Scale Models Of Buildings Research Articles

The more the better? Archetype segmentation in urban building energy modelling

Urban building energy modelling is gaining traction as a planning tool to support widespread decarbonization of the built environment. Building-scale models allow for the evaluation of specific emission reduction policies at an urban scale. Given the limited availability of building-by-building data on construction standard and program, aggregating building information through archetypes is key, but a poorly understood step in the urban energy modelling process. In this study, different levels of archetype segmentation are explored for the city of Oshkosh, WI (∼13,000 buildings). A comparison of actual, city-level energy with UBEM simulations suggests higher levels of archetype segmentation do not necessarily lead to higher accuracy, leading to models that are both accurate and nimble enough to explore a variety of upgrade scenarios. Informing archetypal segmentation with policy-informed metrics is beneficial, but pursuing increased detail could dangerously reduce accuracy without ground-truth data.

Prototyping of 4D-printed self-shaping building skin in architecture: Design, fabrication, and investigation of a two-way shape memory composite (TWSMC) façade panel

The article seeks to demonstrate the potential architectural utility of reversible 4D-printed material for flexible climate adaptation of building. This work presents the engineered design, fabrication, and performative effectiveness of a responsive façade morphing with the use of thermo-responsive shape-memory composites (SMCs). Load-free bidirectional motion of an SMC is configured by combining programmed shape-memory alloy (SMA) fibers and 3D-printed shape-memory polymer (SMP) matrix. Different thermomechanical properties were tested and applied to make building shape change possible according to the variation of outside temperature. For design experiments, the SMC models were fabricated and deployed over the exterior surface of a test building scale model. To help architectural communities better understand responsive material phenomena for building design application, the self-shaping material performance was modeled and evaluated through digital simulation, using theoretical constitutive equations and physical observation of the test building model. The findings reveal merits and opportunities of the smart material use and 4D-printed adaptive architecture, as well as several limitations in current technology and material development for building applications.

Alternativa energética sustentable mediante la utilización de aislantes térmicos de diferentes materiales en edificaciones con sistemas de aire acondicionado

A methodology is proposed for calculating the cooling load and the energy consumption of air conditioning equipment in three scale models of buildings under study, using the ASHRAE CLTD / SCL / CLF method. The building in which the mentioned method is used are three scale models of buildings located in the city of Poza Rica, state of Veracruz, Mexico. This method is applied in order to obtain the cooling load as exact as possible and thus avoid oversizing in air conditioning equipment, and by using thermal insulation, achieve a decrease in energy consumption and thus contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions, to energy saving and therefore to sustainable development. The cooling load is calculated by applying the proposed methodology to three cases: model A, B and C. The results for the three test models, object of this study, are compared. Measurements of energy consumption are made to perform the error analysis of the actual energy consumption with respect to that calculated using the method. Finally, energy savings are quantified, in the cases mentioned.

An integrated multiscale urban microclimate model for the urban thermal environment

An urban microclimate model integrated with the mesoscale, local scale, microscale and building scale models is presented for the urban thermal environment and urban heat island (UHI) mitigation study. This integrated multi-scale and multi-physics urban microclimate model takes the impacts on the urban microclimate of multiple physical processes of regional climate, urban climate, building and pavement material properties, and anthropogenic heat into account. This objective is achieved by coupling weather and energy models, the weather research forecasting (WRF), OpenFOAM and EnergyPlus. This study presents a method of distributing initial and boundary conditions from mesoscale into microscale through the integration of building thermal behaviour and microclimate. We further examine the integrated model by taking the Kent Ridge campus of National University of Singapore (NUS) as a test case. The preliminary application focuses on the assessment of weather conditions at the local scale and the feasibility of using mesoscale WRF outputs as inputs for the CFD model.

