Buildings

12 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Socio-Demographic and Urban Form Indices in Demand Forecasting Models to Reflect Spatial Variations: Case Study of Childcare Centres in Hobart, Australia

by Amir Mousavi, Jonathan Bunker and Jinwoo (Brian) Lee

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100493 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1943

Abstract

This study investigated whether indices for socioeconomic, demographic and urban form characteristics can reflect the overall effect of each category in a demand forecasting model. Regression equations were developed for trip generation of the land use of long day care centres (LDCC) in [...] Read more.

This study investigated whether indices for socioeconomic, demographic and urban form characteristics can reflect the overall effect of each category in a demand forecasting model. Regression equations were developed for trip generation of the land use of long day care centres (LDCC) in the metropolitan region of Hobart, Australia, to estimate the morning peak hourly private car trip generation of the centres. The independent variables for the model were functions of socioeconomic, demographic and urban form related indices, while the dependent variable was private car trip generation per number of staff or children. Findings show that using indices for socioeconomic, demographic and urban form characteristics enhances overall model performance, while the models based on the commonly used method for estimating trip generation present acceptable results in just some specific sites. The use of socioeconomic, demographic and urban form indices can reflect differences in these characteristics across suburbs when estimating trip generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Cities and Infrastructure)

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20 pages, 38175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Navigation Tasks in Desktop VR Environments to Improve the Spatial Orientation Skill of Building Engineers

by Carlos Carbonell-Carrera, Jose Luis Saorin and Allison J. Jaeger

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100492 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3050

Abstract

Virtual reality is a powerful tool for teaching 3D digital technologies in building engineering, as it facilitates the spatial perception of three-dimensional space. Spatial orientation skill is necessary for understanding 3D space. With VR, users navigate through virtually designed buildings and must be [...] Read more.

Virtual reality is a powerful tool for teaching 3D digital technologies in building engineering, as it facilitates the spatial perception of three-dimensional space. Spatial orientation skill is necessary for understanding 3D space. With VR, users navigate through virtually designed buildings and must be constantly aware of their position relative to other elements of the environment (orientation during navigation). In the present study, 25 building engineering students performed navigation tasks in a desktop-VR environment workshop. Performance of students using the desktop-VR was compared to a previous workshop in which navigation tasks were carried out using head-mounted displays. The Perspective Taking/Spatial Orientation Test measured spatial orientation skill. A questionnaire on user experience in the virtual environment was also administered. The gain in spatial orientation skill was 12.62%, similar to that obtained with head-mounted displays (14.23%). The desktop VR environment is an alternative to the HMD-VR environment for planning strategies to improve spatial orientation. Results from the user-experience questionnaire showed that the desktop VR environment strategy was well perceived by students in terms of interaction, 3D visualization, navigation, and sense of presence. Unlike in the HDM VR environment, student in the desktop VR environment did not report feelings of fatigue or dizziness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation and Maintenance (AECOM) Building Sector)

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28 pages, 2903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BIM and BEM Methodologies Integration in Energy-Efficient Buildings Using Experimental Design

by Jorge González, Carlos Alberto Pereira Soares, Mohammad Najjar and Assed N. Haddad

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100491 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5194

Abstract

Linking Building Information Modelling and Building Energy Modelling methodologies appear as a tool for the energy performance analysis of a dwelling, being able to build the physical model via Autodesk Revit and simulating the energy modeling with its complement Autodesk Insight. A residential [...] Read more.

Linking Building Information Modelling and Building Energy Modelling methodologies appear as a tool for the energy performance analysis of a dwelling, being able to build the physical model via Autodesk Revit and simulating the energy modeling with its complement Autodesk Insight. A residential two-story house was evaluated in five different locations within distinct climatic zones to reduce its electricity demand. Experimental Design is used as a methodological tool to define the possible arrangement of results emitted via Autodesk Insight that exhibits the minor electric demand, considering three variables: Lighting efficiency, Plug-Load Efficiency, and HVAC systems. The analysis concluded that while the higher the efficiency of lighting and applications, the lower the electric demand. In addition, the type of climate and thermal characteristics of the materials that conform to the building envelope have significant effects on the energetic performance. The adjustment of different energetic measures and its comparison with other climatic zones enable decision-makers to choose the best combination of variables for developing strategies to lower the electric demand towards energy-efficient buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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3 pages, 160 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Facilities Management Models, Methods and Tools

by Per Anker Jensen

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100490 - 18 Oct 2021

Viewed by 2421

Abstract

The starting point for this Special Issue was the book “Facilities Management Models, Methods and Tools: Research Results for Practice” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Facilities Management Models, Methods and Tools)

11 pages, 11650 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Amount of Fibre and Damage Level on Service Life of SFR Recycled Concrete in Aggressive Environment

by Petr Lehner and Marie Horňáková

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100489 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2965

Abstract

The paper presents a numerical calculation of the service life of concrete structures considering the effect of chlorides in the case of the material properties of structural lightweight waste aggregate concrete. Different amounts of fibres (0.0%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) and different values of [...] Read more.

