Buildings

Journal: Buildings

Publisher

MDPI

ISSN

2075-5309

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Publications 1 - 10 of 10

Combined use of wind-driven rain load and potential evaporation to evaluate moisture damage risk: Case study on the parliament buildings in Ottawa, Canada
Kubilay, Aytaç; Bourcet, John; Gravel, Jessica; et al. (2021)
Buildings
Parts of the building envelope that frequently receive high amounts of rain are usually exposed to a higher risk of deterioration due to moisture. Determination of such locations can thus help with the assessment of moisture-induced damage risks. This study performs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of wind-driven rain (WDR) on the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, Canada. Long-term time-varying wetting load due to WDR and potential evaporation are considered according to several years of meteorological data, and this cumulative assessment is proposed as a fast method to identify critical locations and periods. The results show that, on the Center Block of the Parliament buildings, the façades of lower towers facing east are the most exposed to WDR, together with the corners of the main tower. Periods of high WDR wetting load larger than the potential evaporation are observed, indicating that deposited rain may lead to moisture accumulation in the envelope. During these critical periods of up to several months, air temperature may repeatedly drop below freezing point, which poses a risk of freeze–thaw damage. First assessment on future freeze–thaw damage risks indicates an increase in such risks at moderate increases in temperature, but a lower risk is found for larger increases in temperature.
Optimization of Synergetic Seismic and Energy Retrofitting Based on Timber Beams and Bio-Based Infill Panels: Application to an Existing Masonry Building in Switzerland
Sanchez Zuluaga, Simon; Kallioras, Stylianos; Tsiavos, Anastasios (2022)
Buildings
This paper presents an optimization process for the design of a novel synergetic seismic and energy retrofitting strategy that combines the favorable mechanical properties of timber and the attractive thermal insulation properties of bio-based materials. The novel method, defined as Strong Thermal and Seismic Backs (STSB), comprises the attachment of timber frames and bio-based thermal insulation panels on the vertical envelope and the facade walls of existing masonry buildings, thus improving both the seismic behavior and the energy performance of these buildings. This strategy is integrated and visualized in a novel synergetic framework for the holistic evaluation of the seismic behavior, the energy performance and the carbon footprint of existing buildings, defined as the Seismic and Energy Retrofitting Scoreboard (SERS). The benefit of the novel retrofitting strategy is quantified based on the numerical simulation of the seismic behavior of an unreinforced masonry building located in Switzerland, an assessment of the energy performance of the building and an evaluation of the carbon footprint of the proposed retrofit solution. Three retrofitting alternatives are investigated for the synergetic seismic and energy retrofitting of the building, comprising timber beams and two different bio-based materials for the thermal insulation of the vertical envelope of the building: cork and recycled natural grass. The optimal seismic and energy retrofitting strategy for the building among the alternatives assessed in this study is chosen based on a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) procedure.
A Calculation Method for Interconnected Timber Elements Using Wood-Wood Connections
Gamerro, Julien; Bocquet, Jean-François; Weinand, Yves (2020)
Buildings
Wood-wood connections, widely used in the past, have been progressively replaced by steel fasteners in timber constructions. Currently, they can be manufactured and implemented more efficiently thanks to digital fabrication techniques. In addition, with the emergence of new timber plate engineered products, digitally produced wood-wood connections have been developed with a strong focus on complex free-form geometries. The gained knowledge through research and building implementations have pushed the development of more standardized structural elements. As a result, this work presents a new concept of building components using through tenon connections based on the idea of transportable flat-packs directly delivered and assembled on site. The main objective of this research is to develop a convenient calculation model for practice that can capture the semi-rigid behavior of the connections and predict the effective bending stiffness of such structural elements. A case study is used as a reference with three large-scale slabs of a 8.1 m span. Bending and vibration tests are performed to study the mechanical behavior and assess the proposed calculation method. The results show the high influence of the semi-rigid behavior of connections on the bending properties and, therefore, on the serviceability limit state. The model is in good agreement with the test results, and further improvements can be made regarding the local behavior of the connection. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed construction system and the applicability of the developed calculation model to design practice.
