Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing & Fire Protection
The
electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection divisions provide engineering services for a wide
variety of projects which encompass healthcare, correctional, institutional, high-rise
commercial buildings, and educational facilities. Over thirty percent of our projects
are renovations. Additionally, these departments provide specialized services which
include analytical engineering, studies, utility masterplans,
and systems troubleshooting.
The mechanical division understands the importance of designing systems which meet our
client's requirements. Each mechanical system design is performed within the client's budget
and staffing constraints with primary emphasis on functionality, life-cycle costs,
and maintainability. This is accomplished through a demonstrated understanding of variable
flow, thermal storage, air quality, smoke control, building automation systems, and
acoustical design.
The electrical division's experience includes the design of power systems,
lighting systems, power generation systems, transient protection, UPS, power
conditioning, and specialized electrical/electronic systems employing the latest
technology available.
Design considerations are always predicated on the economic needs of the client -
both first cost and operating and maintenance costs.
E/M/P/FP Project Summary
Following is a partial list of projects for which Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. has
had electrical, mechanical and fire protection engineering responsibility. Major
emphasis is directed towards the ability of the systems designed to function properly
and efficiently. The capabilities of Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. to evaluate the
project requirements, budgetary constraints, and long term reliability of the systems
has been instrumental to the successful design of major facilities in the healthcare,
correctional, educational, and commercial sectors.
Please click on the project name or associated
arrow to view detailed information.
Georgia
Savannah Oncology Center - Savannah, Georgia
This facility was a medical office building which housed specialized treatment
rooms and laboratories. Included in our engineering services was the design and
specification of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems.
South Carolina
McEntire Air National Guard Base - Various Projects - Eastover, South Carolina
Communications System - 
Prisons Phoenix, Arizona
The firm was contracted directly by the City of Phoenix to conduct a detailed review of the
technical design offered by Motorola Inc. for a city wide 800 MHz trunked radio system.
Buford Goff and Associates examined and analyzed technical documentation for mature and
emerging technologies associated with a multi-zone trunked radio system. Employing simulcast
and non-simulcast remote radio sites the system provides portable on the street coverage for fire,
law enforcement and city governmental agencies. In order to meet rigorous time constraints, the
firm used company Intranet and the Internet for the timely and accurate exchange of information
with the client and vendor. Additionally, video and audio teleconferencing provided real time
cost effective client-consultant coordination. When implemented this system will serve over 14,000
users across a 1,000 square mile area.
McEntire Air National Guard Base - Energy Study - Eastover, South Carolina
As consultants to the architect providing design services on an open-end contract,
our electrical and mechanical engineers provided an energy study of approximately 20 buildings.
All energy consuming equipment was surveyed and a list of energy conservations and retrofit measures
were proposed for each as applicable.
Summerville High School - Summerville, South Carolina
This renovation/addition project consisted of renovating approximately 150,000 SF and constructing
a new addition of approximately 150,000 SF. The total building construction cost was approximately
$17.5M ($2.85M HVAC, $1.18M Plumbing, $2.19M Electrical).
This project used various types of mechanical equipment to accommodate the budget, and
architectural requirements and to utilize the existing two pipe, dual temperature (chilled/hot water)
system to as great an extent as possible. These systems included indoor mounted heat pumps with heat
recovery, split system heat pumps, packaged rooftop heat pumps, rooftop air handling units with dual
temperature coils, and a rooftop dehumidification unit with heat recovery and chilled water coils.
The existing hot water boilers, chiller pumps, and dual temperature piping system were mounted to
connect to the renovated and new additions.
Medical University of South Carolina - Storm Eye Institute - Charleston, South Carolina
This project consists of a three story addition to an existing five story 51,405 SF building
housing in/out patient eye surgery, laboratory areas and office spaces. A 10,281 SF mechanical
interstitial floor was designed between the top of the existing and the three story addition.
This was an important design feature, as it provided space for new mechanical systems, allowed
the phasing and relocation of existing rooftop HVAC equipment (i.e. fume fans, chillers, etc.) to
be easily accommodated, and provided the space necessary to install HVAC air handlers and duct for
renovation of the fifth floor into dedicated laboratory space.