The paper presents a numerical calculation of the service life of concrete structures considering the effect of chlorides in the case of the material properties of structural lightweight waste aggregate concrete. Different amounts of fibres (0.0%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) and different values of compressive preloading (0%, 50%, and 100% of the ultimate strength capacity-USC) were considered. The subject of the research was the comparison of the influence of the constant diffusion coefficient and the time-dependent diffusion coefficient regarding the service life of the selected structure. Nine groups of material characteristics in combination with two numerical models are compared. A time-dependent diffusion coefficient and maturation coefficient, which were determined based on long-term monitoring (up to 461 days), were accepted for the numerical modelling. Thanks to time-dependent parameters, it is possible to observe the results of the theoretical service life of the structure and the influence of the mentioned factors. The analysed structure can be considered as the upper layer of an industrial floor in a chemical plant. It is important to determine the theoretical service life at which the structure shall be inspected or replaced. The results, in general, show that a higher amount of fibres reduces the service life as well as the preloading of the structure. An exception was a mixture with 1% of fibre loaded to 50% USC, which shows a lower diffusion coefficient than the specimens without preloading. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Utilization of Waste Materials in Building Engineering)

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24 pages, 6597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Demand Control” an Innovative Way of Reducing the HVAC System’s Energy Consumption

by Rand Talib and Nabil Nassif

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100488 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2926

Abstract

According to EIA, the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HAVC) systems account for about 25% of the U.S.’s total commercial building’s energy use. Therefore, advanced modeling and optimization methods of the system components and operation offer great ways to reduce energy consumption in [...] Read more.

According to EIA, the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HAVC) systems account for about 25% of the U.S.’s total commercial building’s energy use. Therefore, advanced modeling and optimization methods of the system components and operation offer great ways to reduce energy consumption in all types of buildings and mainly commercial buildings. This research introduced an innovative integrated two-level optimization technique for the HVAC system to reduce the total energy consumption while improving the indoor thermal comfort level. The process uses actual system performance data collected for the building automation systems (BAS) to create accurate component modeling and optimization process as the first level of optimization (MLO). Artificial neural networks were chosen to be the tool used to serve the process of modeling. The second optimization level utilizes the whole system-level optimization technique (SLO) using a genetic algorithm (G.A.). The proposed two-levels optimization technique will optimize the system setpoints, the supply air temperature, duct static pressure, minimum zone air flowrates, and minimum outdoor air ventilation rate. The proposed technique has contributed to the field of modeling and optimization of HVAC systems through several new contributions. (1) Implementing the demand control methodology with the optimization process to modify the electricity consumption power profile when the demand signal is received. (2) Implement the occupancy schedule inputs into the optimization process to adjust the ventilation airflow rates accordingly. (3) Implement the real-time zone occupancy sensor readings and adjust the zone’s ventilation flowrates and minimum flowrates. (4) Lastly, implementing the method of zone minimum air flowrates setpoint rests to reduce reheat requirements. The proposed optimization process was tested and validated, resulting in savings in the total energy consumed by the chilled water VAV system by 13.4%, 22.4 %, followed by 31% for July, February, and October, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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27 pages, 6424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Art in Post-Industrial Facilities—Strategies of Adaptive Reuse for Art Exhibition Function in Poland

by Michał Pieczka and Bogusław Wowrzeczka

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100487 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7185

Abstract

Along with the socio-economic changes in Poland after 1989 and the beginning of the industrial restructuring process, many industrial architecture objects lost their original purpose. At present, sustainable processes of reusing the building stock left over from the industrial period are proceeding. One [...] Read more.

Along with the socio-economic changes in Poland after 1989 and the beginning of the industrial restructuring process, many industrial architecture objects lost their original purpose. At present, sustainable processes of reusing the building stock left over from the industrial period are proceeding. One of the possibilities includes adaptation to culture-related goals, where such activities have an established tradition in the world. The aim of the article is to analyze the adaptive reuse of post-industrial facilities in Poland for the functions of art exhibitions, such as museums, galleries, and art centers. The study was based on descriptive qualitative and quantitative research, in the following stages: identification and analysis of adapted objects; developing a typology of adaptive reuse strategies; questionnaire research aimed at institutions located in adapted facilities. The analyses show that the leading group of adapted facilities constitute former power plants, which ensure favorable exhibition conditions. The main result is the recognition of five types of adaptive reuse strategies implemented in Poland, resulting from a diversified approach to the historic substance, such as: the method of extension of an object; placing an exhibition; the character of the exhibition space, along with the type of intervention in the interior of a historic building. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architecture, City, People, and Structure)

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23 pages, 1889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Factors Affecting Team Work Efficiency in BIM-Based Collaborative Design: An Empirical Study in China

by Jiayuan Wang, Zikui Yuan, Zhilin He, Fuping Zhou and Zezhou Wu

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100486 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5187

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) can theoretically facilitate collaboration among diverse design participants in construction projects, but in practice, its implementation tends to prolong the design period. Existing literature has examined some technical and managerial causes of this problem but still lacks an overall [...] Read more.

Building information modeling (BIM) can theoretically facilitate collaboration among diverse design participants in construction projects, but in practice, its implementation tends to prolong the design period. Existing literature has examined some technical and managerial causes of this problem but still lacks an overall coverage of related factors. This study aims to identify the comprehensive factors affecting the teamwork efficiency in China’s BIM-based collaborative design, and to investigate the critical factors and their interactions. Based on the input-process-output theory, this study initially established a hypothetical model. Potential factors were further identified through the literature review and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire survey was conducted, and structural equation modeling was used for analysis. The results indicated that the team cooperation atmosphere is the most significant factor, followed by the collaborators’ learning ability, comfort of the working environment, BIM software function, and the characteristics and arrangement of the design task (CADT). Besides, the CADT negatively affects the teamwork efficiency through the human interaction process, while other factors exert positive impacts by affecting both the personal work process and the human interaction process. The findings can help design units to determine the management focus of BIM-based collaborative design and prioritize the allocation of limited resources accordingly to maximize teamwork efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Buildings, Infrastructure and SDGs 2030)

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33 pages, 9212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Seismic Building Vulnerability Using Rapid Visual Screening Method through Web-Based Application for Malaysia

by Moustafa Moufid Kassem, Salmia Beddu, Jun Hao Ooi, Chee Ghuan Tan, Ahmad Mohamad El-Maissi and Fadzli Mohamed Nazri

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100485 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8593

Abstract

Rapid visual screening is a quick and simple approach often used by researchers to estimate the seismic vulnerability of buildings in an area. In this study, preliminary seismic vulnerability assessment of 500 buildings situated at Northern and Eastern George Town, Malaysia, was carried [...] Read more.

