Archival Vault Construction for Capuchin Province of St.Joseph

Questions and Answers

What potential issues does UV radiation pose to materials in an archival vault?

It fuels chemical reactions that can lead to physical damage. (correct)

It has no significant impact on archival materials.

It enhances the durability of materials against wear.

It primarily causes fading of colors in materials.

Which type of lighting was chosen for the archival vault to eliminate UV radiation exposure?

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (correct)

Incandescent light bulbs

Halogen lights

Fluorescent tube lights

What is a feature of the shelving used in the vault to enhance safety?

Shelves made entirely of wood for aesthetic appeal.

Shelves with sharp edges to maximize storage capacity.

Shelves placed directly against exterior walls for support.

Shelves bolted together for stability and with rounded edges. (correct)

What was the width of the aisle designed between stacks in standard sections of the vault?

35 inches Signup and view all the answers

What frequency was the pest control service scheduled to operate in the archival vault?

Monthly Signup and view all the answers

Which specific paint type was used for the walls and ceiling in the archival vault?

Water-based latex paint Signup and view all the answers

What compliance standard did the archival vault achieve upon completion?

ISO Compliance Standard Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the facility was NOT mentioned as part of the renovation and maintenance for the vault?

Data storage systems upgrades Signup and view all the answers

What was the main issue with the archival vault's fire suppression system?

It was not maintained and outdated. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major concern regarding the vault's physical setup?

The vault's wall only reached the tray ceiling. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature and humidity levels were recorded in the vault during evaluation?

Temperature 73℉ and humidity 74% Signup and view all the answers

What step was taken after the evaluation of the archival vault condition?

The drafting of a solid plan for renovation. Signup and view all the answers

What was determined about the load limit of the floor during evaluation?

It passed inspection to hold necessary weight. Signup and view all the answers

What did the architect and construction contractor provide for the project?

A vision that aligned with the team's goals. Signup and view all the answers

How was the existing archival material organized before the renovation?

Boxed and unboxed materials were stacked haphazardly. Signup and view all the answers

What critical design modification was required for the vault area?

Blocking out more windows in the vault space. Signup and view all the answers

Why was a vapor barrier film placed over the windows?

To prevent condensation from forming on the windows and damaging the archival materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the specific number of air exchanges per hour in the vault?

To ensure adequate ventilation and prevent the buildup of pollutants from deteriorating archival materials. Signup and view all the answers

Why was a double layer of dry wall with insulation used for the interior wall?

To meet fire safety regulations and prevent the spread of fire within the vault. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the RFID system installed on the vault door?

To prevent unauthorized access to the vault and ensure security of the archival materials. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed to the 90-minute fire rating of the vault door?

The inclusion of a security window with metal wires infused in the glass. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the vault door swinging outwards, as per Michigan Fire Code 408.10644?

It provides a clear exit path from the vault in case of an emergency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum permissible lighting level within the archival vault, according to NARA Directive 1571?

500 Lux, measured 36 inches above the floor. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the lighting for an archival vault different from a typical office environment?

Archival materials are sensitive to ultraviolet light, which can cause damage and deterioration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of sealing the archival boxes before demolition of the vault?

To isolate the boxes from the outside environment, preventing dust and moisture contamination. Signup and view all the answers

How does the construction of the archival vault contribute to mold inhibition?

The air exchange system constantly circulates fresh air, preventing the buildup of moisture that can lead to mold growth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Project

Renovation aimed at upgrading the archival vault for the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph in Detroit, Michigan.
The existing vault was an outdated repurposed office space with significant issues, including an old Halon fire suppression system, inadequate HVAC, and vulnerable access points.
Initial evaluation revealed poor temperature (73°F) and high humidity (74%) levels, with materials stacked haphazardly, obstructing aisles.
Security concerns included the vault’s wall only reaching the tray ceiling, allowing unauthorized access from the reference room, necessitating a complete demolition and redesign of the space.

Demolition and Construction

Demolition included removing interior walls and tray ceilings to expose bare floors and cinder block walls.
Windows were blocked using vapor barrier film and insulation to ensure a controlled environment.
Maintained a highly insulated room (R-factor of R-40) to keep stable temperature and humidity, crucial for archival preservation.
Installed a system for air exchanges to minimize air stagnation, ensuring fresh air in the room, reducing pollutants, and preventing mold.

Security Features

Vault door constructed of steel, fire-rated for 90 minutes, featuring security glass window. Door frame rated for 3 hours in case of fire.
A security system using RFID chips tracks entry, complemented by a backup metal key.
Door design complies with Michigan Fire Code 408.10644, ensuring it swings outward for safe egress.

Environmental Controls

Lighting adjusted to not exceed 500 Lux, with LED lights used to avoid UV radiation, protecting archival materials from deterioration.
Water-based latex paint used for walls and ceiling, deemed safe for archival environments.
Pre-existing floor tiles covered with polyurethane for durability and ease of mobility.

Shelving and Accessibility

Shelving constructed from 20-gauge steel with a powder coat finish, designed with rounded edges to avoid damaging boxes.
Free-standing shelves bolted for stability, with rows placed to promote air circulation.
Aisle widths were strategically designed at 35" and 45" in larger sections for accessibility with archival book trucks.

Ongoing Maintenance

Monthly pest control measures in place, alongside regular maintenance checks for HVAC and fire suppression systems.
Achieved renovation results aligning with ISO standards and NARA directives, ensuring long-term preservation and security for the archival materials.

Conclusion

The project was a success, resulting in a fully renovated archival vault that met or exceeded established archival standards.
The process involved careful planning, evaluation of multiple construction bids, and compliance with necessary regulations.
Client satisfaction highlighted the importance of creating a secure space for preserving institutional legacy.

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Description

This quiz covers the construction of an archival vault for the Capuchin Province of St.Joseph in Detroit, Michigan, including the challenges and solutions for creating a safe and functional archive facility.