The $7.6 million, ($1.73M HVAC, $.38M plumbing $.91M electrical $.14M fire protection) three
story, 30,843 SF addition includes two floors for laboratory research and one floor for administrative
offices and a teaching auditorium. The phasing, relocating, and extension of the existing building
structure and utilities was critical to ensure the existing facility remained fully operational during
construction.
The HVAC design included the temporary relocation of an existing air cooled chiller and final
installation of this chiller along with a new chiller on the roof. Air handlers serving
laboratory spaces are 100% outside air. Airflow to the laboratories and fume hoods is controlled
by the use of Phoenix air valves. Airflow to the laboratories is reduced during unoccupied periods
to conserve energy. The HVAC control systems tie into MUSC's campus wide Johnson Controls system.
Medium pressure steam was extended to the interstitial floor to generate hot water. A stair pressure
system was designed for the new and existing stairs.
The fire protection system design included replacing existing fire pump, adding standpipes,
sprinkling the new addition, and making provisions to sprinkle the existing building at a future date.
Plumbing systems included air, vacuum, and gas to all lab spaces and fume hoods. The plumbing
design was somewhat unique in that the existing building was constructed with a Sovent sanitary
system. The new sanitary system extended this system.
Bond Hall Renovations - The Citadel - Charleston, South Carolina
This project included the renovation of the main administration and classroom building for
The Citadel. Many of the administrative functions were relocated to temporary facilities while
construction was taking place. The entire east wing was gutted leaving only the building shell
while most of the remainder of the building was stripped down to bare walls and floor. Several
areas in this building were not included in the renovation including the third floor biology wing
and the three story Annex wing which housed the President, and other faculty and support staff.
This building is connected to Duckett Hall which also remained in operation during construction.
The HVAC renovation included tying the new HVAC system into the campus steam and condensate system
that also served the Annex and Duckett Hall. A new chiller system was designed to support the
future renovations of the Annex. Building heating is provided by steam heat exchangers and pressure
powered condensate pumps. Classrooms and offices are served by fan coil units. Lecture halls and
larger spaces are served by air handlers. Outside air to fan coils is dehumidified by separate
ventilation air handlers. The control system is a hybrid system including conventional pneumatic
controls on equipment and direct digital controls to monitor space temperatures and the heating
and cooling system temperatures.
The electrical system renovations required temporary service to support all areas originally fed
from electrical rooms located in the areas of renovation. After new electrical rooms were
established, these areas were refed on a permanent basis. The electrical design also included
fire alarm and the infrastructure for the Citadel's data and communications systems.
The project was completed in 1994 at a cost of approximately $5.5M of which almost $2M was
electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection.
USC Beaufort - Renovations to Sandstone Building - Beaufort, South Carolina
This project included the addition of approximately 6,100 square feet which included a new Media
Center and office spaces and the renovation of approximately 16,300 square feet of existing classroom
and office spaces. The project had to be implemented in two phases to allow the new areas to be used
to house the occupants of the areas to be renovated during the renovation.
The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were designed to be implemented in phases with
several temporary connections included within the systems to accommodate the owner's needs for
certain areas which could not afford any significant downtime. The mechanical system design
included a dedicated fresh air dehumidification unit which provides all of the building ventilation
air to the rooftop heat pumps and controls the building's relative humidity. The fresh air system
includes an air to air heat exchanger which provides "free reheat" for humidity control.
Berea Middle School - Greenville, South Carolina
This $5.5M ($2.1M mechanical, electrical and plumbing) renovation included the complete renovation
of an existing 100,000 square foot middle school. The project was designed to be implemented in five
phases which would allow continuous occupancy of the building during the renovation with the chiller
and cooling tower changeout occurring during the summer months.
The mechanical system design included two-pipe fan coils for space temperature control.
The perimeter fan coils included electric heat for space heating. All of the incoming fresh
air was pre-conditioned by a fresh air energy recovery system which included the use of a total
energy recovery wheel. The administration areas and the media center included rooftop package
units to allow conditioning of these spaces without having to operate the new water cooled chiller
system. A high efficiency chiller was selected to allow the school district to obtain a rebate
from the local electrical utility company. The mechanical systems also included a hot water
boiler system for heating of the kitchen, cafeteria, and gym areas.
