Geometry-based graphical methods for solar control in architecture: A digital framework

The form of a building is among the most critical design aspects concerning building energy consumption. Form-based passive design strategies, like solar control, can significantly reduce heating and cooling demands if implemented early in the design process. In this sense, there is an evident need for tools that can adequately support designers in their decisions. This paper aims to illustrate how geometry-based graphical methods (GGM) can provide effective support in the conceptual design stage. The paper introduces a novel digital framework for designing and analysing shading devices that leverages geometrical models and graphical methods. The digital implementation of GGM allows extending their applicability to three-dimensional and non-planar geometries. A comprehensive review of existing methods and tools for the design of shading devices lays the ground for the proposed digital framework, which is then demonstrated through two case studies. The results show that the diagrammatic nature of GGM facilitates a better and more direct understanding of the relationship between form and performance.     

A Microcomputer Interactive Graphics Software for Design of Steel Trusses

Current advances in microcomputer technology provide the tools to use interactive graphics in the development of efficient computer programs. The use of computer graphics facilitates the definition of complicated engineering models, and permits a clear display of the results. In this paper, an educational microcomputer software package, TRUSS-AD, is described to demonstrate the effectiveness of applying interactive computer graphics in solving structural engineering design problems. TRUSS-AD allows the user to: (1) define a truss geometry and loading conditions graphically; (2) analyze and design the truss in an interactive mode; and (3) display all results in a concise and clear graphical representation. The stiffness method is used in the analysis process. The design can be performed by using either the "Load and Resistance Factor Design" or the "Allowable Stress Design" methods. The software is written using the basic language for IBM or compatible personal computers.     

面向方案阶段能耗主导的建筑性能快速优化方法

依托机器学习和参数化技术建立了面向建筑方案设计阶段能耗主导的建筑性能快速优化方法,从而实现方案设计阶段以能耗为代表的建筑性能的直观呈现.本文通过实际案例证实了将建筑能耗快速计算技术与交互式性能优化框架相结合,可以让建筑师在进行方案推进与决策过程中直观而快速地获取以建筑能耗为代表的各项性能指标的反馈,从中选择最佳的设计方案,提升建筑师进行性能优化设计的能力.     

Applied Energy

It is acknowledged that the conventional design methods can easily lead to oversized system or unsatisfactory performance for different design conditions. Most existing studies on design optimization of net zero energy building ( nZEB) are conducted based on deterministic data/information. However, the question is:How is the actual performance of a design nZEB in different years considering uncertainties? This study, therefore, proposed a robust design method for sizing renewable energy systems in nZEB concerning uncertainties in renewable resources and demand load. The proposed robust design method is applied to the planning of renewable energy system for the Hong Kong Zero Carbon Building. The annual performance of nZEB under the optimal design options are systematically investigated and compared using the proposed robust design method and the deterministic method. It is meaningful to obtain a fitting formula to identify the relationship between the probability of achieving annual zero energy balance and the design mismatch ratio. On the basis of Monte Carlo uncertainty propagation methods, the uncertainty of nZEB performance is quantified which provides flexibility for designers in selecting appropriate design options according to the required probability of achieving nZEB during the design stage.     

Robust optimal design of renewable energy system in nearly/net zero energy buildings under uncertainties

It is acknow ledged that the conventional design methods can easily lead to oversized system or unsatisfactory performance for different design conditions. M ost existing studies on design optimization of net zero energy building( nZ EB) are conducted based on deterministic data / information. How ever,the question is: How is the actual performance of a design nZ EB in different years considering uncertainties? This study,therefore,proposed a robust design method for sizing renew able energy systems in nZ EB concerning uncertainties in renew able resources and demand load. The proposed robust design method is applied tothe planning of renew able energy system for the Hong Kong Zero Carbon Building. The annual performance of nZ EB under the optimal design options are systematically investigated and compared using the proposed robust design method and the deterministic method. It is meaningful to obtain a fitting formula to identify the relationship betw een the probability of achieving annual zero energy balance and the design mismatch ratio. On the basis of M onte Carlo uncertainty propagation methods, the uncertainty of nZ EB performance is quantified w hich provides flexibility for designers in selecting appropriate design options according to the required probability of achieving nZ EB during the design stage.     

Effects of real-time simulation feedback on design for visual comfort

Building performance simulations and models of human visual comfort allow us to predict daylight-caused glare using digital building models and climate data. Unfortunately, the simulation tools currently available cannot produce results fast enough for interactive use during design ideation. We developed software with the ability to predict visual discomfort in real time. However, we know little about how users react to simulation feedback presented in real time. In our study, 40 subjects with backgrounds in building design and technology completed two shading design exercises to balance glare reduction and annual daylight availability in two open office arrangements using two simulation tools with differing system response times. Subjects with access to real-time simulation feedback tested more design options, reported higher confidence in design performance and increased satisfaction with the design task, and produced better-performing final designs with respect to spatial daylight autonomy and enhanced simplified daylight glare probability.     

