COVID-19 Design Impact Series |
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Our previous issue of Plains Talk introduced our COVID-19 Design Impact Series by talking about how HVAC design considerations can slow the spread. The use of UV in air handling units and isolation room ventilation both support the fight against COVID-19, but in this edition, we wanted to focus on supporting some of the people on the frontlines of that fight.
First responders have many tools at their disposal, but one of the key elements is simply their ability to respond. Reliable, clear radio communication is critical to their core job function, but can be a challenge in modern buildings where materials, location and interference can block a signal.
In this edition of Plains Talk, we discuss the use of Distributed Antennae Systems as emerging technologies to eliminate communication barriers within buildings - making it possible for first responders to answer the call.
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Strategic Direction Report |
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Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) |
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Amplifying Critical (and Casual) Communication |
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By: Mike Fisher, P.E. | Office Manager/Electrical Engineer
& Jon Kennedy, P.E. | Electrical Department Head
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The electrical industry is chock full of acronyms –LED’s, TVSS…just to name a few. But along with light emitting diodes and transient voltage surge suppression, another useful acronym is gaining traction in building design – Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
DAS are utilized to repeat or amplify signals, such as cellular telephone and emergency responder radio signals, within a building or distinct space. The goal is to create a signal atmosphere within a building that is virtually no less potent than the signal outside.
It’s common, and at times extremely annoying and frustrating, to experience poor or lost cell reception within a building. But when an essential worker trying to use a public-safety communication system, such as emergency responder two-way radio, isn't able to get through, it becomes downright dangerous.
The cause of low signal strength can be the user’s physical location within the facility or even the building construction itself. Materials such as low-e glass, concrete and block walls, and metal roof decking are all common and beneficial features within commercial buildings, but all have the potential to negatively affect communication signals.
Fortunately, DAS presents a solution. The core intent of a permanently installed DAS is to extend and even boost signals within a building or space. These systems are not only nice-to-have features in building design, they are now recognized as integral components to aid our first responders. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the International Fire Code (IFC) have codes requiring DAS be installed in buildings that may otherwise degrade the signal beyond a minimum threshold.
Because a public safety DAS depends on radio frequencies, it is vital that a building study/analysis be performed to determine that adequate coverage is available. This includes hard-to-reach areas such as stairways, basements, and underground parking garages. For areas considered of ‘vital importance’ as designated by the local fire department, NFPA dictates a minimum of 99 percent coverage. In other areas, 90 percent coverage is sufficient. To verify, the building must be tested according to a ’20 grid’ or ’40 grid’ process. In a grid test, each floor of a building is divided into 20' or 40' sections and each section is tested by a public safety radio to ensure that code minimum requirements are achieved. Notably, the buildings proximity to other structures must also be considered. Neighboring buildings, especially in dense downtown settings, can reduce signal strength.
In addition to minimum coverage requirements, there are a number of other codes DAS must meet. The system must have a minimum signal strength of -95dBm, and battery backup must be provided for electrical components for at least 24 hours. The equipment cabling must be two-hour fire rated, along with the room where the head-end equipment is located. Finally, waterproof enclosures must be provided for equipment to prevent a sprinkler system discharge disabling communications during an emergency.
While codes must certainly be met, each DAS design is unique to the building floor plan, construction materials, and location. Two identical buildings may each require a slightly different DAS layout depending on their location and surroundings (or interestingly, one building may require a DAS while another identical building may not require one at all.)
System designers and specifiers should consult with their local authority having jurisdiction to determine the signal frequencies that are required to be tested. Communications with local fire marshals, police departments, and other first responders early in the design process is a key element to incorporating the correct components. Note that local emergency responders may be in the process of changing or upgrading their communication systems, or perhaps they are even changing frequencies. Knowing the local dynamic is important.
The design team can best support Owners in deciding on the need, type and process of selecting a DAS by communicating openly about options and answering the myriad of questions that likely arise. Is the DAS included in the drawings and specs that go out to bid? What happens during testing if it’s determined a DAS is not needed? Can provisions for the system be installed without the expensive system components? Etc. Not every building needs or will find benefit in these systems, but for those that do, the role of a DAS can be a critical tool supporting casual cell users and emergency responders alike.
