A series of residence hall renovations on the campus of The Ohio State University posed a unique challenge – maintaining mechanical and water service after demolition of the residence hall that contains the current energy plant for the area. TP Mechanical developed a creative solution – a temporary energy plant to operate for 18 months while construction of the replacement residence hall and energy plant is completed.

The TP Mechanical team needed to deliver an operational energy plant, complete with exterior building, in just 90 days. The solution included the combined efforts of the TP Mechanical team to construct a high quality, free-standing plant. More than 60% of the project was prefabrication in TP Mechanical’s ISO-certified Fabrication Shop. Our team provided a comprehensive process that included concept, design, BIM, prefabrication, packaging, shipping, installation and serving as the general contractor.

The onsite team handled underground piping and tie-ins to the existing residence halls to be served by the plant, including domestic hot water and heating hot water to multiple buildings. The switchover was executed over Thanksgiving break to eliminate disruption to resident students and deliver a seamless exchange. The Fabrication Shop manufactured equipment skids and pipe headers, designed with BIM for seamless integration. Each section of the plant was prefabricated to fit in its assigned space in the plant.

With just six weeks remaining, the skids were wrapped for transportation and delivered to the field. The shortened construction schedule was achievable because of this simultaneous work in the field and the shop. The field team then had plenty of time to complete connections, equipment flues, tie-ins, insulation, ventilation, electrical terminations and controls.

The creative problem solving approach of TP Mechanical delivered a successful project that allowed Ohio State to keep its $350 million master plan in motion. With precision scheduling and optimal coordination, the team collaborated with the general contractor for the master plan, Messer Construction, to meet all deadlines and exceed the project expectations.