Completion of a building — Scottish practice

Architect and Planning Consultant, Alan Wightman, in consultation with Professor Donald Bishop, David Leslie and Dan Carmichael describes the procedure for handover and highlights the significance of ‘delivery’, including a useful checklist.     

The building volume with hygroscopic materials—an analytical study of a classical building physics problem

A global analytical solution covering all cases of a building volume with hygroscopic materials is given. The mathematical and physical simplifications and assumptions are quite modest. Isothermality is not assumed. Examples are rooms, attics, subfloor spaces and building cavities. All share the same physics describing the vapour pressure in the building volume and the moisture content in the hygroscopic materials as a function of building volume temperature and moisture emission rates, external vapour pressure and building volume ventilation levels, heat and mass transfer between the building volume and the hygroscopic materials, and heat and mass storage and transfer within the hygroscopic materials.     

Retrofitting with vegetation recent building heritage applying a design tool—the case study of a school building

Several researches show the environmental and microclimatic benefits of the integration of vegetation in architecture; however the potentialities of vertical and horizontal greening systems to retrofit buildings are still not much investigated. The retrofitting project of the Barsanti Institute of Camogli (Genoa, Italy) is presented, a building dated back to the sixties with serious architectural and efficiency problems, located in a considerable landscape area. The development and application of a design tool (process tree), for horizontal and vertical greened surfaces, allows to evaluate the potentialities of vegetation to retrofit and to relate the encountered efficiency problems and the climate characteristics with the choice of plant species, system, and technology more suitable for the specific situation (of which environmental and economic impact are also evaluated) and to define a design approach for the systematic consideration of the many parameters involved.     

Computational evaluation of building physics—The effect of building form and settled area,microclimate on pedestrian level comfort around buildings

Wind discomfort and the dangers that the wind may lead can be harmful in terms of comfort conditions of both indoor and outdoor environment of the building/buildings to be constructed or just completed. The wind effects on a site can be divided in two as: mechanical wind effects and thermal wind effects. This study is specifically about mechanical wind stress and pedestrian wind comfort. Typically, the cause of frequent occurrences of strong wind at pedestrian area is primary related to the configuration of building structures and/or topography in the vicinity of the pedestrian area. Depending on the characteristics of the wind including magnitude, uniformity, ambient temperature, etc., the level of disturbance to users of pedestrian areas can be different. In this context, the regions where Necmettin Erbakan University (N.E.U.) temporary education buildings are located have a fairly intensive topography in terms of wind. Therefore, detailed analyses of the inside regions and the surrounding areas of education buildings in particular are performed in terms of microclimatic comfort and indoor energy recovery. Especially, the topography where the university campus temporary educational buildings are located has very high wind climate conditions comparing to the city of Konya, Turkey, climate conditions. In this study pedestrian level wind conditions around N.E.U. campus buildings and in urban areas and campus buildings settlements topography are analyzed by CFD FloEFD. The aim of the study is to analyze causes of wind nuisance in campus site area and around temporary education buildings, and compare and evaluate remedial measures. The results show that current campus settlement, around the buildings and amphi classes are seen to reach very discomforting levels in terms of in classroom comfort. Draft architectural campus temporary education buildings projects proposed by the author can improve on existing wind conditions where possible, and as a minimum, can not significantly degrade wind conditions especially when considering the safety criteria.     

Productivity in building — the universal enigma

Productivity in building causes continual concern, but it is one of the most difficult things to measure or chart. This article is based on a general reconnaissance of European and American studies originally made by the author as International Research Co-ordinator in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The views he expresses are his own.     

Modelling of emission of volatile organic compounds from building materials—estimation of gas-phase mass transfer coefficient

A mathematical model is developed to predict Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emission rates from homogeneous materials. The model considers both mass diffusion and mass convection processes in the boundary layer between the material surface and the air flow. Establishing the relationship between the surface air flow and emission rate; the model, therefore can predict the material emission rate under different environmental conditions. The other feature of the model is that all the parameters have clear physical meaning and can be either found in literature or calculated using known theories and/or equations.The prediction of the mathematical model was validated at three different levels; with experimental results from the CBS specially designed test chamber, with experimental results from the EPA which were carried out in an ASTM chamber, and finally with the predictions made by other models. The results indicate that there is, in general, good agreement between the model predictions and the experimental results. The main advantage of this model is that the model does not require any experimental data as input.     