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Mike Fisher, P.E. is an Electrical Engineer and the Manager of our Sioux Falls office. He has been an engineer in eastern South Dakota for more than 30 years.
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Jonathan Kennedy, P.E., is an Electrical Engineer and Electrical Department Head in our Sioux Falls office. He has more than a decade of experience in the Sioux Falls area.
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Getting Signals Through Steel & Block |
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In 2019, Sioux Falls added a new building to its growing cityscape with the opening of the 54,000 square foot Great Shots Golf complex. This $12 million facility is home to a restaurant, video game center, meeting space, an interactive driving range and the Sanford POWER Golf Academy. But it wasn't so much what was inside the building as what it was made of that started the conversation on a distributed antenna system.
The design specifications for the space required the contractor to analyze the building during the construction process. The results of the analysis indicated there was a need to amplify the emergency responder radio system signal, as the steel and block construction of the building was limiting the signal strength in specific areas. In order to meet code, and assure first responders could receive critical communication from inside the facility, a DAS had to be included.
That said, DAS components were installed in only portions of the building as required, and head-end equipment was co-located along with the main voice evacuation fire alarm control panel. That's an important detail to understand about the systems. They can be designed to amplify only where needed, instead of creating an unnecessary blanket effect, and can be coordinated with other life safety equipment and systems.
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Jonathan Kennedy, P.E., is an Electrical Engineer and Electrical Department Head in our Sioux Falls office. He was the Lead Electrical Engineer on the Great Shots Golf complex, including designing the DAS. Learn more about Jon in our Team Spotlight below! |
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Distributed Antenna Systems are certainly a critical component in assuring emergency communications during emergency events or disasters.
In early 2018, WPE became a member of the design team working on “The Monument” Arena - a large event facility for the City of Rapid City. At the time, the 2015 International Fire Code and the 2016 Edition of NFPA 72 were the adopted codes. The 2016 Edition of NFPA 72 Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems and the 2015 International Fire Code Section 510 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage both outline specific requirements related to Emergency Distributed Antenna Systems (EDAS). (The newest codes for these are the 2018 Edition of the International Fire Code and the 2019 Edition of NFPA 72 – These newest codes added more requirements regarding BDA) Both of these codes outline specific requirements related to coverage, as well as protection of equipment and cable distribution, within buildings.
Most of the codes were derived in reaction to densely populated cities where large towering structures of very dense concrete and steel, which take hours to evacuate, aren't friendly to the passage of radio frequencies. Most radios want line of site, and any barriers significantly reduce signal strength - hence, the need for a DAS. However, in the absence of those dense line of site barriers, some steps can be taken to reduce cost while maintaining code compliance.
During the design process for “The Monument”, WPE worked with local code officials to develop this kind of cost-effective strategy. One item the local code officials did not require was to have the design team perform a study during the design phase of the project to estimate the signal strength throughout the building. These studies are typically costly and still need to be confirmed by actual signal strength measurements within the building after construction. WPE also provided a robust infrastructure that would allow the distribution of cable and installation of antennas to almost any location within the new building with minimal cost impact.
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Mike Sigman, P.E. is an Electrical Engineer and Rapid City Office Manager. Mike is currently the Project Manager and Lead Electrical Engineer for "The Monument" Arena expansion.
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Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) |
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The next wave in signal amplification is being utilized in large, dense structures particularly in urban environments. While we don't see as much of that construction in our Midwest markets, it's important to be educated on the option. The Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) is essentially an enhancement to a DAS. It improves system performance, while also integrating with existing building hardware and third-party APIs to deliver a robust emergency communication system. |
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Title:
Sioux Falls Electrical Department Head
Years with WPE:
3
Home Team:
Wife Nichole, son Mason (6th grade), daughter Erin (2nd grade)
and Sadie the cat.
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Jonathan Kennedy joined West Plains Engineering three years ago and quickly made an impact for our firm. Jon is now the head of the Electrical Department in our Sioux Falls office (where he gets to work with his college roommate, Isaac Anderson!)
Check out our Q&A with Jon below to learn more about his approach to electrical design (and life) in the "new norm", how he's seen DAS grow during his 10+ year career, and why he's more than just a rock star in the engineering field.
