Fire Alarm Systems

BKI was contracted by the New Orleans Aviation Board to provide design and construction administration for a new fire protection system and primary power distribution system serving the New Orleans International Airport.

The project included construction of a new emergency water supply well, a new utilities building to house emergency fire pumps, emergency generators, as well as the control systems to operate all emergency water and power supplies serving the main terminal building. It also included a 400,000-gallon ground-level water-storage tank and complete new 16 inch water distribution loop for fire-protection supply lines around the terminal. Work also included new primary electrical power conduits from the utility building to the terminal. 

Construction cost was approximately $4.5 million.

BKI was engaged by Royal Engineers to mechanically and electrically inspect the historic Carrollton Streetcar Barn located at the corner of Willow and Dublin Street in New Orleans, as well as to design repairs and upgrades to the facility.

Site inspections were performed and recommendations were made based on RTA priorities and the findings of its investigations and inspections. For the fire protection systems, local fire system contractors were consulted in an attempt to develop the most cost effective solutions to system leaks due to interior pipe corrosion and pipe improper slope concerns. Ventilation modifications were proposed as the current systems generated nuisance dust when employed for cooling, and fresh air requirements dictated changes to A/C systems.  New oil water separators units were proposed due to failure/deterioration of active and passive systems. Architectural renovation to office spaces required redesign of the sanitary sewer piping. Energy efficient lighting improvements to the warehouse type areas were evaluated and proposed where determined to be cost effective. Supporting power system modification have been proposed for the new ventilation equipment and new lighting layouts have been proposed for the renovated office space. 

BKI provided the initial project scope of work to the City of Gretna for the design and construction of a new three story office structure to be constructed in place of a portion of the existing structure currently being occupied by the Gretna Police Department.  

This scope and estimated construction cost was provided to the owner to allow the owner to submit for grant funding from FEMA and CBDG. Grants of $1.6 million (FEMA) and $2.4 million (CBDG) were awarded to the City of Gretna.  

BKI provided the civil, structural, electrical and mechanical design for the new three story office area (approx. 13,200 sf) for the GPD to use as office and communication areas.  

The building foundation is supported by 14” sq. precast concrete piles (80’ long). The foundation for the structure is a reinforced concrete slab elevated three feet above the existing site and has a reinforced concrete retaining wall around the building perimeter. The building superstructure is a structural steel building with the second, third, and roof floor systems having a concrete slab in a metal pan supported by metal bar joists.  

BKI provided the design for the building HVAC and plumbing in accordance with the latest mechanical and plumbing building codes. The fire suppression system was designed for this structure with specific dry resin protection in the communication equipment areas.  

BKI provided the electrical design for the building lighting (interior and exterior), the power distribution, communication coordination and backup generator power.

The estimated construction cost for this project was $4,400,000.00. Total grant funding included $1,600,000 from FEMA and $2,400,000 from CDBG.