The relationship of leisure occupation, personality, and well-being: A comparison of model builders and visual artists

ABSTRACT The current study was designed to compare participants in two superficially similar leisure occupations: building scale models and creating visual art. A sample of 44 modelers and 44 artists was recruited from online sources and completed an online survey consisting of a measure of intrinsic motivation, two measures of personality, and several measures of well-being. Participants also answered several open-ended questions about their leisure occupation. The results indicated that modelers and artists often have very different motivations for engaging in similar behaviors. For example, both groups engage in research before beginning a project, but modelers do so to increase the accuracy of their model and artists to find details they can incorporate into their imaginal designs. Further, modelers were somewhat more intrinsically motivated than artists and were more satisfied with their lives. In contrast, the artists reported more symptoms of depression and they perceived themselves as more stressed than the modelers. There were also differences in personality: modelers scored higher on Holland’s (1973, 1996) Realistic and Investigative types whereas the artists scored higher on Holland’s Artistic, Social, and Enterprising types and on the Big Five dimensions of Openness and Neuroticism. These results suggest that an individual’s choice of leisure occupation may influence well-being and that the choice of leisure occupation could be guided in part by personality tests, though further work is needed to identify all of the factors involved in the choice of leisure occupation and the influence of such occupations on well-being.

Applying PLU Rules on Different BIM/GIS Interoperability Approaches

Compliance checking for building models, cities and territories involves formalizing a set of model schemas and constraints. In this context, we aim to achieve two goals: (1) achieve semantic interoperability between BIM (IFC) and GIS (CityGML), which help us represent building information in its details and its surrounding environment; (2) adapting of PLU rule into semantic queries. In this article, we will introduce (A) BIM and GIS interoperability approaches , and (B) connecting the interoperable models, with PLU levels. Our approach addresses (Prob1) interoperability between IFC and CityGML on building scale model, and (Prob2) the correlation between PLU rules and the multiscale model.

Verification tests of a mirror box type artificial sky without and with building scale model

A mirror box type artificial sky for simulating the CIE standard overcast sky has been designed and constructed, while the verification method has been developed and tested. Ratio between the mirror height above the workplane and the room length is 60:133 or 0.451, whereas the ratio between the mirror height above the workplane and the room width is 5:9 or 0.556. Taking the CIE standard overcast sky as reference, indoor illuminance ratios at various elevation angles relative to the zenith is found to be more consistent than luminance ratios. The largest error of illuminance and luminance ratios are respectively 10% and 43%, obtained at 0° elevation angle. Horizontal workplane illuminance values are on average 11,400 lx, with illuminance uniformity U0 and U1 of respectively 0.92 and 0.86. Based on test results with a building scale model, four out of nine measuring points inside the model have small errors, four have medium error, and one has a large error of 25%. Most of the obtained errors are within the tolerable range of ± 21% from the ideal values. Based on the conducted tests, the constructed mirror box type artificial sky is considered appropriate to be utilised for its purpose.

The Power to Detect and Predict Individual Differences in Intra-Individual Variability Using the Mixed-Effects Location-Scale Model

ABSTRACTOur goal is to provide empirical scientists with practical tools and advice with which to test hypotheses related to individual differences in intra-individual variability using the mixed-effects location-scale model. To that end, we evaluate Type I error rates and power to detect and predict individual differences in intra-individual variability using this model and provide empirically-based guidelines for building scale models that include random and/or systematically-varying fixed effects. We also provide two power simulation programs that allow researchers to conduct a priori empirical power analyses. Our results aligned with statistical power theory, in that, greater power was observed for designs with more individuals, more repeated occasions, greater proportions of variance available to be explained, and larger effect sizes. In addition, our results indicated that Type I error rates were acceptable in situations when individual differences in intra-individual variability were not initially detectable as well as when the scale-model individual-level predictor explained all initially detectable individual differences in intra-individual variability. We conclude our paper by providing study design and model building advice for those interested in using the mixed-effects location-scale model in practice.

