When builders were installing the plumbing and mechanical system in the Nemours/A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital's $215 million expansion, the semi-circular shape created challenges for the contractor, according to an article on the Healthcare Construction + Operations.
The building required a large-diameter piping system that was lightweight, malleable and easy to work with. Black steel pipe was proving to be difficult so the builders switched to copper.
Various-sized copper tubing is being installed for domestic hot- and cold-water service, HVAC systems and medical gas distribution, the article said.
The hospital expansion will consist of a 144-bed unit with underground parking. The building’s first floor will contain a new emergency department, atrium, retail and dining facility.