Artificial vs natural Stachybotrys infestation—Comparison of mycotoxin production on various building materials

The genus Stachybotrys belongs to filamentous fungi found in indoor environment, mostly on cellulose-rich substrates after water-damage. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different building materials in case of mold infestation on the mycotoxin production of Stachybotrys species. Fifteen Stachybotrys mycotoxins including satratoxins, phenylspirodrimanes, and recently discovered stachybotrychromenes were in the focus of the investigations. Artificial and natural infestations were compared to determine whether environmental factors, for example, time of growth, temperature, humidity, and material additives have an influence on the observed mycotoxin profiles. It turned out that mycotoxin profiles from Stachybotrys spp. on building materials can be influenced by cellulose, paints, and paste of the materials. The total toxin levels of artificially and naturally contaminated gypsum board samples ranged up to 30 µg/cm², whereas wallpaper samples showed total toxin levels in the range of 20-66 µg/cm². A naturally infested sample disclosed the conversion of the dialdehyde components to the corresponding lactone isomers under the influence of light.     

Region moves into fast lane of highway building

The Guangzhou-HuaxianExpressway, connecting theGuangzhou FoshanExpressway and the GuangzhouHuancheng (Ring) Expresswaywill play an important role inimproving economic co-op-eration and trade relations be-tween Huaxian, Guangzhouand Foshan in the Pearl RiverDelta.     

Smart building management vs. intuitive human control—Lessons learnt from an office building in Hungary

Smart building management and control are adopted nowadays to achieve zero-net energy use in buildings. However, without considering the human dimension, technologies alone do not necessarily guarantee high performance in buildings. An office building was designed and built according to state-of-the-art design and energy management principles in 2008. Despite the expectations of high performance, the owner was facing high utility bills and low user comfort in the building located in Budapest, Hungary. The objective of the project was to evaluate the energy performance and comfort indices of the building, to identify the causes of malfunction and to elaborate a comprehensive energy concept. Firstly, current building conditions and operation parameters were evaluated. Our investigation found that the state-of-the-art building management system was in good conditions but it was operated by building operators and occupants who are not aware of the building management practice. The energy consumption patterns of the building were simulated with energy modelling software. The baseline model was calibrated to annual measured energy consumption, using actual occupant behaviour and presence, based on results of self-reported surveys, occupancy sensors and fan-coil usage data. Realistic occupant behaviour models can capture diversity of occupant behaviour and better represent the real energy use of the building. This way our findings and the effect of our proposed improvements could be more reliable. As part of our final comprehensive energy concept, we proposed intervention measures that would increase indoor thermal comfort and decrease energy consumption of the building. A parametric study was carried out to evaluate and quantify energy, comfort and return on investment of each measure. It was found that in the best case the building could save 23% of annual energy use. Future work includes the follow-up of: occupant reactions to intervention measures, the realized energy savings, the measurement of occupant satisfaction and behavioural changes.     

Development of cork–gypsum composites for building applications

This paper presents an experimental analysis on a new composite material, cork–gypsum composite. It is shown that cork and plaster are mutually compatible and that a lot of new building materials can be made by mixing those materials in different volume fractions. Mechanical properties of the cork–gypsum composite have been measured. The acoustic absorption coefficient and thermal conductivity of this new composite have also been experimentally obtained and those values are reported for design purposes. Concerning the acoustical insulation characteristics, this composite is not a sound-absorbing material but a reflecting one, and it needs some kind of perforations to behave as an absorbing construction material for sound and noise. The thermal insulation properties are quite good as a result of the thermal conductivity tests. This new composite material is suggested for use in building applications as partitions.     

The impact of clients’ decision-making on their adoption of industrialized building

Previous research has shown that client organizations’ decision-making about new-build creates individual-level and organizational-level barriers to the adoption of Swedish industrialized building (IB). However, it has been proposed that clients may overcome barriers on both levels by allowing multiple meanings and conflicting interpretations to surface and interact with their decision-making. The aim is to test this proposition. Based on the theoretical fields of decision-making and organizational information processing, a framework for analysis has been developed. In the framework, three decision-making approaches are operationalized: rational, judgments and managing multiple meanings. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with key decision-makers from four Swedish professional clients differing on when and if they adopted IB: one early-adopter, two late-adopters and one non-adopter. The empirical findings support the proposition and show a relationship between how clients manage multiple meanings in their decision-making and their adoption of IB. The research adds to the understanding of how clients may overcome barriers to the adoption of IB on both individual and organizational levels. Moreover, it increases understanding about how clients might better cope with radical changes and innovations.     

Fire test data and building design—Some problem areas

Are the methods currently used to classify the combustibility of materials, the fire endurance of structural elements, and the flammability of interior finishes adequate as guide lines in designing fire resistance and fire protection into buildings? The author believes there are some fallacies in strict interpretation of accepted definitions and fire test results. He suggests that more comprehensive reporting of data, based on fire tests reflecting more closely the way materials and assemblies perform under actual fire conditions, would be extremely useful in applying sound fire protection principles in the design of fire-safe buildings.     