Towards an Ordinary Transmedia Use: A French Speaker’s Transmedia Use of Worlds in <em>Game of Thrones</em> MMORPG and Series

Towards an Ordinary Transmedia Use: A French Speaker’s Transmedia Use of Worlds in <em>Game of Thrones</em> MMORPG and Series

Innovative Method for Automatic Shape Generation and 3D Printing of Reduced-Scale Models of Ultra-Thin Concrete Shells

A research and development project has been conducted aiming to design and produce ultra-thin concrete shells. In this paper, the first part of the project is described, consisting of an innovative method for shape generation and the consequent production of reduced-scale models of the selected geometries. First, the shape generation is explained, consisting of a geometrically nonlinear analysis based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) to define the antifunicular of the shell’s deadweight. Next, the scale model production is described, consisting of 3D printing, specifically developed to evaluate the aesthetics and visual impact, as well as to study the aerodynamic behaviour of the concrete shells in a wind tunnel. The goals and constraints of the method are identified and a step-by-step guidelines presented, aiming to be used as a reference in future studies. The printed geometry is validated by high-resolution assessment achieved by photogrammetry. The results are compared with the geometry computed through geometric nonlinear finite-element-based analysis, and no significant differences are recorded. The method is revealed to be an important tool for automatic shape generation and building scale models of shells. The latter enables the performing of wind tunnel tests to obtain pressure coefficients, essential for structural analysis of this type of structures.

五层房屋缩尺模型实验模态分析

通过锤击实验，对五层房屋缩尺模型进行了实验模态分析，利用数学软件MATLAB对所得数据进行相关处理得到结构模型的频响函数，运用模态参数识别频域法的相关原理对得到的频响函数进行相关模态参数的识别，获得了结构模型弱轴水平方向的固有频率和模态振型，并将所得结果与ANSYS有限元分析结果进行比较，检验了实验结果的准确性和有效性。 The experimental modal analysis of a five-storey building scale model is performed with the use of hammer test in this paper. After obtaining vibration signal data and processing them by means of mathematical software MATLAB, the FRF (Frequency Response Function) of the model is achieved. Then, the FRF is studied further to obtain the model’s horizontal modal parameters such as modal frequency and modal shape, using relevant modal parameter estimation methods in frequency domain. Furthermore, the results’ validity is examined and testified by means of the comparison between test’s results and that of ANSYS.

Wind Transformation around Residential Buildings in Street Canyons

The results of simulation in the scale models of buildings allowed determining how the air flow speed and direction changes within the street space with various build-up patterns. It was found out that planning conditions cause formation of reverse circulation zones in street canyons due to stationary vortices and, consequently, a high air pollution with the exhaust from motor vehicles. Guidelines are provided for ensuring proper ventilation conditions within urban street space and for preventing dangerous air pollution taking into account closed air circulation.

The Power to Detect and Predict Individual Differences in Within-Person Variability Using the Mixed-Effects Location-Scale Model

Our goal is to provide empirical scientists with practical tools and advice with which to test hypotheses related to individual differences in intra-individual variability using the mixed-effects location-scale model. To that end, we evaluate Type I error rates and power to detect and predict individual differences in intra-individual variability using this model and provide empirically-based guidelines for building scale models that include random and/or systematically-varying fixed effects. We also provide two power simulation programs that allow researchers to conduct a priori empirical power analyses. Our results aligned with statistical power theory, in that, greater power was observed for designs with more individuals, more repeated occasions, greater proportions of variance available to be explained, and larger effect sizes. In addition, our results indicated that Type I error rates were acceptable in situations when individual differences in intra-individual variability were not initially detectable as well as when the scale-model individual-level predictor explained all initially detectable individual differences in intra-individual variability. We conclude our paper by providing study design and model building advice for those interested in using the mixed-effects location-scale model in practice.

Thermal-energy analysis of natural “cool” stone aggregates as passive cooling and global warming mitigation technique

Recently, research focused on the development of roofing and paving systems aimed at (i) enhancing the passive cooling at single-building level and (ii) mitigating urban heat island at inter-building scale. In this work, the optic-thermal behavior of a naturally cool gravel for roof and paving application is studied, through lab and field experimental analyses. Specific evaluation about the cooling potential is carried out with varying grain size of the same gravel and stone typology. Additionally, its cool roof effect is investigated through dynamic simulation in a case study university campus in Italy. Finally, the analysis of the global warming contribution of the gravel was performed, with reference to the most performing gravel size.The results show differences up to 24% in terms of albedo with varying the only grain size. Additionally, the gravel with the smallest grain size resulted the most performing in terms of summer energy saving and indoor thermal comfort. By shifting from single building scale models to global climate energy balance models, an equivalent carbon emission offset of 4400 tCO2eq was found, imputable to the (i) energy saving contribution, and (ii) global warming mitigation effect produced by the enhanced albedo of the case study area.