Rapid visual screening is a quick and simple approach often used by researchers to estimate the seismic vulnerability of buildings in an area. In this study, preliminary seismic vulnerability assessment of 500 buildings situated at Northern and Eastern George Town, Malaysia, was carried out by utilizing a modified FEMA-154 (2002) method that suits Malaysian conditions. Data were collected from online sources via Google Maps and Google Earth instead of traditional surveying data collection through street screening. The seismic assessment analysis of this study was based on the RVS performance score and the damage state classification for each building typology. This approach generates, for each building, a final performance score based on governing parameters such as structural resisting system, height, structural irregularities, building age, and soil type. The findings revealed the immediate need for effective seismic mitigation strategies, as 90% of the studied buildings required a further detailed analyses to pinpoint their exact seismic vulnerability performance. Most of the surveyed buildings were predicted to experience moderate-to-substantial damage, with 220 out of 500 being classed as damage state 2 (D2) and damage state 3 (D3). A GIS map, “RVS Malaysian Form-George Town Area”, was generated via ArcGIS and shared with the public to provide vital information for further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Seismic Safety Assessment and Strengthening of Existing Constructions)

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24 pages, 11742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Shape, Number, and Location of Openings on Punching Shear Capacity of Flat Slabs

by Ekkachai Yooprasertchai, Yonlada Tiawilai, Theerawee Wittayawanitchai, Jiranuwat Angsumalee, Panuwat Joyklad and Qudeer Hussain

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100484 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3406

Abstract

Experimental evidence have proved that punching shear capacity of flat slabs deteriorate with the presence of openings located within the critical perimeter around columns. It is understood that this deterioration varies inversely with the distance of openings from column’s face. However, effect of [...] Read more.

Experimental evidence have proved that punching shear capacity of flat slabs deteriorate with the presence of openings located within the critical perimeter around columns. It is understood that this deterioration varies inversely with the distance of openings from column’s face. However, effect of the shape of openings on punching shear capacity is not well known. This study presents experimental results of 14 flat specimens to investigate the effects of the number (2 and 4), shape (circular, square, and rectangular), and location (1 and 4 times of slab’s thickness from column’s face) of openings on punching shear strength. It was found that circular openings had least influence on punching capacity followed by square and rectangular openings, respectively. Further, placing openings at a distance of four times the slab’s thickness from column’s face had minimal impact on punching capacity. Further, increasing the number of openings from 2 to 4 substantially reduced the punching capacity. An effort was made to predict the punching capacities of all specimens using the descriptive equations of ACI 318-19 and Eurocode 2. Mean of the ratio of experimental to analytical results and standard deviation of ACI equations were found to be more accurate than those of Eurocode 2 predictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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14 pages, 3162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recycling Crushed Waste Beer Bottle Glass in Fired Clay Bricks

by Yuecheng Xin, Halenur Kurmus, Abbas Mohajerani, Yasmin Dallol, Yunsha Lao, Dilan Robert, Biplob Pramanik and Phuong Tran

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100483 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4136

Abstract

Waste glass is a readily available domestic material. Each year, around 257,000 tonnes of glass waste are produced in Victoria, and the majority is glass packings. Typically, mixed waste glass cullet is deposited in landfills due to the limited recycling techniques. As a [...] Read more.

Waste glass is a readily available domestic material. Each year, around 257,000 tonnes of glass waste are produced in Victoria, and the majority is glass packings. Typically, mixed waste glass cullet is deposited in landfills due to the limited recycling techniques. As a result, landfills are facing a growing issue. Therefore, this study investigates the addition of waste beer bottle glass (BG) in fired clay bricks and examines the effects of varying firing temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured samples. Clay bricks containing 10% BG at a firing temperature of 950 °C depicted similar compressive strength results (41 MPa) to the control samples (42 MPa). The results of all tested bricks were found to be below the water absorption limit of 17%. The thermal conductivity of the bricks incorporating BG was investigated, and it was found that the thermal performance improved with the decreasing firing temperature. Moreover, an initial rate of absorption (IRA), XRD, and XRF analysis was conducted. The experimental results have been discussed and compared with the recommended acceptable properties for standard bricks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable and Green Construction Materials)

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24 pages, 4194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability of Existing Climate Indices in Assessing the Freeze-Thaw Damage Risk of Internally Insulated Masonry Walls

by Sahar Sahyoun, Hua Ge, Michael A. Lacasse and Maurice Defo

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100482 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2130

Abstract

This paper evaluates the reliability of the currently used climate-based indices in selecting a moisture reference year (MRY) for the freeze-thaw (FT) damage risk assessment of internally insulated solid brick walls. The evaluation methodology compares the ranking of the years determined by the [...] Read more.