The electrical system design included upgrade and replacement of numerous electrical systems
including rebuilding of the existing electrical service and provision for an emergency
generator system.
The existing lighting system was upgraded to more efficient fluorescent fixtures with T8
lamps and electronic ballasts. Emergency lighting and exit signs were upgraded as part of this work.
Special electrical systems upgrades includes replacement of the existing fire alarm system,
school intercom system, intrusion detection system and educational TV system. A premises
wiring system was specified with both fiberoptic and Category 5 UTP cabling in the Construction
contract.
University of South Carolina Medical School
This was a major renovation/new construction project for the Veterans Administration providing
teaching and administrative facilities for the Medical School, University of South Carolina.
Renovation of four existing buildings required demolition of all existing heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning and plumbing systems. Provisions for all new systems to serve the medical
school were made to include a new central energy facility.
American Red Cross State Headquarters Building - Columbia, South Carolina
This project included electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems for a new state
headquarters to serve the American Red Cross. Included are emergency generator,
specialized refrigeration systems, laboratories, and administrative offices.
Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital
Provided inspection services during the construction of the facility designed by others.
As a member of the construction management group, the firm provided technical assistance
and certification of electrical, life safety, and mechanical systems for use and occupancy.
This facility contains complex mechanical systems and laboratories typically found in a teaching
hospital.
Richland Memorial Hospital North Tower Addition, Columbia, South Carolina
Richland Memorial Hospital North Addition was a multi-story facility including a variety of clinical and outpatient services encompassing 64,000 square feet. The primary feature of the facility is a diagnostic and operating suite including cardiac catheterization, evoked potential studies, and cystoscopic laboratories, as well as cardiovascular, neurological, trauma, and general operating rooms. In addition to the rigid environmental and power systems requirements of the new clinical spaces, this project required the complete integration of existing and expanded utility systems.
Chester County Hospital - Chester, South Carolina
Services provided to Chester County Hospital included electrical, mechanical, and plumbing design, asbestos analysis, a cogeneration feasibility study, HVAC control system analysis, and renovation to the medical gas system. Interconnection piping considerations for existing chillers relative to the requirements of the additional clinical spaces were a prime consideration.
Richland Memorial Hospital, MRI Facility - Columbia, South Carolina
This project included electrical, mechanical, and plumbing engineering services for the design of the MRI facility. Included in this facility were scan rooms, computer rooms, and a control room. Provisions were made in the design for expansion of the facility. This project required the design team to interface with the medical equipment suppliers and installers and to acquire a full working knowledge of the design implications of MRI equipment. This project also involved the connection of this facility to existing hospital utilities.
Capitol Center Complex - Columbia, South Carolina
This was a design/development project which encompassed the tallest commercial office building in South Carolina. As the engineering team for the development company, Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. was responsible for electrical, mechanical, and security systems in the facility. This project was implemented on a fast track basis with occupancy provided within twenty-four months of ground breaking.
Richland County Judicial Center - Columbia, South Carolina
This project was a 200,000 square foot county office and courtroom complex with a 160,000 square foot underground parking garage. Design used innovative energy conservation techniques for the most efficient mechanical systems operations with special emphasis on reducing demand loads. Special courtroom lighting, sound, and security systems were provided.
Nursery Road Elementary School - Irmo, South Carolina
A 110,000 square foot elementary school complex utilized our special design for reducing energy usage and reverse cycle air conditioning system for future solar energy retrofit.
Winthrop College Athletic Facility - Rock Hill, South Carolina
This project was a 120,000 square foot multi-purpose athletic facility with basketball arena, locker rooms, classroom facilities, handball courts, physical training facilities, and concourse. Systems were designed to support and provide electrical, mechanical, and communications services as required for athletic events and concerts.
