Projects

SSA provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design for the nine-story, 281,000 square foot Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry Clinical Education Facility. The building consists of nine different types of clinical environments with 355 total operatories (chairs) ranging from general practice to prosthodontics and implant surgery, labs, imaging, sterile processing labs, classrooms, student spaces, large and small conference rooms, offices and a rooftop central utility plant. It also includes a 275,000 space, 109,000 sq. ft. three level parking garage.

The clinics consist of:

• General Practice Clinic/ Pre-Doc Removable / DAU / ATC
• Oral Diagnosis & Radiology / Imaging Center
• Oral Surgery & Cranial Maxillofacial Prosthodontics
• Pediatrics & Orthodontics
• Endodontics
• Periodontics & Hygiene
• Graduate Prosthodontics & Grad. Implant Surgery Clinic
• AEGD
• Clinical Research

The mechanical systems consist of a central utility plant with three 400-ton VFD drive chillers and three 4,000-MBH heating hot water (HHW) gas fired boilers with each system providing N+1 redundancy.  Chilled Water (CHW) and heating hot water pumps are sized for N+1 redundancy.  The CHW system is configured in variable primary flow while the HHW system is primary/secondary.  The building is served by four manifolded VAV air handlers – located in the penthouse mechanical room – through vertical chases. A pretreatment outside air unit (AHU) with energy recovery enthalpy wheel provides outside air to these AHU’s. Steam is provided locally by small steam generators located close to loads.

Power to the building is provided by 480-V double ended switchgear from utility owned transformers.  Emerging power is generated by a diesel generator with 24 hour fuel storage. This power is distributed through transfer switches for emergency power and standby power.  LED lighting is provided throughout the building with local occupancy sensors or multiple switching and daylighting controls where applicable.

Plumbing systems consist of typical DWV and storm drain piping, natural gas, soft water and RO water for specific use, instrument grade and medical grade compressed air, medical vacuum and dental chair vacuum systems, and central oxygen, nitrogen and nitrous oxide systems.

The condensate from air handlers, some roof rain water and backwash from RO water systems are routed to a storage tank for cooling tower makeup water. Low flow plumbing fixtures are provided. 

The project is designed for LEED criteria without LEED certifications per owners design guidelines.