This paper evaluates the reliability of the currently used climate-based indices in selecting a moisture reference year (MRY) for the freeze-thaw (FT) damage risk assessment of internally insulated solid brick walls. The evaluation methodology compares the ranking of the years determined by the climate-based indices and response-based indices from simulations, regarded as actual performance. The hygrothermal response of an old brick masonry wall assembly, before and after retrofit, was investigated in two Canadian cities under historical and projected future climates. Results indicated that climate-based indices failed to represent the actual performance. However, among the response-based indices, the freeze-thaw damage risk index (FTDR) showed a better correlation with the climate-based indices. Additionally, results indicated a better correlation between the climatic index (CI), the moisture index (MI), and FTDR in Ottawa; however, in Vancouver, a better fit was found between MI and FTDR. Moreover, the risk of freeze-thaw increased considerably after interior insulation was added under both historical and projected future climates. The risk of FT damage would increase for Ottawa but decrease for Vancouver under a warming climate projected in the future, based on the climate scenario used in this study. Further research is needed to develop a more reliable method for the ranking and the selection of MRYs on the basis of climate-based indices that is suitable for freeze-thaw damage risk assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Resilient Buildings)

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27 pages, 2195 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fiber-Reinforced Polymers in Freeform Structures: A Review

by Anastasiia Moskaleva, Alexander Safonov and Enrique Hernández-Montes

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100481 - 16 Oct 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7062

Abstract

This article is a survey discussing the application of fiber-reinforced polymer composites in freeform structures and their impact on the design and shape generation process. The analysis of case studies showed that the use of FRP composites not only helps to overcome some [...] Read more.

This article is a survey discussing the application of fiber-reinforced polymer composites in freeform structures and their impact on the design and shape generation process. The analysis of case studies showed that the use of FRP composites not only helps to overcome some challenges in the construction of objects with complex geometry, but also creates brand new types of structures and design approaches. On the other hand, there is a problem—although FRP materials are frequently used in construction, the shapes of structures and design methods are often traditional and are simply copied from materials such as wood, concrete, and steel. FRP composites have been applied in civil engineering for several decades, since the 1960s, as building envelopes, façade skins, load-bearing structures, and internal and external reinforcement. The article aims to analyze this accumulated experience and to explore the role of FRP materials in the design of buildings with free, complex, fluid, and organic shapes. A new classification of freeform composite structures is proposed. They are classified in this article according to the methodology applied at the conceptual design stage: structures created by using a geometric approach, a form-finding (equilibrium) approach, or a biomimetic approach. Each approach is described in its own separate section, with a thorough literature and state-of-the-art review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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18 pages, 5066 KiB

Open AccessReview

Light Transmitting Concrete: A Review

by Ismail Luhar, Salmabanu Luhar, Pericles Savva, Antreas Theodosiou, Michael F. Petrou and Demetris Nicolaides

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100480 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 10775

Abstract

Recently, research attention has been drawn to the application of novel, unique, and innovative types of construction materials to fulfil diverse objectives associated with the ground-breaking concept of “Greener Architecture”, in order to improve the overall economic value and quality of construction. Among [...] Read more.

Recently, research attention has been drawn to the application of novel, unique, and innovative types of construction materials to fulfil diverse objectives associated with the ground-breaking concept of “Greener Architecture”, in order to improve the overall economic value and quality of construction. Among these revolutionary structural building materials is light-transmitting concrete, also referred to as translucent or transparent concrete. This material is based on the concept of nano-optics, which allows exterior light to transmit through internal spaces in which light elements, namely optical fibres, are incorporated during the material’s manufacture. The current review assesses earlier studies of translucent concrete, focusing on its applications, and the appropriate ratio and arrangement pattern of optical fibres. This study also investigated the light-transmitting, mechanical, thermal, and energy-saving properties of translucent concrete by analysing research conducted during the past decade. However, numerous material restrictions and research gaps were found in the earlier literature on this concrete. The principal restrictions relate to the material’s low material strength and the identification of the optimum ratio of fibres. The main gaps identified among the reviewed research investigations relate to tests aiming to identify the influence of dissimilar ratios of optical fibres on the material’s strength and energy-saving properties. In the current review, we also identify and recommend future areas of research, and provide suggestions to address the existing research gaps. Finally, we review the types of translucent materials, their properties, and their advantages and disadvantages, and provide illustrations and value-added applications. The aim is to promote translucent concrete as an attractive, promising, and innovative building material for the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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21 pages, 2512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Framework of Technical Evaluation Indicators for Constructing Low-Carbon Communities in China

by Yifei Bai, Weirong Zhang, Xiu Yang, Shen Wei and Yang Yu

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100479 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3128

Abstract

In recent years, in order to promote the construction of low-carbon communities (LCCs) in China, many scholars have proposed an evaluation indicator system of LCC. The existing indicator systems are mostly established from the macro perspective of environmental impact and resource conservation, but [...] Read more.

In recent years, in order to promote the construction of low-carbon communities (LCCs) in China, many scholars have proposed an evaluation indicator system of LCC. The existing indicator systems are mostly established from the macro perspective of environmental impact and resource conservation, but few are from the micro technical perspective. Thus, the aim of this study is to construct a micro technical evaluation indicator system for LCCs. Firstly, the index system was divided into three categories: low-carbon building, low-carbon transportation, and low-carbon environment. Then, the technical indicators were selected through empirical analysis. The indicator weights were assigned by the improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was used as the evaluation method of the indicators. Finally, in order to examine the practicality of the indicator system, two typical communities in Tianjin and Shanghai were selected as case studies. The results showed that the indicator system gave a reasonable low-carbon level for the two communities, which was in line with the actual low-carbon construction status of each community. In addition, the evaluation results pointed out that the low-carbon community (LCC) in Tianjin needs to further strengthen the construction of the low-carbon environment, including community compactness, rainwater collection and utilization, and waste recycling. For the LCC in Shanghai, it was pointed out that the construction of the low-carbon building and low-carbon transportation needs to be strengthened. The indicator system can be used as a tool for urban planning and construction personnel to evaluate the construction progress and low-carbon degree of LCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Creation of a Low-Carbon Healthy Building Environment with Intelligent Technologies)

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31 pages, 4004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mass Timber Envelopes in Passivhaus Buildings: Designing for Moisture Safety in Hot and Humid Australian Climates

by Marcus Strang, Paola Leardini, Arianna Brambilla and Eugenia Gasparri

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100478 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4085

Abstract

The uptake of buildings employing cross-laminated timber (CLT) assemblies and designed to Passivhaus standard has accelerated internationally over the past two decades due to several factors including responses to the climate crisis by decarbonising the building stock. Structural CLT technology and the Passivhaus [...] Read more.

