Building Systems Research Articles

Reclamation potential in the built environment: A method and metric for assessing environmental benefits beyond first use

Direct reuse and recycling of materials can significantly reduce the net environmental impact of the global construction sector. The feasibility of reuse and recyclability of building systems is affected by the materials used and the interfaces between constituent components. Yet there is a lack of quantitative methods for assessing the environmental benefits of alternative recovery strategies for multi-component and multi-material systems over the building lifetime. In this work, a novel assessment method was developed to enable a systematic and quantitative evaluation of the transient environmental reclamation potential (RP). The reclamation potential is a measure of the ability to disassemble and reuse recovered building systems at their end-of-life and is influenced by the constituent components and the interfaces between components. The proposed method accounts for the technical service lifetimes of components, including performance degradation over time, and can thus inform decisions on the most suitable recovery route for new and existing designs. The graphical outputs from the RP assessment are a network diagram which highlights the system components and connections between components, and an RP-graph which illustrates the embodied environmental impact and reclamation potential over time of alternative reuse/recycling strategies. The methodology is demonstrated on a glazed double-skin façade where the influence of component service lifetimes and replacements over time is quantified in terms of embodied energy and embodied carbon. The outcomes of the assessment can guide decision-making in design for disassembly (DfD) strategies and/or aid in the identification of high-value material recovery strategies at the end-of-life stage.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE INDEX OF LEADING INDICATORS FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION BUILDINGS IN KOTA BANDA ACEH

Fire can cause material loss and also cause physical disabilities and even fatalities for building users. Fires that occur as a result of human activity must be overcome by increasing human awareness themselves. However, fires caused by natural factors or errors in the electrical system can be overcome by having a fire prevention system or safety system. The aim of the research is to identify the main indicators of fire protection systems in educational buildings in Banda Aceh City. A closed questionnaire and Likert scale survey of respondents using educational buildings was conducted to collect data. Next, the data is processed using the frequency index analysis method and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The results of the frequency index analysis provide an overview of the percentage level of occurrence of the fire protection system variable, namely the acid detector, at 91.294%. Based on the results of the RII analysis, five main indicators were found that influence the safety system, namely light fire extinguishers (0.929), smoke detectors (0.913), water transmitters (0.911), standpipes (0.894), and fire hydrant systems (0.892). Meanwhile, the main variable for the fire protection system is the active protection system with a RII value of 0.889.

Perancangan Tata Udara Menggunakan Metode Cooling Load Tempreture Difference (CLTD) Pada Studi Kasus Proyek X

This research is related to the design of air conditioning using the Cooling Load Temperature Difference (CLTD) method in the case study of Project X. One of the methods used is the Cooling Load Temperature Difference (CLTD) method. This method considers factors such as wet-bulb temperature, dry-bulb temperature, and air velocity to calculate the room cooling load. This research applies the CLTD method to a case study project in Jakarta with an air conditioning system in office buildings. This case study provides an example of the practical application of the CLTD method that is beneficial for practitioners in the field of air conditioning engineering. To implement the CLTD method, data from field studies such as room conditions, temperature, and humidity of the room and environment are needed. Next, calculations are made using the CLTD formula adjusted to the position of the sun in each room. The CLTD calculation results show that the highest sensible load is in the Boardroom, while the highest latent load is in the Conference Room. The design of the cooling system with the CLTD method shows optimal results and meets the requirements. The AC capacity calculated accurately and considering K4L factors results in an efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly cooling system.

Thermal performance of solar ground source heat pump system for rural buildings in Chinese cold zone

In response to China's national policy of “achieving carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060″, and to promote the heating system of rural buildings in China's severe cold zone. Two heating schemes of the GSHP (Ground Source Heat Pump) system and the SGSHP (Solar Ground Source Heat Pump) system are designed and simulated for a single rural residential building in Harbin city. The results present that the outlet temperature of buried pipe in SGSHP system is 13.86 % higher than that in GSHP system, and coefficient of performance (COP) correspondingly increases 9.2 %. There is a better comprehensive performance for the SGSHP system in cold climates. The standard coal consumption of SGSHP system is about 72.35 % less than that of biomass boiler system, showing a greater energy efficiency. Compared to the local conventional biomass boiler system, the dynamic cost payback period of the SGSHP system amounts to 11 years, while yielding a net present value (NPV) of 10,800 CNY throughout the project's life cycle. The emissions of CO2, SO2, and dust are reduced by 2617.13 kg, 19.38 kg, and 14.535 kg respectively. The results indicate a great overall performance of the SGSHP system for residential heating in the cold climate zone. This research offers an energy efficient and eco-friendly alternative for the space heating of Chinese rural buildings in cold climates.

