Renovating Picnic Tables for the

Montana Tech Quad

Prepared by:

MSC Engineering

Ginger Singer

Prepared for:

Kay Eccleston
 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad
Advanced Technical Writing 71372

November 3, 2009

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

Contents
Contents
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i
Figures
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Tables
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Introduction
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1
Methods
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1
Method 1: Additional Wooden Picnic Tables.........................................................1
Method 2: Metal Tables with Thermoplastic Coating.....................................2
Method 3: Concrete Picnic Table...............................................................3
Results........................................................................................................................4
Discussion
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5
Conclusion
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6
References
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7

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

Figures
Figure 1. Treated Pine Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, A)
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Figure 2. Round Expanded Metal Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, B)
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Figure 3. Hexagonal Concrete Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, C)
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Tables
Table 1. Cost of Tables
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Table 1. Cost of Replacing Picnic Tables
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5

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

Introduction
Our group was approached to research the feasibility of modifying the existing Quad in the

common area of Montana Tech. The Quad area is defined as the space in between the Petroleum

Engineering building and Engineering Hall and from the southern entrance of the Student Union

to the Mill Building. Existing stairways and landscaped areas leading up to building entrances

are included in this definition.

Presently the Design of the Quad is a raised flat surface with a few picnic tables. These picnic

tables are inadequate for studying because they are unstable and in poor shape. Currently the

only function the quad has is for students to pass through. It was originally supposed to be a

place for students and faculty to gather. Renovations would make the campus friendlier and

more aesthetically pleasing. In order to accomplish this MSC Engineering is planning on adding

picnic tables to accommodate the needs of the campus.

Methods
Method 1: Additional Wooden Picnic Tables
The first option that MSC Engineering is considering is to add additional picnic tables similar to

those that are currently being used in the Quad. Wooden picnic tables (seen in Figure1) have a

lifespan of approximately 10-years. Right now there are only two tables available on the quad so

it is necessary to supply more. The price of a treated pine picnic table would cost $399 per table.

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

Figure 1. Treated Pine Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, A)

Method 2: Metal Tables with Thermoplastic Coating

Since the wooden tables need to be replaced over time a heavier material would be more useful.

Metal tables with thermoplastic coating (seen in Figure 2) is made with 3/4” 9-guage expanded

steel and coated with UV-stabilized thermoplastic coating. These tables are more expensive;

however, they would last over 50-years so they wouldn’t need to be replaced as often as the

wooden tables. The issue with these tables is that there are holes on the surface of the table

which would make it more difficult to write on. The price of these tables start at $786.

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

Figure 2. Round Expanded Metal Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, B)

Method 3: Concrete Picnic Table

Concrete picnic tables are stronger and sturdier than wooden or metal picnic tables. For the

aesthetics of the quad, the concrete tables (seen in Figure 3) would look the best. The concrete

comes in several different colors. This table has a smooth surface which provides for an ideal

location to study and do homework. Starting at $915, this table is more expensive than the first

two options. The lifespan of the concrete picnic tables is approximately 30-years.

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

Figure 3. Hexagonal Concrete Picnic Table. (Picnic Table Source, 2008, C)

Results
These revisions will make the quad more visually appealing. Visual appeal is beneficial for the

campus because it attracts visitors. Adding picnic tables will increase functionality for the

students as well as for the faculty. Due to the limited space that the quad has to offer, there is

only room for 3 new picnic tables. The cost of the tables can be seen in Table 1. The picnic

tables will have to be replaced over the years. Metal picnic tables have a longer lifespan

therefore the cost of replacing it would be the least expensive (seen in Table 2).

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

Table 1. Cost of Picnic Tables

Number of Tables Wooden Picnic Table Metal Picnic Table Concrete Picnic Table

1 $399 $786 $915

2 $798 $1572 $1830

3 $1197 $2358 $2745

Table 2. Cost of Replacing Picnic Tables

Type of Table Price of Table Lifespan (years) Cost of Replacing

(over 150 years)

Wooden Picnic Table $399 10 $19950

Metal Picnic Table $786 50 $2358

Concrete Picnic Table $915 30 $4575

Discussion
Montana Tech has an excellent reputation for its engineering departments and the quality of

education that is offered, unfortunately, it is hard to tell by the looks of the campus. Most of the

aesthetics of the campus need to be restored.

Concerts, entertainment, and barbeques take place in the quad several times a year; however,

there are very few places to sit. Most of the students get their food and go on their way. The

purpose of campus events is lost because the quad is not accommodating for the students.

On the days that it is sunny students enjoy doing their studies outside and some teachers bring

their class outside for lectures and discussions. The grass that is on the quad barely grows and

the picnic tables are difficult to use.

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

Conclusion
The revision of the quad is a much-needed project to bring aesthetically pleasing features to

Montana Tech’s campus. Benches and tables will benefit the students by allowing them to study

in comfort outside. It will allow the student to finally have a gathering place that will

accommodate their needs.

From what MSC Engineering can conclude, it would be best to use the concrete or metal picnic

tables. Metal picnic tables have a longer lifespan and are less expensive than the concrete picnic

tables. The cost of maintaining the metal tables is more feasible. Concrete tables are more

expensive; however, they are much more functional than metal tables. More research needs to

be done to determine which type of picnic tables the students and faculty would prefer to use in

the Quad area.

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 Renovating Picnic Tables for the Montana Tech Quad

References
Picnic Tables Source. (2008) A. Received November 3, 2009, From
http://www.picnictablesource.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=M408%2D1009.

Picnic Tables Source. (2008) B. Received November 3, 2009. From

http://www.picnictablesource.com/Customkititems.asp?kc=M145%2D1162.

Picnic Tables Source. (2008) C. Received November 3, 2009. From

http://www.picnictablesource.com/Customkititems.asp?kc=M154-1150.