Rotation-Up 공법에 의한 킬 트러스 대공간 구조물의 Erection 실험에 관한 연구

There are a number of construction methods to build spatial structures such as erection method, Element method, Block method, Sliding method, Lift-up method and Push-up method. These methods are uneconomical and low accuracy, and require long construction duration because of a need of a scaffold or a tower crane to build spatial roof frame. In this study, the construction method to erect a truss structure was proposed as an economical and easy installation method. The proposed method has end hinges of keel truss and winches with horizontal cable. This method makes safe and accurate production and reduces construction duration because trusses are built on the floor or supporter. The goal of this study is to verify the validity of construction method by building scale model using the proposed method.

SpaceSafari

Exploring the Solar System in the elementary school curriculum has traditionally involved activities, such as building scale models, to help students visualize the vastness of space and the relative size of the planets and their orbits. Today, numerous websites provide a wealth of information about the sun and the planets, combining text, photos, and graphics, and even interactive models. Some sites also include lesson plans and suggested classroom activities. Yet none of these resources allow for development of a lesson plan interactively, or offer tracking of student performance. Many lesson plans also have materials or space requirements that are impractical for some schools. SpaceSafari is an interactive multimedia software program for learning about the solar system that integrates information, exploration, and instruction. It employs a real-time 3D space for navigation, a module for learning about the planets, and an administrative interface for creating activities and tracking student progress. The design of the software resembles a first-person adventure game: a treasure hunt through the solar system in which the missions are created by the teacher. SpaceSafari was developed for both the formal (classroom) and informal (home) learning spaces, with a choice of input modes and display options. This integrated solution for teaching elementary Astronomy using personal computers poses an intriguing research question: “What is the impact of game mechanics, combined with an immersive, kinesthetic, 3D interface, on learning outcomes about the solar system?” Scarlatos, 2008–2009). Once centralized data collection is implemented, a study will be designed to assess the usability of SpaceSafari and the efficacy of its novel approach to teaching elementary Astronomy. Pending IRB approval, the study could begin in the fall of 2013.

Probability analysis of wind-driven natural ventilation potential in areaway-attached basements

This article presents an exceedance probability analysis method to evaluate the natural ventilation potential in areaway-attached basements for residential purposes. This method can take the uncertainties associated with stochastic wind conditions into full account, and it uses the air change rate in the basement space as the evaluation index to calculate the exceedance probability distribution. A simple analysis approach is further proposed by extracting air change rates corresponding to the exceedance probabilities of 85% and 15% from the exceedance probability distribution curves. In order to determine the air change rate index for each wind direction accurately, a wind-tunnel experiment was performed on a two-story building scale model with an areaway-attached basement. A variety of parameters, including opening configuration, areaway plan area, building coverage ratio, orientation, and construction site of the model, were further investigated and analyzed in detail. The results demonstrate that the exceedance probability analysis is a useful tool for wind-driven natural ventilation potential analysis, and the findings of this article can provide quantitative information and guidelines for the design and application of areaway spaces.

Building the perfect beast: complex mouse models teach surprisingly simple melanoma lessons

Building the perfect beast: complex mouse models teach surprisingly simple melanoma lessons

The Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild: an illustrated history

The Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild was a national auto design competition for teenagers to compete for college scholarships by designing and building scale model dream cars. This illustrated book presents the history of the guild. Former participants share memories and photographs.

Similitude in thermoacoustics

Similitude is applied to thermoacoustics without using the acoustic approximation. The equations which are important to thermoacoustics (continuity, motion, and heat transfer) are rewritten in dimensionless form, verifying that the list of dimensionless variables obtained from similitude is complete. Similitude is demonstrated in a thermoacoustic engine using helium, neon, and argon as working fluids, even for large-pressure-amplitude nonlinear behavior which differs significantly from predictions of linear thermoacoustic theory. Measurements are also presented for nitrogen and a helium–argon mixture, in order to reveal the influence of the specific-heat ratio and Prandtl number. Implications of similitude for building scale models are discussed; dimensions, temperatures, or pressures can be scaled.