The uptake of buildings employing cross-laminated timber (CLT) assemblies and designed to Passivhaus standard has accelerated internationally over the past two decades due to several factors including responses to the climate crisis by decarbonising the building stock. Structural CLT technology and the Passivhaus certification both show measurable benefits in reducing energy consumption, while contributing to durability and indoor comfort. However, there is a general lack of evidence to support a fast uptake of these technologies in Australia. This paper responds to the compelling need of providing quantitative data and adoption strategies; it explores their combined application as a potential pathway for climate-appropriate design of energy-efficient and durable mass timber envelope solutions for subtropical and tropical Australian climates. Hygrothermal risk assessments of interstitial condensation and mould growth of CLT wall assemblies inform best-practice design of mass timber buildings in hot and humid climates. This research found that the durability of mass timber buildings located in hot and humid climates may benefit from implementing the Passivhaus standard to manage interior conditions. The findings also suggested that climate-specific design of the wall assembly is critical for mass timber buildings, in conjunction with excellent stormwater management practices during construction and corrosion protection for metallic fasteners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Energy Efficient Green Building Based on Wood and Composite Wood)

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21 pages, 2827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shaking Table Tests and Validation of Multi-Modal Sensing and Damage Detection Using Smartphones

by Ruicong Han and Xuefeng Zhao

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100477 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2937

Abstract

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems using modal- and vibration-based methods, particularly wireless systems, have been widely investigated in relation to the monitoring of damage states in civil infrastructures such as bridges and buildings. Unlike many current efforts in developing wireless sensors, one can [...] Read more.

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems using modal- and vibration-based methods, particularly wireless systems, have been widely investigated in relation to the monitoring of damage states in civil infrastructures such as bridges and buildings. Unlike many current efforts in developing wireless sensors, one can instead leverage the suite of sensors, network transmission, data storage, and embedded processing capabilities built into modern smartphones for SHM. The objective of this work was to assess and validate the use of smartphones for the monitoring of artificial damage states in a three-story steel frame model subjected to shaking table-induced earthquake excitations. The steel frame was a 2D structure with six rotary viscous dampers installed at the beam–column joints, which were used for simulating different damage states at their respective locations; the columns were also replaced with ones of reduced cross-sectional areas to further emulate damage. In addition to instrumenting the frame with conventional tethered sensors, Apple iPhones (pre-loaded with customized smartphone apps to record acceleration and inter-story displacement) were also installed. Shaking table tests were then conducted on the undamaged and damaged frames, while conventional sensors’ and smartphones’ responses were collected and compared. Wavelet packet decomposition was employed to analyze the acceleration data to detect damage in two different cases. Structural displacements were also computed from acceleration measurements and compared with displacement measurements to further validate the quality of smartphone sensor measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection Based on Smartphones in Buildings)

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21 pages, 7068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Use of Wind-Driven Rain Load and Potential Evaporation to Evaluate Moisture Damage Risk: Case Study on the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Canada

by Aytaç Kubilay, John Bourcet, Jessica Gravel, Xiaohai Zhou, Travis V. Moore, Michael A. Lacasse, Jan Carmeliet and Dominique Derome

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100476 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Resilient Buildings)

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25 pages, 33664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Impact of Building-Level Flood Mitigation Measures Made Possible by Early Flood Warnings on Community-Level Flood Loss Reduction

by Omar M. Nofal, John W. van de Lindt, Harvey Cutler, Martin Shields and Kevin Crofton

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100475 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4824

Abstract

The growing number of flood disasters worldwide and the subsequent catastrophic consequences of these events have revealed the flood vulnerability of communities. Flood impact predictions are essential for better flood risk management which can result in an improvement of flood preparedness for vulnerable [...] Read more.

The growing number of flood disasters worldwide and the subsequent catastrophic consequences of these events have revealed the flood vulnerability of communities. Flood impact predictions are essential for better flood risk management which can result in an improvement of flood preparedness for vulnerable communities. Early flood warnings can provide households and business owners additional time to save certain possessions or products in their buildings. This can be accomplished by elevating some of the water-sensitive components (e.g., appliances, furniture, electronics, etc.) or installing a temporary flood barrier. Although many qualitative and quantitative flood risk models have been developed and highlighted in the literature, the resolution used in these models does not allow a detailed analysis of flood mitigation at the building- and community level. Therefore, in this article, a high-fidelity flood risk model was used to provide a linkage between the outputs from a high-resolution flood hazard model integrated with a component-based probabilistic flood vulnerability model to account for the damage for each building within the community. The developed model allowed to investigate the benefits of using a precipitation forecast system that allows a lead time for the community to protect its assets and thereby decreasing the amount of flood-induced losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Retrofitting of Existing Infrastructure)

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24 pages, 5611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Green Building Materials’ Attributes to Achieve Sustainable Building Façades Using AHP

by Marwa M. Gomaa Mayhoub, Zeyad M. Tarek El Sayad, Ahmed AbdelMonteleb M. Ali and Mona G. Ibrahim

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100474 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6476

Abstract

The need to enhance the performance of building façades and mitigate adverse environmental impacts has promoted the hypothesis of integrating green materials towards sustainable buildings. Façade designers tend to select building materials based on their green characteristics (origin) or green performance; however, this [...] Read more.

