Optimized Core Cutting for Multiple Toilets in an Airport Lounge
Picture Credit : https://www.michiganconcrete.com/concrete-vertical-core-drilling
A client is developing domestic and international lounges on the first floor of an airport. The domestic lounge is a newly constructed, unoccupied space requiring minor finishing work, while the international lounge is already occupied and equipped with existing MEP services, such as ducting, sprinklers, a floor-mounted air handling unit (AHU), and existing toilet facilities. The building comprises a ground floor, first floor, and terrace, with a gross floor area of approximately 10,000 square feet per level.
Scope of Work
Qpro is responsible for the MEP design for both lounges, including the toilet facilities. Each toilet area includes male and female facilities outfitted with water closets, washbasins, and low-flow sanitary fixtures.
Challenge
Typically, water closet traps are installed upward and connected individually to the soil line. However, due to the compact layout of the toilet spaces in this project, the traps are positioned close together. This configuration requires closely spaced core cuts, with a minimum spacing of 2000 mm, to accommodate the soil line. These closely spaced cuts pose a potential risk to the structural stability of the building.
Proposed Solution
To address this challenge, Qpro proposed a design utilizing a single core cut for three toilets, with a common manifold system for the soil line. This solution was developed in collaboration with the architects and the client and was implemented as a mock-up for testing.
Results
The mock-up demonstrated the effectiveness of the design, with no issues observed during soil discharge into the main downcomer. The flow of soil was notably smoother compared to traditional installations with individual traps. Following the successful mock-up, this approach was extended to the remaining toilets, ensuring both functionality and structural integrity.
This innovative design solution effectively reduces the need for multiple core cuts, safeguarding the building’s structural stability while enhancing the efficiency of the sanitary system.