Co-Design and Co-Manufacturing: A Multidisciplinary Approach through Small-Scale Architectural Experiences in Barcelona
Domènech Rodríguez, Marta; Cornadó, Còssima; Vima-Grau, Sara; et al. (2023)
Buildings
This article aims to explore the potential and limitations of participatory design and co-manufacturing processes, taking the city of Barcelona as a reference. It is characterized by an aging building stock, tourist pressure, and difficulties for citizens in accessing affordable housing. In this sense, a selection of six cases of co-design and co-manufacturing is presented, as a range of small-scale interventions that were shared and discussed in the “Debate sessions. Co-Design and Co-Fabrication in Architecture” within the Co-Hab-Raval project, which motivated this research. Thanks to these case studies, it has been possible to analyse a wide range of intervention practices. The article exposes the socioeconomic context of Barcelona and its lack of affordable housing, which motivated the practices presented. In addition, the cases are carrying out a comparative analysis based on the parameters of agents involved, the type of users’ participation, and materials resource management. Finally, the results obtained highlight the relationship between the construction systems and the self-construction and reuse strategies used, as well as the importance of the plurality of agents that intervened in the design process to enrich the proposals and empower users, especially in vulnerable environments.
Quantifying the Generality and Adaptability of Building Layouts Using Weighted Graphs: The SAGA Method
Herthogs, Pieter; Debacker, Wim; Tunçer, Bige; et al. (2019)
Buildings
This paper presents an assessment method that uses weighted graphs to quantify a building’s capacity to support changes. The method is called Spatial Assessment of Generality and Adaptability (SAGA), and evaluates the generality (passive support for change) and adaptability (active support for change) of a building’s spatial configuration. We put forward that the generality and adaptability of a floor plan can be expressed in terms of graph permeability, and introduce a set of five quantitative indicators. To illustrate the method, we evaluate six representative plan layouts, and discuss how their generality and adaptability scores relate to their spatial configuration. We are developing the SAGA method for two areas of application. First, SAGA’s global graph indicators can be used to analyse and compare large sets of plan graphs, for example to map or plan adaptable capacity throughout a building or city. Second, the SAGA method can serve as a tool to inform design, allowing architects to improve the generality and adaptability of their plan layouts. While we conclude that the method has significant strengths and promising applications, the paper ends by discussing ways to make the assessment more robust and extend it beyond measuring spatial configuration.
Definition of Building Archetypes Based on the Swiss Energy Performance Certificates Database
Pongelli, Alessandro; Priore, Yasmine; Bacher, Jean-Philippe; et al. (2023)
Buildings
The building stock is responsible for 24% of carbon emissions in Switzerland and 44% of the final energy use. Considering that most of the existing stock will still be in place in 2050, it becomes essential to better understand this source of emissions. Although the Swiss Cantonal Energy Certificate for Buildings (CECB) database has been used in previous research, no comprehensive characterization of the buildings can be found. This data paper presents an analysis and classification of the Swiss building stock based on the data found in the database. The objective is to create a knowledge foundation that can be used in future research on the performance of existing buildings. Using a sample of almost 50,000 buildings and a Python script, datasheets were created for single-family houses and multi-family houses for nine construction periods. These archetypes are described through selected available energy-related parameters, such as energy reference area, U-values, and energy source with indicators such as median, 25th percentile, and 75th percentile or distributions. The resulting data can be used for different purposes: (1) to calibrate energy models; (2) for analysis that requires scaling-up strategies to the whole stock; and (3) to identify weak and/or relevant classes of buildings throughout the stock.
Between Research and Practice: Experts on Implementing Sustainable Construction
Bharathi, Krishna; Nicol, Lee Ann (2013)
Buildings
espite documented political support for energy reduction measures in Switzerland’s built environment, as well as high international regard for its construction and research sectors, design practitioners and researchers perceive a diverse set of challenges involved in the implementation of green development solutions. Grounded in Science and Technology Studies (STS), observations drawn from 31 semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted with Swiss building industry experts provide insight into the relationships between designers, researchers and public authorities. A series of examples from the empirical data show how regulatory frictions and the challenges of implementing construction strategies into diverse domestic and international working contexts are ameliorated.
