University of Kentucky Combs Cancer Research Building – Division of Laboratory Animal Resources

This project was a partial renovation of the University of Kentucky Division of Laboratory Animal Research (DLAR) barrier vivarium facility located in the basement of the University of Kentucky Combs Cancer Research Building (CCRB). Approximately 1,600 SF of the 34,000 SF facility was renovated. The Mechanical scope of work required the removal of existing mechanical rooms and ductwork, new Pheonix valves, re-working of existing ductwork, pressurization controls, and hydronic controls, for the reconfiguration of animal holding rooms and Anterooms. All proper air turns and pressure relationships were maintained throughout the renovation process.

Existing fire protection heads were removed and relocated as necessary for new room layouts and additions. Other areas outside of the work area are being fed by the existing sprinkler system. Systems in these other areas must remain operational during construction.

Electrical capacity freed by the removal of the existing blowers was repurposed to support the electrical requirements of the renovated area. A new electrical panelboard was installed to serve these new spaces and is served by a spare 100A/3 pole fusible switch in the emergency distribution panel.

A security card reader was installed to allow investigators using the barrier facility a direct access route, minimizing potential exposure to conventional animals in the facility. The existing Edstrom Watchdog monitoring system was modified to monitor, record, and notify alarm conditions in the new rooms. The existing CCRB building electronic facilities management system was modified to allow it to continue to monitor and alarm ventilation and power systems 24/7. The existing video surveillance and card access protocols and upgrades in place for the CCRB animal facility and the East Biomedical Complex animal facility were utilized in the renovation area.