Experimental weathering of marlstone from Přednı́ Kopanina (Czech Republic)—historical building stone of Prague

Romanesque builders favoured marlstones because of their easy workability. Unfortunately, this rock rapidly deteriorates when exposed to the external atmospheric conditions. Artificial weathering experiments were conducted on marlstone from Přednı́ Kopanina quarry near Prague (Czech Republic) in order to determine: (A) which weathering factor presents major danger to this rock type, and (B) which of the test methods provide the most reliable measure of the intensity of rock disintegration. Rock specimens prepared from fresh rock were subjected to standardized freeze–thaw cycles and salt crystallization tests, and to the accelerated weathering in climatic chamber using SO₂ and a combination of freeze–thaw and SO₂ cycles. Stone properties were evaluated by non-destructive and destructive techniques including ultrasonic velocity measurements, determination of water uptake by capillary action, mechanical testing, detailed porosimetric analysis and microscopic study.     

DeST—An integrated building simulation toolkit Part II: Applications

This is the companion paper of part I of DeST overview. DeST was developed as a building simulation tool with the aim of benefiting both design of and research on building energy efficiency. During its development, DeST has been applied to many projects, development of building regulations, and research. This paper gives examples of several areas in which DeST has been applied, including building design consultation, building commissioning, building energy conservation assessment, a building energy labeling system, and scientific research. Examples from a demonstration building are presented to demonstrate the entire process of aiding design with DeST. Additional projects and regulations are also mentioned to introduce other applications of DeST.     

The accuracy of pre‐tender building cost estimates in Australia

A pre‐tender building cost estimate is an important piece of information when making decisions at the project planning and design stage. The important project characteristics influencing the accuracy of pre‐tender building cost estimates are examined and practical improvement for increasing the accuracy of estimates are considered. A quantitative approach is used to address the research problem. Analysis of data from 56 projects and from a postal questionnaire survey of 102 quantity surveying firms suggests that the accuracy of pre‐tender building cost estimates varies according to project size and principal structural material. When eight identified project characteristics are controlled in a multiple regression analysis, the accuracy of estimates is influenced by project size. The estimates of smaller projects are more biased than the estimates of larger projects. It was discovered that pre‐tender building costs are more often overestimated than are underestimated. Overestimated forecasts are incorrect by a larger amount than underestimated forecasts. Data analysis also revealed that the accuracy of pre‐tender building cost estimates has not improved over time. The majority of the respondents are somewhat dissatisfied with the accuracy of estimates in the industry. Probability estimation and simulation of past estimates, reducing quantity surveying and cost engineering skill turnover, incorporating market sentiments into estimates, early involvement of the quantity surveyor at the brief stage, and proper documentation of experience gained in the estimation of projects should help firms increase the accuracy of estimates for new projects.     

Low-cost aerial unit for outdoor inspection of building façades

Geometry of buildings is an essential measurement during energy inspections, since it has a great influence in the energy performance of the building. Given the difficult access presented to some areas of the buildings that make impossible their complete geometric characterization with terrestrial devices, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) stand as the solution for the acquisition of data both from façades and roofs. In this paper, the potential of UAV to building geometric inspection is analyzed by mounting a Kinect sensor for geometric data acquisition in three-dimensions. The resulting point cloud and 3D model are evaluated in order to validate the performance of the complete system.     

TOBUS — a European diagnosis and decision-making tool for office building upgrading

The TOBUS (a decision-making tool for selecting office building upgrading solutions) methodology and software have been developed as a result of a 2-year European research project, involving eight European institutions, in the frame of the JOULE III programme of the European Commission (EC), Directorate General XII. A structured diagnosis scheme enables architects and engineers to simultaneously handle the entire complex process of office building refurbishment or retrofit with respect to deterioration, functional obsolescence of building services, energy consumption and indoor environmental quality. The software tool can then be used to define the most appropriate and cost-effective actions, to elaborate consistent refurbishment scenarios and calculate a reasonable investment budget in the early stages of a refurbishment project. This paper provides an overview of the work performed in TOBUS and an overview of the methodology and final deliverables of the project.     

Chemical injection remedial treatments for rising damp—I. The interaction of damp-proofing fluids with porous building materials

In this paper some factors affecting the interaction of damp-proofing fluids with porous media are discussed. Experimental procedures are described which enable post-treatment redistribution to be assessed and curing times to be estimated.Two types of damp-proofing fluid have been investigated, one was an aqueous solution of sodium methyl siliconate and the other an organic solvent solution of polyoxo-aluminium stearate. Neither fluid showed significant redistribution after imbibition. For both types of fluid curing was found to be sufficiently rapid so that any movement of uncured fluid by rising damp would be insignificant.In terms of site practice it is concluded that for the types of fluid investigated injection or infusion must be continued for long enough at each injection point for a continuous band of treated masonry to be formed at dpc level by the time injection ceases. Neither capillary forces nor post-injection redistribution will significantly extend the volume of mansonry treated with repellent.