Introducing Security Mechanisms in OpenFog-Compliant Smart Buildings

Designing smart building IoT applications is a complex task. It requires efficiently integrating a broad number of heterogeneous, low-resource devices that adopt lightweight strategies. IoT frameworks, especially if they are standard-based, may help designers to scaffold the applications. OpenFog, established as IEEE 1934 standard, promotes the use of free open source (FOS) technologies and has been identified for use in smart buildings. However, smart building systems may present vulnerabilities, which can put their integrity at risk. Adopting state-of-the-art security mechanisms in this domain is critical but not trivial. It complicates the design and operation of the applications, increasing the cost of the deployed systems. In addition, difficulties may arise in finding qualified cybersecurity personnel. OpenFog identifies the security requirements of the applications, although it does not describe clearly how to implement them. This article presents a scalable architecture, based on the OpenFog reference architecture, to provide security by design in buildings of different sizes. It adopts FOS technologies over low-cost IoT devices. Moreover, it presents guidelines to help developers create secure applications, even if they are not security experts. It also proposes a selection of technologies in different layers to achieve the security dimensions defined in the X.805 ITU-T recommendation. A proof-of-concept Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) system, based on low-cost smart nodes, was deployed in the Faculty of Engineering of Vitoria-Gasteiz to illustrate the implementation of the presented approach. The operation of the IEQ system was analyzed using software tools frequently used to find vulnerabilities in IoT applications. The use of state-of-the-art security mechanisms such as encryption, certificates, protocol selection and network partitioning/configuration in the OpenFog-based architecture improves smart building security.

Sustainable local seismic culture in vernacular buildings of the Indian Himalayas: Field observations, knowledge dissemination, and recommendations

Vernacular buildings are the classic examples of sociocultural development, centuries of experience, and empirical knowledge gained from past earthquakes to construct climate-cum-earthquake resistant indigenous buildings in seismic-prone regions across the globe. Vernacular buildings are constructed using re-usable or re-cyclable materials with a low carbon footprint and are thus sustainable, and these buildings also follow local seismic culture in their building attributes. Elaborate field investigations are conducted in the Indian Himalayas to investigate the local seismic culture in prevalent vernacular building systems, namely, Kath-Kunni, Thathara, Taq, Dhajji-Dewari, Ikra, and Rammed-earth. Based on field observations, these building systems are rated to understand their relative merits/de-merits for earthquake-resiliency and construction sustainability attributes. Simple, ready-to-use sketches are developed to disseminate the construction process of vernacular buildings. Further, recommendations are made to overcome deficits and promote vernacular buildings for earthquake-resilient sustainable development in the Indian Himalayas.

Ultimate in-plane shear capacity of 3-panel frameless cold-form steel corrugated walls under axial compression

The Frameless building system, developed by BEHLEN Industries LP, is a structural system that incorporates Cold Form Steel Corrugated Wall (CFSCW) components. These include walls, ceilings, and roofs formed by Frameless panels, along with footings, boundary columns, and an optional convex truss. The system employs simple bolt connections, enabling rapid construction without the need for heavy machinery. It is particularly cost-effective and is often utilized in regions with low seismic activity. In high seismic zones, the structural performance of The Frameless building system under combined compression and lateral loads has not been systematically examined. In this study, four full-scale 3-panel Frameless CFSCWs, were tested under combined axial and shear loads. A generic finite element model was proposed to simulate the force-deformation responses and deformed shapes of the 3-panel Frameless CFSCWs. The numerical simulation results were verified using the experimental results. The verified numerical model was then used in parameter study to examine the ultimate shear capacity of 3-panel Frameless CFSCW of different wall thickness, with the presence of axial compression. The results of the study revealed the ultimate shear capacity of 3-panel Frameless CFSCW is linearly correlated with gauge thickness of the wall panel.