La micro-informatique comme aide à la création des cartes géologiques

Computerized geological mapping has been tried and developed mainly in the objective of complete automation of theprocesses of plotting quantitative data on a graphical output. Limited use of these systems exists for the current task of the common work in geological mapping because these systems are not yet in the range of microcomputers and because a good analysis of all of the geological data cannot always be fully automated by a numerical process. This article presents a different approach where a standard microcomputer is used mainly as an assistant in the various stages of the work needed to store, analyze and plot spatially distributed geological data. The graphical interactive analysis on the screen, with powerful tools for drawing and referencing each geological or geotechnical element, facilitates but d?s not automate or replace the role of the geologist. The proposed method follows closely the standard manual approach and is very convenient for the production of maps and cross-sections that serve mainly for graphical analysis of geological or geotechnical data in engineering geology.     

基于微气候适应性的传统村落山水格局 参数化设计策略研究——以天津市蓟州区 西井峪村为例

以天津市西井峪村为例,在前期微气候实地观测和 数值模拟的研究基础上,系统研究以山水格局特征与微气候 舒适度之间的耦合关系及适应性设计机理为基础的参数因子指 标,进一步结合舒适度评价和选取控制性形态参数因子,与参 数化的形态生成算法耦合,利用Grasshopper和R语言编程 设计工具来编写交互推演的山水格局逻辑建构过程,通过设定 传统村落山水格局目标环境优化值,迭代计算输出符合要求的 形态关系组合图谱,通过Rhino建模平台进行图谱表达,并 初步构建交互平台,提出参数化辅助优化设计流程,为传统村 落保护改造和城市中的山水理想格局设计提供优化辅助设计策 略与技术指导。     

A decision-making system for construction site layout planning

A decision-making system, which consists of input, design, evaluation and selection, and output stages, is proposed to solve dynamic, multi-objective and unequal-area construction site layout planning (CSLP) problem. In the input stage, the multiple objectives, schedule planning and site condition are determined. In the design stage, two mathematical optimization models max-min ant system (MMAS) and modified Pareto-based ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm are employed to solve single objective optimization (SOO) and multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem respectively. In the evaluation and selection stage, the intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS method is used to evaluate and select the best layout plan among the generated layout alternatives from the design stage. The performance of the proposed decision-making system, which was verified by a residential building project, shall assist the practitioners in the construction industry to deliver construction projects in a more efficient and effective manner, and thus construction costs could be reduced significantly.     

Multivariate optimization of design trade-offs for solar low energy buildings

The large number of different design options available for energy conscious building design calls for careful quantitative assessments to find the optimum technology mix for each project. Here, a numerical multivariate optimization procedure is introduced, to draft the optimum building design variables at an early design stage. The approach is based on integrating a non-linear optimization scheme with building modeling, whereby the basic physical, technical and economic interactions between the building design options and energy flows are accounted for. The optimization tool developed then finds the economic optimum, given the project-specific boundary conditions and the energy consumption target. The applicability of the approach is demonstrated through a set of case studies.     

Safety analysis of structures with probability and evidence theory

In safety analysis of structures, classical probabilistic analysis has been a popular approach in engineering. However, it is not always to obtain sufficient information to model all uncertain parameters of structures system by probability theory, especially at early stage of design. Under this circumstance, probability theory (used to model random uncertainty) combined with evidence theory (used to model epistemic uncertainty) may be utilized in safety analysis of structures. This paper proposed a novel method for safety analysis of structures based on probability and evidence theory. Firstly, Bayes conversion method is used as the way for precision of evidence body, and the mean and variance of epistemic uncertain variables is defined. Then epistemic uncertainty variables is transformed to normal random variables by reflection transformation method, and the checking point method (J-C method) is used to solve most probability point and reliability. A numerical example and two engineering examples are given to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. The results show both precision and computational efficiency of the method is high. Moreover, the proposed method provides basis for reliability-based optimization with the hybrid uncertainties.     

