Spatial Optimization of John A. Daskalakis Athletic

Center Facilities

Brian Sawford – Captain

Marie LaPosta – Co-Captain

Alexander Stadel – Secretary

Michael Sands – First Mate

Ross Shacklett – Coxswain

Background

Lack of rock climbing walls in the Drexel area

Rock climbing has grown in popularity recently

In the greater Philadelphia area there is only one rock climbing facility open to the public (Go Vertical)

This creates a problem for any Drexel students

interested in rock climbing

Survey – Students Say “Yes!”Would You Use a Rock-Climbing Wall at the DAC?

32

13No

Yes

Do You Even Go?How Often Do You Play Squash At The DAC?

More Than Once A Week

0

Once A Week1

Less Than 3 Times A Month

4

Never40

Squash Court

Measuring Height of Wall Human Reference

Objectives for Project

To improve student life on campus

To boosts Drexel University’s attractiveness to prospective students

To maximize student enjoyment at minimal cost to University

Constraints On Design University Resources

Time and Money to Finish Existing Space in Athletic Center

Legal Issues Building Codes

Minimal Risk and Liability Foam Padding on Floor Waiver Form

Sample Waiver Form

Release: In consideration of services or property provided, I , for myself and any minor children for which I am a parent, legal guardian or otherwise responsible, any heirs, personal representatives, do hereby release: Reale Adventures Inc., its principals, officers, directors, agents, employees and volunteers, and each and every land owner, municipal and / or government agency upon whose property and activity is conducted, from all liability and waive any claim for damage arising from any cause whatsoever, including that which is the result of gross negligence or any other cause.

Criteria for Success Improve student life at Drexel

Rock-Climbing Facility Survey of Satisfaction

Challenge students Variety of Difficulty Levels

Minimal Cost to Students

Possible Alternatives

Discount Program with Go Vertical Inconvenient Costly to Students

DAC Expansion Expensive for Students & University Long, Involved Construction Project

The “Most Probable” Solution Squash court conversion

Three piece rock-climbing solution

Construction designed for bearing weight of three three-hundred pound climbers

Adjustment safety factors

Moments of Inertia

Weights

Weight of climber(300 lbs)

Wall

300 lbs ĵ300 lbs î

Dimensions and Materials Dimensions of Wall

All walls 20’ tall Long walls 22’ and 19’ long, Short wall 12’

wide

Materials Used ¾” plywood with textured paint Steel Frame Composite Holds

Budget Breakdown

Salaries $78,750

Materials $20,257

Equipment $60,713

Staff $1,155

Demolition $2,850

Total $163,725

Final Overview What we’re doing

Converting a squash court in the Athletic Center into a rock-climbing facility

Why we’re doing it Improve student life at Drexel

How we’re doing it Using basic principles of physics and engineering

Beyond the Suggested Future Currently there is a project for expanding the

DAC that is in the planning stages

The new expansion is planned to have: 3-Story Rock-Climbing Wall 400-Meter Track Classroom Space for Yoga, Dance, etc. Multipurpose Gym Space Smoothie Bar

References Ambrose, James. Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders. 9th ed. New York:

John Wiley & Sons Inc. 2000.

“BoltDepot Product Catalog.” BoltDepot.com Website (2007, February). 27 February 2007. <http://www.boltdepot.com/>.

“Building Permit Information.” Licenses and Inspection. 2004. Department of Licenses & Inspections. 2 May 2007. <http://www.phila.gov/li/faq/permits/index.html>.

Cheng, Dr. Jonathan. Information given to class. 12 February 2007.

“Burns Container Service.” Richard S. Burns & Co., Inc. Website. 11 March 2007 <http://www.burnscompany.net/containerservices.html>.

Dana Contractors. Telephone interview with Brian Sawford. 28 February 2007.

“Go Vertical.” Go Vertical Home Page. 27 February 2007 <http://www.govertical.com/philly/index.html>.

Hyder, Martha. “Have Your Students Climbing the Walls: The Growth of Indoor Climbing.” The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. Vol. 70, 1999. 11 March 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&se=gglsc&d=5002341311&er=deny>.

References (Cont.) Glenshaw Steel, John General Manager there of. Telephone interview with Brian Sawford. 2

March 2007.

“Make-a-Mat Calculator.” POPCORN International, Inc. Website. 27 February 2007 <http://www.wondermat.com/>.

Moon, Dr. Franklin. Interview with Brian Sawford and Alexander Stadel. 2 March 2007.

Murhammer, Ronald. Home Depot Sales Associate. Telephone interview with Brian Sawford. 1 March 2007.

“REI Shop All Categories: Climbing Gear.” Recreational Equipment Incorporated Website. Climbing Equipment Pricing. 27 February 2007 <http://www.rei.com/category/4500002>.

Silva, Daniel. “Increased Student Activity Fee to Fund DAC Expansion.” The Triangle. 20 Oct. 2006. 29 April 2007. <http://media.www.thetriangle.org/media/storage/paper689/news/2006/10/20/News/Increased.Student.Activity.Fee.To.Fund.Dac.Expansion-2379282.shtml>.

“Vertical Extreme - A Reale Adventures Company.” Vertical Extreme Home Page. 25 April 2007 <http://verockgym.com/>.

Williams, Biff, et al. “Recognition and Prevention of Injuries in Recreational Rock Climbers.” Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. Nov./Dec. 2003: 29-32.

Acknowledgements

Dr. Franklin Moon Civil Engineer

Dr. Jonathan Cheng Geotechnical Engineer

You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!