University of South Carolina Business Administration Building - Columbia, South Carolina
A 150,000 square foot building with eight floors of classrooms lecture halls and administrative space and two level parking garage was designed. Included in the design of this project was the modification of existing electrical and mechanical systems to support this addition. Special consideration was placed on the design of energy efficient systems and the integration of new and existing systems.
Koger Fine Arts Center, University of South Carolina - Columbia, SC
This facility consists of a 2,300 seat main auditorium, two large rehearsal rooms and support areas. Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. working with lighting, acoustical and theatrical consultants were responsible for the design of the electrical, mechanical, and fire protection system. Working drawings were developed from specialty consultants designs for the sound and lighting system. Mechanical design was developed to be less than NC25.
Data Processing Center, Department of General Services - State of SC
This project was initiated by data system interruptions caused by power line disturbances. A power line analysis was performed to identify the nature of the problem and to determine corrective action. A rotating power filter or motor generator set was selected as the most desirable solution to the problem.
Data Processing Center, Medical University of South Carolina - Charleston, South Carolina
Included in this project was the design of the electrical and mechanical systems to support a data processing center. The nature of system operation dictated that a UPS system be integrated into the electrical distribution system. Provisions also included were long-term emergency power facilities which include synchronized generators with load shedding features.
Data Processing Center, University of South Carolina
This project included all electrical systems for a new data processing center to serve the University of South Carolina. Included were emergency generators, UPS system, data processing equipment branch circuits, and security systems. The scope of this project also included all lighting, power, and special signaling systems within the facility.
Charleston County Detention Center Facility - Charleston, South Carolina
This project is a 400 bed county medium security facility. Engineering responsibilities include electrical, mechanical, and security systems for the renovation of existing facilities design of a new housing unit. Housed in this facility shall be police, judicial, and detention functions. Several types of electrical and mechanical systems were evaluated. A central energy facility was selected based upon its capacity to serve a future 400 bed housing unit.
Allendale Correctional Facility, South Carolina Department of Corrections - Allendale, South Carolina
Project was a 600 bed medium security facility with project implementation based upon a prototypical design. Engineering responsibilities included electrical, mechanical, and security system engineering.
Broad River Correctional Institution, South Carolina Department of Corrections - Columbia, SC
This project was a 480 bed medium security facility with construction based upon a prototypical design. The design team provided modification and changes to the prototypical design to allow site adaptation of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. Facilities also included a new courts building.
Midlands R&E Facility, South Carolina Department of Corrections
Project was a 360 bed medium/maximum reception and evaluation facility with implementation based upon prototypical housing units. Facility also included the design of a receptor and evaluation building, courts building, and death house.
McCormick Correctional Institutional, South Carolina Department of Corrections
Project was a 720 bed medium/maximum security facility with construction and implementation based upon a prototypical design. Firm was responsible for engineering design modifications and revisions of 277/480 V electrical systems, central energy facility, and energy management systems. Engineering support also provided for waste burning boiler facility.
Allendale Propane Plant, Allendale Correctional Facility, South Carolina Department of Corrections - Allendale, South Carolina
Project was the addition of a propane air plant to provide a redundant fuel supply to the facility's domestic water heating system and the kitchen equipment. Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. had total responsibility for this project.
Dorchester County Judicial Complex - Dorchester, South Carolina
his project included a judicial center, senior citizens center, services facility, sheriff and administrative complex, housing facilities, and central energy facility. Engineering responsibilities included electrical, mechanical, and security systems.
Ridgeland Correctional Facility, South Carolina Department of Corrections - Ridgeland, South Carolina
Project was an 1130 bed minimum/medium security facility with construction and implementation based upon a prototypical design developed by Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. Engineering responsibilities included HVAC, plumbing, and security systems.
Turbeville Correctional Facility, South Carolina Department of Corrections - Turbeville, South Carolina
Project was an 1130 bed minimum/medium security facility which serves as a prototypical design for the state of South Carolina. Included in the design are wet cells and dry cells. A propane air plant is the primary fuel source for building heating, domestic water heating, and kitchen equipment. Engineering responsibilities include HVAC, plumbing, and security systems.