多级递阶工程系统抗地震设计全局优化的对偶分解法

多级递阶工程系统是复杂工程项目的主要工程结构依照功能逻辑关系所构成的多层次分支结构体系,表征了常见复杂项目的一般性分布。以结构设防烈度为优化指标,以抗地震设计为工程背景,本文针对该系统结构特点,提出全局优化方法两个层次划分的概念;然后从Lagrange对偶理论出发,提出第一层次的对偶分解法和分解-协调法,结合第二层次的离散型最优化方法,分别实现大系统约束、无约束全局优化的有效计算。算例讨论了复杂项目在最优设防标准、最优造价和总投资最优分配三个方面的工程决策,并与其他方法的结果作了比较。上述概念与方法使大系统整体优化空间达到高度的降维,为复杂工程项目的系统化设计、工程问题的科学决策奠定了理论分析的基础。     

An interactive expert system for daylighting design exploration

Architects increasingly use digital tools during the design process, particularly as they approach such complex problems as designing for successful daylighting performance. However, while simulation tools may provide the designer with valuable information, they do not necessarily guide the user toward design changes which will improve performance. This paper proposes an interactive, goal-based expert system for daylighting design, intended for use during the early design phases. The expert system consists of two major components: a daylighting knowledge-base which contains information regarding the effects of a variety of design conditions on resultant daylighting performance, and a fuzzy rule-based decision-making logic which is used to determine those design changes most likely to improve performance for a given design. The system gives the user the ability to input an initial model and a set of daylighting performance goals in the form of illuminance and daylighting-specific glare metrics. The system acts as a “virtual daylighting consultant,” guiding the user toward improved performance while maintaining the integrity of the original design and of the design process itself. Two sets of case studies are presented: first, a comparison of the expert system results to high performing benchmark designs generated with a genetic algorithm; and second, an evaluation of the expert system performance based on varying levels of esthetic constraints. The results of these case studies indicate that the expert system is successful at finding designs with improved performance for a variety of initial geometries and daylighting performance goals.     

Assessment of novel nature-inspired fuzzy models for predicting long contraction scouring and related uncertainties

The scouring phenomenon is one of the major problems experienced in hydraulic engineering. In this study, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system is hybridized with several evolutionary approaches, including the ant colony optimization, genetic algorithm, teaching-learning-based optimization, biogeographical-based optimization, and invasive weed optimization for estimating the long contraction scour depth. The proposed hybrid models are built using non-dimensional information collected from previous studies. The proposed hybrid intelligent models are evaluated using several statistical performance metrics and graphical presentations. Besides, the uncertainty of models, variables, and data are inspected. Based on the achieved modeling results, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system–biogeographic based optimization (ANFIS-BBO) provides superior prediction accuracy compared to others, with a maximum correlation coefficient (R_test = 0.923) and minimum root mean square error value (RMSE_test = 0.0193). Thus, the proposed ANFIS-BBO is a capable cost-effective method for predicting long contraction scouring, thus, contributing to the base knowledge of hydraulic structure sustainability.     

总体城市设计中山体景观眺望体系构建研究——以武夷山市为例

建构山体景观眺望体系是山地城市总体城市设计的关键技术环节。面临结构性控制和个体体验结合、眺望景观评估和遴选的科学性、视觉模拟和现实场景的互动校合、视觉美学与城市开发的优化博弈等一系列技术难题。针对上述困境,以福建省武夷山市总体城市设计为例,围绕山体景观眺望体系建构,多维模拟城市天际线、借助GIS工具遴选和评估视廊、加强规划导控等层面展开技术探索。     

民航特色的土力学与地基基础课程教学探讨

土力学与地基基础课程是中国民航大学机场学院交通工程专业的专业基础课,其内容涉及土力学特性及地基基础的设计,为该专业机场工程方向学生后续专业课的学习奠定基础。文章探索将民航机场工程知识融入该课程教学内容,立足机场行业探讨课程的民航特色教学模式,分析课程教学专业性内容的延伸、互动教学方法、课程联动考核机制对教学效果的促进作用,在此基础上提出该课程民航特色教学方法的优化建议。     

边坡非圆弧潜在滑动面全局优化的新方法

最危险潜在滑动面搜索是边坡稳定性分析中的一项关键工作,最危险滑动面的准确确定对边坡稳定性评价、设计、施工等均具有重要意义,随着计算机技术的发展,各种最优化方法在最危险滑动面搜索中得到广泛应用。Leapfrog算法是一种优秀的全局优化方法,该方法模拟分子在空间中运动的物理现象,以分子势能表示目标函数,通过一定策略追踪分子的运动轨迹,获得问题解。极限平衡分析是工程界普遍接受的稳定性分析方法,以安全系数(滑动面的函数)为目标函数,将Leapfrog算法与Spencer法结合,提出确定任意形状滑动面的新方法,并通过2个经典算例说明该方法的可行性。     

建筑师的生态设计工具

生态性作为建筑高效性的一个或一系列的指标,在生态或绿色建筑评价体系基础上,有一系列的绿色建筑工具,涵盖规划、建筑、结构、机电暖通工程、管理运营等多个方面,主要有材料手段、性能手段、设计策略手段。根据我国建筑设计的特点和绿色建筑的核查标准,设计出一套便于操作的技术措施和核查体系,是提高建筑物性能、实现生态性的重要课题。