Science Building Phase 2 Roof Work
                        Spring-Summer, 2006
                         

Draft:  February 16, 2006

With the expansion of the Science Building, new air handling systems
replace old systems.  This requires removing some units, adding others, and
reworking many conduits.  

Work in spring-summer 2006 takes place in two main areas:

   area 1:  roof of the 1964 wing (over physics and the chemistry general
            labs; air handler unit 1)

   area 2:  roof of the 1951 wing (above biology, the chemistry stockroom,
            and neighboring chemistry labs; air handler unit 2)

During this work, two types of disruption are anticipated:

   * noise and vibration from the roof may disrupt activities in 
     laboratories and other areas below
   * work on air handling units will cut ventilation in targeted
     areas

To the extent possible, work is scheduled to minimize disruption to courses
and research.  Current plans follow this schedule:



         Area 1                          Area 2
Spring Break
         Intermittent noise anticipated  No disruption anticipated
         from roof work to install 
         curbs for new handler units

April-May 14
        Roof preparation and re-roofing  Intermittent noise anticipated
        in anticipation of new units     above chem. stockroom and
                                         nearby labs

        workers will try to finish       workers will try to finish
        noisy parts before 1:00 pm       noisy parts before 1:00 pm
        lab periods each day             lab periods each day

May 15-26 (exam week and week of graduation week)
        no intake ventilation to the     ventilation cut to
        area; hood sashes must stay      northeastern chemistry labs
        closed throughout this           for 2-3 days
        period to avoid possible
        circulation of fumes             ventilation available to
                                         other areas throughout
        
May 27-August 6 (10-week summer research period)
        reroofing and setting of         reroofing and setting of
        new units will cause some        new units will cause some 
        intermittent noise               intermittent noises
        (e.g., dull thuds)               (e.g., dull thuds)

August 7-18 (last two weeks before New Student Days)
        no ventilation to connect        no ventilation to install
        new air handler units to         new units and to install
        existing ducts                   interim ducting for fall
                                         semester

Summary:  
Most disruption of current ventilation is localized to 2 two-week
intervals:

   * May 15-26:  Exam week and the week of graduation
   * August 7-18:  Last 2 weeks before New Student Days, after summer research
   
At other times, work on the roof will involve surface preparation,
removal of old materials, installation of new systems, rerouting and
reconnecting of conduit, etc.  This work can be done without disrupting
current air handling systems, but it may involve intermittent noise.
Whenever possible, noisy work will be completed before the start of 1:00 pm
labs.