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8/7/2019 GingerSingerIndividualReport
1/11
Renovating Picnic Tables for the
Montana Tech Quad
Prepared by:
MSC Engineering
Ginger Singer
Prepared for:
Kay Eccleston
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Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad
Advanced Technical Writing 71372
November 3, 2009
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Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad
Contents
Contents
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i
Figures
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Tables
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Introduction
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1
Methods
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1
Method 1: Additional Wooden Picnic Tables.........................................................1
Method 2: Metal Tables with Thermoplastic Coating.....................................2
Method 3: Concrete Picnic Table...............................................................3
Results........................................................................................................................4
Discussion
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5
Conclusion
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6
References
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Figures
Figure 1. Treated Pine Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, A)
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2
Figure 2. Round Expanded Metal Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, B)
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Figure 3. Hexagonal Concrete Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, C)
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Tables
Table 1. Cost of Tables
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Table 1. Cost of Replacing Picnic Tables
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IntroductionOur group was approached to research the feasibility of modifying the existing Quad in the
common area of Montana Tech. The Quad area is defined as the space in between the Petroleum
Engineering building and Engineering Hall and from the southern entrance of the Student Union
to the Mill Building. Existing stairways and landscaped areas leading up to building entrances
are included in this definition.
Presently the Design of the Quad is a raised flat surface with a few picnic tables. These picnic
tables are inadequate for studying because they are unstable and in poor shape. Currently the
only function the quad has is for students to pass through. It was originally supposed to be a
place for students and faculty to gather. Renovations would make the campus friendlier and
more aesthetically pleasing. In order to accomplish this MSC Engineering is planning on adding
picnic tables to accommodate the needs of the campus.
Methods
Method 1: Additional Wooden Picnic Tables
The first option that MSC Engineering is considering is to add additional picnic tables similar to
those that are currently being used in the Quad. Wooden picnic tables (seen in Figure1) have a
lifespan of approximately 10-years. Right now there are only two tables available on the quad so
it is necessary to supply more. The price of a treated pine picnic table would cost $399 per table.
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Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad
Figure 1. Treated Pine Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, A)
Method 2: Metal Tables with Thermoplastic Coating
Since the wooden tables need to be replaced over time a heavier material would be more useful.
Metal tables with thermoplastic coating (seen in Figure 2) is made with 3/4 9-guage expanded
steel and coated with UV-stabilized thermoplastic coating. These tables are more expensive;
however, they would last over 50-years so they wouldnt need to be replaced as often as the
wooden tables. The issue with these tables is that there are holes on the surface of the table
which would make it more difficult to write on. The price of these tables start at $786.
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Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad
Figure 2. Round Expanded Metal Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, B)
Method 3: Concrete Picnic Table
Concrete picnic tables are stronger and sturdier than wooden or metal picnic tables. For the
aesthetics of the quad, the concrete tables (seen in Figure 3) would look the best. The concrete
comes in several different colors. This table has a smooth surface which provides for an ideal
location to study and do homework. Starting at $915, this table is more expensive than the first
two options. The lifespan of the concrete picnic tables is approximately 30-years.
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Figure 3. Hexagonal Concrete Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, C)
Results
These revisions will make the quad more visually appealing. Visual appeal is beneficial for the
campus because it attracts visitors. Adding picnic tables will increase functionality for the
students as well as for the faculty. Due to the limited space that the quad has to offer, there is
only room for 3 new picnic tables. The cost of the tables can be seen in Table 1. The picnic
tables will have to be replaced over the years. Metal picnic tables have a longer lifespan
therefore the cost of replacing it would be the least expensive (seen in Table 2).
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Table 1. Cost of Picnic Tables
Number of Tables Wooden Picnic Table Metal Picnic Table Concrete Picnic Table
1 $399 $786 $915
2 $798 $1572 $1830
3 $1197 $2358 $2745
Table 2. Cost of Replacing Picnic Tables
Type of Table Price of Table Lifespan (years) Cost of Replacing(over 150 years)
Wooden Picnic Table $399 10 $19950
Metal Picnic Table $786 50 $2358
Concrete Picnic Table $915 30 $4575
DiscussionMontana Tech has an excellent reputation for its engineering departments and the quality of
education that is offered, unfortunately, it is hard to tell by the looks of the campus. Most of the
aesthetics of the campus need to be restored.
Concerts, entertainment, and barbeques take place in the quad several times a year; however,
there are very few places to sit. Most of the students get their food and go on their way. The
purpose of campus events is lost because the quad is not accommodating for the students.
On the days that it is sunny students enjoy doing their studies outside and some teachers bring
their class outside for lectures and discussions. The grass that is on the quad barely grows and
the picnic tables are difficult to use.
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Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad
ConclusionThe revision of the quad is a much-needed project to bring aesthetically pleasing features to
Montana Techs campus. Benches and tables will benefit the students by allowing them to study
in comfort outside. It will allow the student to finally have a gathering place that will
accommodate their needs.
From what MSC Engineering can conclude, it would be best to use the concrete or metal picnic
tables. Metal picnic tables have a longer lifespan and are less expensive than the concrete picnic
tables. The cost of maintaining the metal tables is more feasible. Concrete tables are more
expensive; however, they are much more functional than metal tables. More research needs to
be done to determine which type of picnic tables the students and faculty would prefer to use in
the Quad area.
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ReferencesPicnic Tables Source. (2008) A. Received November 3, 2009, From
http://www.picnictablesource.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=M408%2D1009.
Picnic Tables Source. (2008) B. Received November 3, 2009. Fromhttp://www.picnictablesource.com/Customkititems.asp?kc=M145%2D1162.
Picnic Tables Source. (2008) C. Received November 3, 2009. Fromhttp://www.picnictablesource.com/Customkititems.asp?kc=M154-1150.
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