The need to enhance the performance of building façades and mitigate adverse environmental impacts has promoted the hypothesis of integrating green materials towards sustainable buildings. Façade designers tend to select building materials based on their green characteristics (origin) or green performance; however, this study highlights the importance of integrating both into the decision process. The main objective is to develop a new assessment process for selecting green building façade materials based on green performance and green originality. Furthermore, the evaluation framework considers four green building rating systems as a reference to allocate credits for the relevant criteria. Applying the proposed criteria in this study helps maximize the points for accreditation when incorporating green building materials in building façades. Moreover, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to assign the proposed criteria’s weighting importance based on the four rating systems’ average points. After that, performing sensitivity analysis to identify each criterion’s influence is conducted. The study concluded that involving minimum levels of adverse impacts is the preferable criteria regarding the green origin concept. As for the green performance, promoting the performance of indoor air quality is the most favorable selection criteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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21 pages, 3892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Framework to Evaluate Quality Performance of Green Building Delivery: Project Brief and Design Stage

by Ayman M. Raouf and Sami G. Al-Ghamdi

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100473 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3560

Abstract

Design quality considers the extent to which the owner’s requirements are accurately synthesized into conformance specifications and drawings for the construction team to execute. Expected superior performance and sustainability of a green building require diligence in design to ensure its specifications are accurately [...] Read more.

Design quality considers the extent to which the owner’s requirements are accurately synthesized into conformance specifications and drawings for the construction team to execute. Expected superior performance and sustainability of a green building require diligence in design to ensure its specifications are accurately stipulated. Several studies reported mismatches between expected and actual performances in green buildings that were attributed to poor design. This study thus revisits the design process and proposes a framework to map the quality activities in the project brief and design stages using the integration definition for function modeling (IDEFO) process. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group validated the framework and revealed issues in the current design practice that cause insufficient design solutions. Additionally, project delivery systems were discussed, with conditions for improving their suitability. This research contribution elucidates recommended quality activities necessary for green buildings, which often are not implemented in the construction industry, to ultimately ensure that green buildings are properly designed to meet sustainability objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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25 pages, 81655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Plane Seismic Response of Unreinforced and Jacketed Masonry Walls

by Senad Medić and Mustafa Hrasnica

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100472 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2372

Abstract

Low-rise residential and public masonry structures constitute a large portion of the building patrimony, yet they were erected during the massive reconstruction of Southeast Europe after World War II before any design rules existed in the engineering praxis. Unreinforced unconfined masonry buildings (URM) [...] Read more.

Low-rise residential and public masonry structures constitute a large portion of the building patrimony, yet they were erected during the massive reconstruction of Southeast Europe after World War II before any design rules existed in the engineering praxis. Unreinforced unconfined masonry buildings (URM) were proven rather vulnerable during stronger earthquake motions in the recent past. To determine lateral strength, stiffness, and capacity of energy dissipation of the URM walls, in-plane tests were performed at the University of Sarajevo. Two full-scale plain walls (233 × 241 × 25 cm) built with solid clay brick and lime-cement mortar and two walls strengthened with RC jacketing on both sides were subjected to cyclic lateral loading under constant vertical precompression. Plain walls failed in shear with a typical cross-diagonal crack pattern. Jacketed walls exhibited rocking with characteristic S-shaped hysteretic curves and significantly larger ductility compared with plain walls. Wallets were tested for modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of masonry and the results showed considerable variations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 1st Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering (1CroCEE))

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21 pages, 27362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Operational Modal Analysis and Non-Linear Dynamic Simulations of a Prototype Low-Rise Masonry Building

by Ilaria Capanna, Riccardo Cirella, Angelo Aloisio, Franco Di Fabio and Massimo Fragiacomo

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100471 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2105

Abstract

This paper focuses on the dynamic behaviour of a low-rise masonry building representing the Italian residential heritage through experimental and numerical analyses. The authors discuss an application of combined Operational Modal Analysis and Finite Element Model updating for indirect estimation of the structural [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the dynamic behaviour of a low-rise masonry building representing the Italian residential heritage through experimental and numerical analyses. The authors discuss an application of combined Operational Modal Analysis and Finite Element Model updating for indirect estimation of the structural parameters. Two ambient vibration tests were carried out to estimate the structure’s dynamic behaviour in operational conditions. The first experimental setup consisted of accelerometers gathered in a row along the first floor to characterize the local dynamic of the floor. Conversely, the second setup had the accelerometers placed at the building’s corners to characterize the global dynamics. The outcomes of the first setup were used to estimate the mechanical parameters of the floor, while the ones form the second were used to characterize the mechanical parameters of the masonry piers. Therefore, two finite element models were implemented: (i) a single beam with an equivalent section of the floor to grasp the local behaviour of the investigated horizontal structure; (ii) an equivalent frame model of the entire building to characterise the global dynamic behaviour. The model updating process was developed in two phases to seize local and global dynamic responses. The updated numerical model formed the basis for a sensitivity analysis using the modelling parameters. The authors chose to delve into the influence of the floor on the dynamic behaviour of low-rise masonry buildings. With this aim, non-linear dynamic analyses were carried out under different mechanical characteristics of floors, expressing the scatter for ordinary masonry buildings. The displacements’ trends along the height of the building evidenced the notable role of the floor’s stiffness in the non-linear dynamic behaviour of the building. Lastly, the authors derived the fragility curves predicting the seismic performance in failure probability under a highly severe damage state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Dynamics of Building Structures)

