Ford Motor Company
Research and Engineering Center Utility Infrastructure Master Plan
Assistance in Strategic Site Infrastructure Decision Making
DiClemente Siegel Design conducted a site utility assessment at the Research and Engineering (R&E) Center in Dearborn. The findings, analysis, and recommendations form the basis of an infrastructure master plan to guide Ford Motor Company's strategic decision making regarding the long-term functionality of the site utilities.
The R&E Center is the heart of Ford's design and testing activities. Opened in 1953 on the company's Golden Anniversary, the complex of 48 buildings covers approximately 430 acres (690 acres when including the Test Track.) Many of the older buildings predate the Center's opening by 30 years, and the original Dynamometer Lab was built in 1947.
The assessment included all buildings at the R&E Center. Off-site buildings included Allen Park Test Lab plus the Truck Engine Engineering (TEE) Building. DSD's analysis address the following utilities:
- Storm drainage system.
- Sanitary drainage system.
- Steam/condensate system.
- Electrical power including the primary distribution system throughout the site and within buildings.
- Secondary electric power distribution between buildings.
- Compressed air system generation and distributon.
- City water.
- Fire protection water.
- Natural gas systems.
- Cathodic protection systems.
- Tunnel systems.
- Structured wiring systems.