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We’ve heard alot about the importance of ventilation and air movement (mechanical systems) in fighting COVID-19 and other viruses. As an electrical engineer, are there any other areas of design that should be considered?
Absolutely. The use of automatic lighting controls in high-usage spaces is one way to reduce contact frequency with light switches. Even using devices such as an Alexa to provide voice-operated control of lighting and HVAC are clever ways of again reducing physical contact with control devices. In healthcare and/or laboratory-type settings, it's beneficial to install light fixtures that utilize a combination of indigo and white LED sources, emitting a narrow spectrum band that has the ability to kill bacteria while providing ambient illumination for the space.
How have you seen the use of DAS change during your career? Is it more prevalent now than a decade ago?
At the start of my career in electrical design and consulting, the term DAS was virtually non-existent. The issues with signal deficiency have likely been a reality for emergency personnel for many years. Now, with support of code, the use of such systems will become commonplace. Likewise, the use of DAS for boosting cellular service in facilities is quickly gaining traction.
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What have you personally been doing during the pandemic to “adjust” to the new normal?
Aside from wearing masks, increased hand washing, and social distancing, the most noticeable change in my day-to-day routine is the decrease in physical social interaction.
What do you do with your free time?
Music has been my free-time passion for years, and I can be found playing guitar in my weekend-warrior band Lunatics Anonymous!
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Photo courtesy of Crystal Kruse of
Kruse Photographics
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West Plains Engineering News |
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Mt. Rushmore Renovation Earns LEED Platinum |
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A major renovation to the concession building and restaurant at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial recently received LEED Platinum certification for sustainable design. West Plains Engineering provided electrical engineering design for elements of the project, which is the first building to achieve LEED O&M (Operation’s & Maintenance) Platinum in South Dakota or in a US National Park unit. In fact, it is only one of 45 projects in the United States to have earned the accreditation.
Some of the upgrades and initiatives that contributed to the certification included installing all new LED lighting that minimizes energy use and light pollution, upgrading heating and cooling systems, generating over 50% of the concession building electricity through a new solar array, diverting over 50% of waste from the landfill, replacing cleaners with green alternatives and installing a rooftop vegetable greenhouse.
Congratulations to the concession owner, Xanterra Travel Collection, and the entire design team on this monumental achievement!
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We're excited to welcome a new face to our team in Sioux Falls! Ben Sonichsen joins us as a CAD Technician with more than seven years of experience.
Originally from Gayville, SD., Ben is a graduate of Southeast Technical College and is skilled in both AutoCAD and Revit. Welcome to WPE Ben!
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Principal Electrical Engineer Todd Weidner celebrates 20 years with WPE this Friday, Dec. 4! Todd has been with our Sioux Falls office since 2000, and took the forward-thinking step to starting the Electrical Specialties Department in 2013. He's a wealth of knowledge and asset to our team!
And Todd...in honor of your anniversary...Go Hawkeyes!
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WPE Selects 2020 Community Investment Recipients |
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One of the key pillars of our company culture is a belief in growth and development. We’re invested in the idea that each member of our team should be given an opportunity to shine not just professionally – but as a member of their community as well. One of the ways we support our staff in this effort is through our multi-faceted corporate philanthropy program.
The Community Investment tier of this program allows each of our four markets to make an annual charitable contribution ($1,000) to a local program that is important in their community. Team members submit nominations in support of their favorite charity or event, including a short description of why its deserving or important. All submissions are reviewed and voted on, by each office, and the 2020 winners were selected in October.
Congratulations to these very deserving groups who are all making a difference in their communities!
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Casper
Nominated by:
Julie Morton
Cedar Rapids
Nominated by:
Mike Hessman
Rapid City
Nominated by:
Darla Bromwich
Sioux Falls
Nominated by:
Darrin Tille
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WPE Direct Phone Extensions |
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West Plains Engineering recently upgraded our phone system, and now offers direct lines to many of our team members. Our general office numbers are also still in use and may be dialed to reach reception, or access a staff directory.
If you would like to request a full listing of staff phone numbers, please contact your local WPE office.
Casper | 307.234.9484
Cedar Rapids | 319.365.0030
Rapid City | 605.348.7455
Sioux Falls | 605.362.3753
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Rapid City, SD | Sioux Falls, SD | Casper, WY | Cedar Rapids, IA |
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