Homework - Model Adaptation Activity

Homework - Model Adaptation Activity

Campus Sprinkler System Design

This problem is to be completed by your entire team

Internal Memo
To: Engineering Team
From: Cathleen Lopez, Senior Director, University Physical Facilities
Re: Campus Landscaping Project
I received your team's initial guidelines for selection and placement of sprinkler heads and your documentation has been reviewed favorably by the University Physical Facilities Landscaping Committee. However, we believe the guidelines suggestedby your team will need revising based on new information now available.
We are now considering irrigation of campus landscapes that include not only grassy areas but also small bushes and perennial flowers. I am providing you with manufacturer data for a third type of sprinkler head that is designed specifically for this purpose. I am also resending the information regarding the two sprinkler heads for grass irrigation. Again, it is essential that the sprinkler system evenly distribute water over all grassy areas. To establish grass with limited variation in color, all grass must receive as equal an amount of water as possible.
Since I last contacted you, we have gathered additional information to consider in designing the overall sprinkler system. First, I have enclosed a map of the entire area of campus that we are planning to water. This map indicates the location and of several large trees, whose presence may hinder even water distribution. The older trees on campus create two distinct challenges: their girth will significantly block water distribution, and the large roots close to the trees cannot be destroyed to lay piping for the sprinkler system.
Second, we have learned that our water source has high iron content. As a result, many of the buildings which were routinely sprayed by sprinklers have become stained. We are currently seeking a method for removing these stains and would like to prevent them in the future. As you design the sprinkler system, please take measures to avoid watering the sides of the buildings. Walkways and roadways should also be avoided.
Please provide us with your team's revised guidelines for selection and placement of the sprinklers. Using your team's guidelines, demonstrate the use of your procedure on the map enclosed. Provide us with two detailed copies of the map: one with the location and type of all sprinkler heads clearly marked and one with the water distribution clearly marked.
Thank you.
Cathleen Lopez

Sprinkler Types

Information regarding the types of sprinkler heads that will be used in this project is given below. Different types of sprinkler heads have different applications, as well as unique water distribution patterns. Study this information and use it to complete the task that follows.

Figure 1. Rotor and spray sprinkler types available for campus landscaping project.

Type One – Rotor Sprinkler

The rotor sprinkler (Figure 1) shoots water via a rotating head. A stream of water is emitted as the head rotates. This type of head is typically used for watering large areas.

The adjustable sprinkling radius is 12 to 25 feet. The head can be adjusted to rotate from 40 degrees to 360 degrees. With this type of sprinkler head, most water falls furthest from the head, with little water falling close to the sprinkler head.

Type Two – Spray Sprinkler

The spray sprinkler head (Figure 1) provides a constant flow of water to the surrounding area. This type of head is best for watering long, narrow strips of land.

The head has an adjustable radius of 3 to 8 feet. With this sprinkler head, most water falls closest to the head, with the least amount falling at the outer edge of the radius.

Type Three – Shrub and Flower Spray Sprinkler

Figure 2. Shrub & Flower Spray Sprinkler

The spray type head (Figure 2) attaches atop a narrow, vertical pipe. This head is primarily placed in flower beds and among delicate, decorative and small shrubs. Because of the fine mist these heads spray, they are not suitable for grass irrigation.

The sprinkler heads have an adjustable sprinkling radius of 2 to 4.5 feet.The vertical pipes can range in height from six inches to two feet above the ground.

Design Task:

The Senior Director of the Campus Landscaping Project has chosen different teams of engineers to consider different initial aspects of the landscaping project. The Director would like your team to consider the selection and placement of sprinklers. After your work on the design portion of the project is complete, another team will be asked to examine the cost of your proposal. Your work should focus on development of guidelines for creating a practical, aesthetically pleasing, and efficient sprinkler system for campus grounds similar to the bounded areashown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Campus map demonstrating tree and flower garden locations.

In the design of the campus sprinkler system, your team must work to provide water to the gardens and grassy areas as uniformly as possible. Uneven distribution of water can result in differing shades of green across grassy areas. Too little water can cause grass to die, and too much water can drown grass in mud.

In addition to ensuring an even water distribution, the university requests that you limit water waste. Your team should try to minimize the amount of water landing on walkways, parking lots, and roadways. No walkways or road lanes should ever be completely crossed by water flow from a sprinkler. Because the water supply has been found to contain heavy amounts of iron, efforts should also be taken to avoid spraying water on buildings, as the iron can result in discoloration over time.

Your team's report to the Senior Director, written in a Word document not to exceed 2 single spaced pages, should include the following:

A revision of your guidelines for placing sprinkler heads on any section of campus, considering even water distribution, obstacles, and minimal water waste. For example, explain which heads you place first, where you place them, and why they should be placed first. Your team must highlight and provide reasoning for changes to your guidelines since working with the Littrel Hall design project (from the lab MEA).
A recommendation for the number of each type of sprinkler head required to complete the sprinkler system design project for the bounded area of campus shown in Figure 3.
A diagram indicating where each of the sprinkler heads will be located. (You can copy Figure 4 into your Word document and use Word draw tools to indicate where your sprinklers are.Other means of creating your diagram are acceptable as long as they can be included as a picture in your Word document.) The diagram does not count towards the 2 page limit.
A second diagram indicating the water dispersion of each of the sprinkler heads, so that even distribution and limited overspray of the water can be verified. (Again, you can copy Figure 4 into your Word document and use Word draw tools to indicate where your sprinklers are. Other means of creating your diagram are acceptable as long as they can be included as a picture in your Word document.) The diagram does not count towards the 2 page limit.
A list of any additional concerns you have or information you would need to improve the efficiency and quality of the sprinkler system design plan.

Your team's report must be supported by your computations. All computations must be performed in Excel using appropriate absolute, relative, and mixed cell references. Your team must use the standard Excel template to create an organized, easy to follow spreadsheet.

Figure 4. Campus map for demonstrating team guidelines.