South Dakota State University Animal Resource Wing

South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD

West Plains Engineering provided mechanical, electrical design and construction administrative services for this 20,000 square foot research facility. The building not only houses research animals for several departments at the University, but also provides areas for exam, treatment and containment. The facility is designed with Biosafety Level 2 and 3 Containment Areas.

The mechanical systems included plumbing, heating, fire protection, air conditioning and ventilation systems. The ventilation systems provide high volume air changes to the holding areas. All areas have precise temperature control for both heating and cooling. Room temperatures can be set and logged by computer for research purposes. Since high volumes of outdoor air are used, a heat recovery system is utilized to recover waste heat from the exhaust to pre–heat incoming air. Two 150-ton chillers provide chilled water to redundant air handling units for cooling purposes. Air handling units and exhaust systems utilize variable frequency drives to maintain a constant volume of air to the facility. Precise air metering devices are used at each room to maintain the necessary air pressure relationships required for biocontainment safety.

The electrical distribution and lighting systems are designed to withstand the high moisture levels of frequent cleaning. The lighting systems in the holding areas can be computer controlled for research purposes.

Main mechanical and electrical systems are installed in a utility mezzanine above the main floor facility. A majority of maintenance and repair can be accomplished without disturbing research areas.

This facility compliments an adjoining research facility (Animal Disease Research Diagnostic Laboratory) completed in 1999. West Plains Engineering also provided mechanical and electrical engineering services for this building.