.

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Herbert C. Hoover Building Renovation

Owner

U.S. General Services
Administration

Location

Washington, DC
United States

Project Information

1.8 million SF
Scope: Phases 4-8
renovation to modernize, while preserving historic spaces

Sector

Completed in 1932 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Herbert C. Hoover Building is currently undergoing an 8-phased renovation to modernize infrastructure and create open and flexible office space. The building, headquarters for the U.S. Department of Commerce, will remain fully occupied during the renovation through the use of swing space.

Rhino provided life safety and code consulting for existing building construction (specifying fire rated partitions/walls and egress components (stair width, exit passageways, etc.) and design of fire protection systems. Key elements were maintaining fire protection and life safety functionality in existing spaces during construction and preservation of historical building features.

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Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium

Owner

Washington Sports and
Entertainment, LP

Location

Washington, DC
United States

Project Information

Creative Fire Alarm & Suppression Design Solutions
250,000 SF
Multiple types of suppression/
scoreboard use for notification

Sector

Rhino FPE provided the design of the fire alarm, smoke control, and fire suppression systems for the new stadium, office building, and parking garages. The fire alarm design was challenging. Rhino’s solution included coordinating with code authorities and developing a notification scheme using the stadium scoreboard, scrolling board, and Public Address to provide audio notification and visual graphic of egress. We worked closely with the scoreboard manufacturer to ensure planned function.

Multiple types of fire suppression were required: water spray system to achieve required fire resistance rating for exposed steel; wet sprinkler for heated areas; dry system for partially unconditioned spaces; and double interlock pre-action and FM systems for the scoreboard control and main electrical rooms. In total, there are 25 sprinkler zones in the stadium.