Effects of upholstery materials on the burning behavior of real‐scale residential upholstered furniture mock‐ups

Fire spread and growth on real‐scale four cushion mock‐ups of residential upholstered furniture (RUF) were investigated with the goal of identifying whether changes in five classes of materials (barrier, flexible polyurethane foam, polyester fiber wrap, upholstery fabric, and sewing thread), referred to as factors, resulted in statistically significant changes in burning behavior. A fractional factorial experimental design plus practical considerations yielded a test matrix with 20 material combinations. Experiments were repeated a minimum of two times. Measurements included fire spread rates derived from video recordings and heat release rates (HRRs). A total of 13 experimental parameters (3 based on the videos and 10 on the HRR results), referred to as responses, characterized the measurements. Statistical analyses based on Main Effects Plots (main effects) and Block Plots (main effects and factor interactions) were used. The results showed that three of the factors resulted in statistically significant effects on varying numbers of the 13 responses. The Barrier and Fabric factors had the strongest main effects with roughly comparable magnitudes. Foam was statistically significant for fewer of the responses and its overall strength was weaker than for Barrier and Fabric. No statistically significant main effects were identified for Wrap or Thread. Multiple two‐term interactions between factors were identified as being statistically significant. The Barrier*Fabric interaction resulted in the highest number of and strongest statistically significant effects. The existence of two‐term interactions means that it will be necessary to consider their effects in approaches designed to predict the burning behavior of RUF.     

Real-time organic aerosol chemical speciation in the indoor environment using extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Understanding the sources and composition of organic aerosol (OA) in indoor environments requires rapid measurements, since many emissions and processes have short timescales. However, real-time molecular-level OA measurements have not been reported indoors. Here, we present quantitative measurements, at a time resolution of five seconds, of molecular ions corresponding to diverse aerosol-phase species, by applying extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS) to indoor air analysis for the first time, as part of the highly instrumented HOMEChem field study. We demonstrate how the complex spectra of EESI-MS are screened in order to extract chemical information and investigate the possibility of interference from gas-phase semivolatile species. During experiments that simulated the Thanksgiving US holiday meal preparation, EESI-MS quantified multiple species, including fatty acids, carbohydrates, siloxanes, and phthalates. Intercomparisons with Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer suggest that EESI-MS quantified a large fraction of OA. Comparisons with FIGAERO-CIMS shows similar signal levels and good correlation, with a range of 100 for the relative sensitivities. Comparisons with SV-TAG for phthalates and with SV-TAG and AMS for total siloxanes also show strong correlation. EESI-MS observations can be used with gas-phase measurements to identify co-emitted gas- and aerosol-phase species, and this is demonstrated using complementary gas-phase PTR-MS observations.     

Multifamily Housing Characteristics and Tenant Satisfaction

This paper examines the long-term impact of structural features and physical amenities on the residential satisfaction of renters in multifamily housing. A cumulative logit analysis of 7,206 rented multifamily units in the 2005 American Housing Survey indicates that features creating separated space (additional room, bathroom, garage/carport, or balcony/patio) were associated with significantly higher satisfaction, even when holding total unit area constant. Conversely, violation of space separation by noise intrusion through walls, floors, or ceilings created dramatically negative effects. Other amenities such as a fireplace, disposal, or dishwasher had no statistically significant impact. Tracking a cohort of 5,170 rented multifamily units from 1997 to 2005 revealed somewhat similar effects on the satisfaction trajectory of residents during this period. More bathrooms, bedrooms, and other rooms, as well as the presence of a balcony/patio were associated with satisfaction improvements. Analyzing cohort units undergoing modifications during the tracking period revealed that the addition of a bathroom or central air conditioning had the clearest impact on satisfaction, followed by the addition of a balcony/patio, other room, dishwasher, or garage/carport.     

Case Study-Based Challenges of Quality Concrete Finishing for Architecturally Complex Structures

This paper focuses on the procedure utilized in the construction of tilt-up irregular concrete panels that are constructed on-site using concrete slabs and wooden formwork. The case study required high-quality concrete finishing. The erection and installation procedure called for a maximum panel-to-panel joint tolerance of 1.27?cm (0.5?in.), often 90° joints between panels. To meet precision requirements, the casting slabs were leveled and flattened with laser screed technology and smoothed with chemical solutions. To ensure that the final result met expectations, a mock-up model was built using different types of materials and to simulate site constraints. The architectural design is a composition of precast concrete panels like “Lego” pieces assembled similarly to a jigsaw puzzle. The unique construction process required a state-of-the-art analysis to produce the set quality. Quality conditions as set by the owner included creating a smooth concrete surface on all panels while avoiding damages and reducing equipment and material costs. The proposed methodology is described through its implementation on the case study, which is also described in this paper.     

居住建筑设计的点滴体会

根据石河子的地理位置、自然环境和居住建筑发展的历史,为当地设计了功能较全,布局合理,实用性强的住宅楼。通过设计实践对住宅设计提出了一些看法。     

营造温馨的家园--谈住宅设计中的一些认识与体会

本文通过住宅区总体规划与环境设计,居住户型的多样化,美观大方的住宅立面设计,方便安全的停车场所四个方面谈了自己对住宅设计的认识与体会.     

探讨低收入阶层住区建设的公共政策

探讨了低收入阶层住区建设的现状及弊端，从旧城改造、新城建设及住房政策三方面对解决低收入阶层住区建设问题的对策进行了研究，以妥善解决低收入阶层的住房问题，从而达到构建和谐社会的目的。     

人类聚居环境学对于居住区规划设计的启示

以人类聚居环境学的研究方法从若干方面对目前的居住区规划设计进行了一定的探讨,分析规划设计及建设方面目前存在的主要问题,提出以人类聚居环境学为指导的居住区规划设计理念。     

住宅建筑带钢副框铝合金门窗防渗漏施工技术

使用自粘性防水卷材对带钢副框的铝合金门窗窗边进行粘接,以防止雨水通过副框与墙体之间的缝隙渗漏到室内,重点介绍了详细的施工措施。     

论智能化建筑

详细地阐述了智能化建筑的概念及其产生和发展、智能住宅的产生和发展，针对我国智能建筑发展存在的问题提出了建议，同时对未来的智能化建筑进行了展望，从而促进我国智能化建筑的发展。