Veterans Administration Computer Room Expansion - Columbia, South Carolina
This project included two phases of expansion. Included are wet sprinkler systems, UPS systems, and modification and addition to the environmental system. Engineering responsibility included electrical and mechanical systems.
Department of Social Services, Computer Room Expansions - Columbia, South Carolina
This project included several phases of expansion. Included was a 450 KVA UPS system, an emergency power system, 100 tons of water, and air cooled equipment. The fire protection system provided several zones of coverage with a halon system.
DIRM Data Processing Center Expansion, State of South Carolina - Columbia, South Carolina
The project includes more than 200 tons of additional chilled water, 600 KVA UPS system, 900 kW emergency generation and expansion of existing halon systems. In addition, a study was provided to determine the cause of data system interruptions and provide recommendations. As a result of the study, a rotating power filter or motor generator set was selected as the most desirable solution to the problem.
Barnwell County Hospital - Barnwell, South Carolina
The project included total renovations to the emergency room, as well as the addition of a fire protection system and a medical vacuum system. The oxygen and vacuum systems were expanded throughout the facility and sized for future expansion.
ADP Facility, SC Army National Guard - Columbia, South Carolina
This project includes the expansion and consolidation of the SC Army National Guard's data processing facility. Included are wet and dry sprinkler systems, a UPS system, and environmental control systems. Provisions were made for future capacity. Engineering responsibility includes electrical and mechanical systems.
Anderson Nursing Home, South Carolina Department of Mental Health - Anderson, South Carolina
This project was a 175 bed nursing home with a central energy facility, chilled water, and hot water distribution system. Other systems included medical gas systems, nurse call, pneumatic security locking systems, and emergency power systems.
HVAC Renovation to the State Hospital, South Carolina Department of Mental Health - Columbia, South Carolina
The first phase of this project required investigation of the HVAC system of eight housing and administrative facilities. The housing units ranged from minimum to maximum security. Renovations were designed in the second phase for four housing units to correct air distribution, cooling capacity, and ventilation air deficiencies.
South Carolina State College Business Administration Building - Orangeburg, South Carolina
This 6 story building included over 100,000 square feet of classrooms, lecture halls, and administrative spaces. Engineering responsibilities included electrical and mechanical systems.
Anderson County School District Five - Anderson, South Carolina
This project included renovations and additions to five schools totaling $10M. HVAC systems include chilled water and hot water systems, gas rooftop DX units and through wall systems. The two high school facilities had extensive laboratory additions. All schools had complete upgrades of the fire alarm, communication, and security systems.
Chester County School District - Chester, South Carolina
This project includes three new schools totaling $22M, and 400,000 square feet. Included in the design were advanced communication/information systems and an environmental controls system. Engineering responsibilities include electrical and mechanical design.
Gilbert Middle School, Lexington School District One - Lexington, South Carolina
his project was a 120,000 square foot middle school designed to meet current and future technological needs. Classrooms were designed for a minimum of eight computer terminals. Engineering responsibilities include HVAC and plumbing systems.
HVAC Renovations, Birchwood Campus, Columbia, South Carolina
This project required the life-cycle cost analysis of a replacement HVAC for the youth correctional facility. The campus includes four medium security housing units, one maximum security housing unit, administrative, industries, recreational, and auditorium facilities. The facility was renovated with the selected heat pump system, which is controlled with an environmental control system.
Kershaw County Medical Center - Camden, South Carolina
Engineering services have been provided on major renovation and additional projects since 1984. This work encompasses new HVAC and fire alarm systems, and major modifications to the plumbing, medical gas, electrical, and communications systems. Expansions of the operating suites, sterile processing, physical therapy, and patient wings were included.
Kershaw County Medical Center, Karesh Wing, Camden, South Carolina
This project required renovations to the 88 bed long-term nursing facility. Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. had total responsibility for this fast-track project which included temporary relocation of patients in four phases. Work included replacements of the HVAC, lighting, and ceiling systems.
International
Abdulla Fouad Hospital - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The mechanical and electrical disciplines within the company provided technical support and on-site evaluation of this design-build project. The total team consisted of engineers from England and the Philippines and construction trades from Italy and Saudi Arabia.