The Canopy: A Lightweight Spatial Installation Informed by Graphic Statics
Wang, Shuaizhong; Bertagna, Federico; Ohlbrock, Patrick Ole; et al. (2022)
Buildings
This paper illustrates the design and fabrication process of the temporary installation The Canopy, developed as part of the fib Symposium on Conceptual Design of Structures 2021. The geometry of the perforated hanging membrane that forms The Canopy is the result of seamless integration between the disciplines of architecture and structural design, which was one of the driving inputs for the entire process. Particularly, the use of geometry-based models and graphic statics allowed activating the interplay between these disciplines. This was the key to balancing the relationship between architectural spaces and structural requirements, and to informing the multifaceted design exploration of The Canopy from conceptual design to construction.
Numerical Simulation of the Semi-Rigid Behaviour of Integrally Attached Timber Folded Surface Structures
Stitic, Andrea; Nguyen, Anh Chi; Rezaei Rad, Aryan; et al. (2019)
Buildings
Timber folded surface structures assembled using semi-rigid multiple tab and slot joints (MTSJ) have been shown to form feasible structural systems with high load bearing potential. However, for their further development and use on large building scales, a pertinent model for prediction of their structural behaviour has yet to be developed. This paper focuses on simplified numerical methods for accurately modelling the semi-rigid structural behaviour of bidirectional timber folded surface structures with multiple tab and slot connections. Within this scope, the structure behaviour is considered to be in the elastic stage. Three practical methods of analysis for such structural systems are presented. The first two approaches use the Finite Element Method (FEM), where the theory of plates and shells are applied. In the first method, the MTSJs are modeled using strip element models, while, in the second strategy, spring models are used. The third modeling strategy elaborates on the new macroscopic mechanical models, referred to as macro models. Sets of one-dimensional (1D) elements are used to represent the mechanical behaviour of the entire system. Both linear and geometric nonlinear analysis are performed for all three modeling strategies. The numerical results are then validated against the large scale experiments. Comparison of the strip and spring element model results have shown that the strips represent more accurately the experimentally obtained values. Concerning the macro modelling approach, very good agreement with both detailed FE modelling approaches, as well as experimental results, were obtained. The results indicate that both linear and nonlinear analysis can be used for modelling the displacements within the elastic range. However, it is essential to include geometric nonlinearities in the analysis for accurate modelling of occurring strains as well as for displacements when considering higher load levels. Finally, it is demonstrated that including semi-rigidity in the numerical models is of high importance for analysing the behaviour of timber folded surface structures with MTSJ.
A Narrative Literature Review Using Placemaking Theories to Unravel Student Social Connectedness in Hybrid University Learning Environments
Wheele, Theresa; Weber, Clara; Windlinger, Lukas; et al. (2023)
Buildings
Student social connectedness is indicated to be changing with the increasing digitalisation of universities. This narrative literature review aims to bring new meanings to the hybrid university learning environment (HULE), and to develop a framework for the benefit of student social connectedness by using placemaking theories. It searches through the academic literature for evidence of experience with three attributes of social connectedness: socialising, social support, and sense of belonging, in relation to individuals’ sense of place, bringing a range of outcomes, such as identity development, which might contribute to improved social connectedness. This is then expanded in the HULE by looking at the physical and online spaces, with a focus on liminal space and co-design. The findings show that an overly rigid structure of the HULE can cause negative student social connectedness, with co-design being proposed as a way of creating a tailored and connected learning experience. However, this is underdeveloped for learning environment needs and could be enhanced by applying placemaking theories to map levels of student social connectedness in the physical location and in the more-than-real ‘non-places’. This provides an innovative perspective of the HULE based on student social connectedness, impacting the existing pedagogical approach for university courses.

Publications 1 - 10 of 10

Journal: Buildings

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