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16 pages, 8107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Properties and Energy Dissipation Study of Sandwich Viscoelastic Damper Considering Temperature Influence

by Yeshou Xu, Zhaodong Xu, Yingqing Guo, Xinghuai Huang, Yaorong Dong and Qiangqiang Li

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100470 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3181

Abstract

Viscoelastic dampers are a kind of classical passive energy dissipation and vibration control devices which are widely utilized in engineering fields. The mechanical properties and energy dissipation capacity of the viscoelastic damper are significantly affected by ambient temperature. In this work, dynamic properties [...] Read more.

Viscoelastic dampers are a kind of classical passive energy dissipation and vibration control devices which are widely utilized in engineering fields. The mechanical properties and energy dissipation capacity of the viscoelastic damper are significantly affected by ambient temperature. In this work, dynamic properties tests of the sandwich type viscoelastic damper at different environmental temperatures are carried out. The equivalent fractional Kelvin model which can characterize the mechanical behavior of the viscoelastic damper with varying frequencies and temperatures is introduced to describe the dynamic properties and energy dissipation capability of the sandwich viscoelastic damper. The self-heating phenomenon of the sandwich viscoelastic damper is studied with a numerical simulation, and the dynamic properties and energy dissipation variation of the viscoelastic damper with self-heating processes are also analyzed. The results show that the dynamic properties of the viscoelastic damper are significantly affected by temperature, excitation frequency and the internal self-generated heating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing, Modelling, Analysis and Optimization of Building Structures and Materials)

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17 pages, 2248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Carbon Design Path of Building Integrated Photovoltaics: A Comparative Study Based on Green Building Rating Systems

by Ke Liu, Beili Zhu and Jianping Chen

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100469 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4485

Abstract

CO₂ emissions of buildings have a critical impact on the global climate change, and various green building rating systems (GBRS) have suggested low-carbon requirements to regulate building emissions. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), as an integrated technology of photovoltaics and buildings, is an important [...] Read more.

CO₂ emissions of buildings have a critical impact on the global climate change, and various green building rating systems (GBRS) have suggested low-carbon requirements to regulate building emissions. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), as an integrated technology of photovoltaics and buildings, is an important way to reduce building CO₂ emissions. At present, the low-carbon design path of BIPV from architecture is still not unified and clear, and there is a lack of BIPV research regarding GBRS or from the perspective of architectural design in China. The objective of this study is to propose a framework of indicators related to carbon emission control in BIPV, guiding the path of BIPV low-carbon design. This study makes comparisons among the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and Assessment Standard for Green Buildings (ASGB), mainly in terms of the scope weight, induction, and measure features. The BIPV low-carbon design involves energy, materials, environmental adaptability, management, and innovation, in which energy and materials are the main scopes with weights of 10.98% and 7.46%, respectively. The five scopes included 17 measures. Following the measures, the path of the BIPV low-carbon design was defined with six aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability)

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16 pages, 596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Plus Energy Buildings and Districts with the EU Energy Community Framework: Regulatory Opportunities, Barriers and Technological Solutions

by Andreas Tuerk, Dorian Frieden, Camilla Neumann, Konstantinos Latanis, Anastasios Tsitsanis, Spyridon Kousouris, Javier Llorente, Ismo Heimonen, Francesco Reda, Mia Ala-Juusela, Koen Allaerts, Chris Caerts, Thomas Schwarzl, Martin Ulbrich, Annette Stosch and Thomas Ramschak

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100468 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3855

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to assess opportunities the Clean Energy Package provides for Plus Energy Buildings (PEBs) and Plus Energy Districts (PEDs) regarding their economic optimization and market integration, possibly leading to new use cases and revenue streams. At the same [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper is to assess opportunities the Clean Energy Package provides for Plus Energy Buildings (PEBs) and Plus Energy Districts (PEDs) regarding their economic optimization and market integration, possibly leading to new use cases and revenue streams. At the same time, insights into regulatory limitations at the national level in transposing the set of EU Clean Energy Package provisions are shown. The paper illustrates that the concepts of PEBs and PEDs are in principle compatible with the EU energy community concepts, as they relate to technical characteristics while energy communities provide a legal and regulatory framework for the organization and governance of a community, at the same time providing new regulatory space for specific activities and market integration. To realize new use cases, innovative ICT approaches are needed for a range of actors actively involved in creating and operating energy communities as presented in the paper. The paper discusses a range of different options to realize PEBs and PEDs as energy communities based on the H2020 EXCESS project. It concludes, however, that currently the transposition of the Clean Energy Package by the EU Member States is incomplete and limiting and as a consequence, in the short term, the full potential of PEBs and PEDs cannot be exploited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero/Positive Energy Buildings and Districts)

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17 pages, 858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influencing Factors of Resilience of PBSC Based on Empirical Analysis

by Meijie Zhang, Yuming Liu and Boya Ji

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100467 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3306

Abstract

With the widespread application of supply chain management ideas in the construction field, supply chain resilience as a tool for risk management has also begun to attract scholars’ attention. The prefabricated building supply chain (PBSC) is greatly affected by internal and external risks [...] Read more.

With the widespread application of supply chain management ideas in the construction field, supply chain resilience as a tool for risk management has also begun to attract scholars’ attention. The prefabricated building supply chain (PBSC) is greatly affected by internal and external risks in China. This paper constructs a conceptual model of the factors affecting the resilience of the prefabricated building supply chain from the perspective of resilience management. Based on 202 valid questionnaires, it makes an empirical study on the above conceptual model by using the method of the structural equation model (SEM). The results show that the production and assembly construction of components have a significant impact on the resilience of supply chain of prefabricated buildings (PB), while the process of transportation and storage of components has no significant impact on it. In addition, the study also verified that information factors and partnership factors have a strong regulatory effect on these three processes. In theory, it provides a new perspective for the supply chain management of prefabricated buildings. In practice, it provides a decision-making basis and scientific guidance for the enterprises in the supply chain of prefabricated buildings in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

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18 pages, 4855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Building Energy Performance Using Dual VAV Configuration Integrated with Dedicated Outdoor Air System

by Nabil Nassif and Iffat Ridwana

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100466 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4153

Abstract

As building systems account for almost half of the total energy consumed by the building sector to provide space heating, cooling, and ventilation, efficiently designing these systems can be the key to energy conservation in buildings. Dual VAV systems with an effective control [...] Read more.

As building systems account for almost half of the total energy consumed by the building sector to provide space heating, cooling, and ventilation, efficiently designing these systems can be the key to energy conservation in buildings. Dual VAV systems with an effective control strategy can substantially reduce the energy consumption in buildings, providing a significant scope of further research on this system configuration. This paper proposes to utilize the warm air duct of the dual VAV system as a dedicated outdoor air (DOA) unit when no heating is required, which allows the cooling load to be effectively distributed between two ducts. A specific control sequence is proposed with different supply air temperature reset strategies to estimate the heating, cooling loads, and fan power energy consumption of the proposed system. A simple two-zone office building is taken as a preliminary case study to simulate the airflow rates and fan power of a single duct VAV and proposed dual VAV systems to illustrate the concept. Finally, a larger multi-zone office building is simulated to measure the annual heating, cooling loads, and fan power energy and compare the energy savings among the systems. The results show significant fan power reduction ranging from 1.7 to 9% and notable heating energy reduction up to 76.5% with a small amount of cooling load reduction varying from 0.76 to 2.56% depending on the different locations for the proposed dual VAV systems. Further energy savings from different supply air temperature reset strategies demonstrate the opportunity of employing them according to climates and case studies. The proposed dual VAV system proves to have the potential to be adapted in buildings for the purpose of sustainability and energy savings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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17 pages, 4801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Study of a Novel Cylindrical Micro-Electrostatic Particulate Air Filter with High Filtration Efficiency and Low Resistance

by Junyi He, Junjie Liu, Lingchang Kong, Pan Wang and Xin Zhang

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100465 - 11 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2577

Abstract

The purification of indoor pathogenic microorganisms has become a topic of concern. The use of nonwoven media air filters causes high resistance, and the problem of noise limited their application under high air volume. Thus, we propose a micro-electrostatic filter, which has improved [...] Read more.

The purification of indoor pathogenic microorganisms has become a topic of concern. The use of nonwoven media air filters causes high resistance, and the problem of noise limited their application under high air volume. Thus, we propose a micro-electrostatic filter, which has improved performance compared to an electrostatic filter, with a new type of cylindrical structure to tackle indoor pathogenic microbial aerosol pollution. Through simulation, it is found that the filtration performance of a cylindrical structure is better than that of a plate structure under all simulation conditions. For particles larger than 1 μm, the shortest theoretical length of the dust collecting plate required for the cylindrical structure is 34% shorter than that for the plate structure. For 0.1 μm particles, the filtration efficiency of the cylindrical structure is nearly 20~30% (the maximum value is 29.76%) higher than that of the plate structure, while the air velocity is 1.5 m/s~2.5 m/s. The resistance of the cylindrical micro-electrostatic filter is only half of that of the combined plate type micro-electrostatic filter, indicating that the cartridge structure has enormous energy-saving potential. The introduction of the quality factor further proves that the integrated filtration performance of the cartridge micro-electrostatic filter is better. The application of cylindrical micro-electrostatic filters in HVAC systems can help improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Indoor Environments and Respiratory Health)

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18 pages, 4046 KiB

Open AccessReview

Resilience Assessment Frameworks of Critical Infrastructures: State-of-the-Art Review

by Dan Guo, Ming Shan and Emmanuel Kingsford Owusu

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100464 - 9 Oct 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6167

Abstract

During the past two decades, critical infrastructures (CIs) faced a growing number of challenges worldwide due to natural disasters and other disruptive events. To respond to and handle these disasters and disruptive events, the concept of resilience was introduced to CIs. Particularly, many [...] Read more.

During the past two decades, critical infrastructures (CIs) faced a growing number of challenges worldwide due to natural disasters and other disruptive events. To respond to and handle these disasters and disruptive events, the concept of resilience was introduced to CIs. Particularly, many institutions and scholars developed various types of frameworks to assess and enhance CI resilience. The purpose of this paper is to review the resilience assessment frameworks of the CIs proposed by quality papers published in the past decade, determine and analyze the common dimensions and the key indicators of resilience assessment frameworks of CIs, and propose possible opportunities for future research. To achieve these goals, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, which identified 24 resilience assessment frameworks from 24 quality papers. This paper contributes to the current body of resilience research by identifying the common dimensions and the key indicators of the resilience assessment frameworks proposed for CIs. In addition, this paper is beneficial to the practice, because it provides a comprehensive view of the resilience assessment frameworks of CIs from the perspective of implementation, and the indicators are pragmatic and actionable in practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

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