Scaled experiment and numerical study on the effect of a novel makeup air system on smoke control in atrium fires

In the field of fire safety engineering, makeup air systems design for atriums is always a concern for researchers and engineers. A novel makeup air system integrating breathing zone and underfloor air supply (BUMS) was applied in the investigated atrium in this study. However, the flow rates proportional relationship of makeup air required for effective smoke control on each floor remains unclear. Scaled experiments and numerical simulations were carried out to address this problem in this study. The results show that the BUMS effectively controlled temperature, followed by visibility, with minimal impact on carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations. When the flow rate of makeup air was equal on each floor, the sizes of the safe evacuation passageways created by the BUMS on the third and fourth floors were not conducive to the safe evacuation of personnel. Based on the proportion of the CO concentration of each floor under natural ventilation, distribution proportions of makeup air flow rate were obtained. The effective action area was used to help determine the upper limit flow rate ratio for each floor. Calculation results revealed that when the flow rate distribution proportion for the first to fourth floors was 15 %, 27 %, 28 % and 30 %, respectively, the smoke control effectiveness has been improved. These findings are expected are expected to provide a theoretical basis for designing makeup air systems in atrium and large-space buildings.

Ruthlessly Subtract to Build Oncology Programs and Add Value.

Building modern healthcare programs and systems caring for populations requires expert skills in strategy, finance, people operations, workflow, evaluation, and more. Build often connotes adding services and people, but it al.

HAPPENING: an efficient cascade heat pump system for multifamily buildings

An innovative hybrid heat pump system is presented as a novel solution for multifamily building heating system retrofitting. This system is very efficient on the one hand thanks to its innovative configuration in cascade, minimum thermal losses and on the other hand, the maximization of local solar energy self-consumption due to decoupling generation and consumption and applying smart control strategies. It is aimed at facilitating retrofitting of existing heating systems in multifamily buildings, enabling an efficient decarbonization. Three variations of the system have been designed, installed, and tested in real buildings across Europe, within the H2020 project “HAPPENING”. The project is now under monitoring phase and the preliminary results are positive, demonstrating the high efficiency of the concept

Introducing an optimization approach for enthalpy exchangers for residential ventilation

Enthalpy exchangers recovering sensible and latent heat have an increasing share of use in residential ventilation. In this study, we introduce an optimization approach for membrane-based enthalpy exchanger (MEE). Therefore, we develop a system model, combine it with a genetic optimization algorithm and optimize the design regarding energy demand and comfort. The methodology proves promising as its application to a residential building system indicates less permeable (2.68 × 10−10 mol m−1 s−1 Pa–1) and thicker membranes (75 µm) are used for moderate climates compared to cold and dry climates (2.91 × 10−10 mol m−1 s−1 Pa–1, 20 µm).

Energy optimization algorithms for multi-residential buildings: A model predictive control application

This study presents an optimization algorithm for Model Predictive Control (MPC) of the HVAC systems in multi-family residential buildings assessing the performance of four objective functions. Implemented in C++, using the free OR-Tools optimization library, the model is formulated a Mixed Integer-Linear Programming (MILP) problem. The study analyses the results of tests conducted on a 20-dwelling block in Switzerland across various weather and occupancy conditions, resulting in a parametric study of 64 cases.The models developed for the MPC are Grey-box type for the interconnected energy systems: the building, thermal storage tanks, a heat pump, the ventilation system and PV collectors, highlighting a radiant wall heating system integrated into the building facade. The tanks and the heat pump models were informed with manufacturer data, while for the building a R3C3 thermal-electrical equivalent model was developed, calibrated using TRNSYS simulations with a root mean square error of 1.7%.Findings demonstrate how the algorithm optimizes the operation according to the desired criteria, while ensuring indoor comfort with a 15-minute time resolution. The time execution of the majority of cases is under 3 min in a low-specs computer, affirming its practical viability for real-world implementation.

Strengthening the Provision of Abortion and Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Post-Dobbs: An Initiative of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health

The U.S. Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health has had a disruptive impact on not only the patients who seek reproductive health care, abortion care providers, and abortion care–adjacent organizations, but has also sparked a need for public health departments to take on new roles to support their communities. In the wake of that 2022 decision, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health launched an ongoing initiative to increase support for the provision of abortion and sexual and reproductive health care. The authors describe the effort, which started with a landscape analysis and qualitative interview analysis to understand the needs and concerns of those comprising the abortion care delivery system in Philadelphia. The authors found that the immediate, short-term needs to support the local abortion care delivery network included funding for patients seeking abortion care, plus communication and education to counter misinformation about the legality of abortion in Pennsylvania. Through the initiative’s research efforts, the authors also found that long-term needs included care capacity–building and health systems–strengthening by removing non–evidence-based restrictions on abortion access and care. Another ongoing role for public health systems is to address and avert legislative or regulatory efforts to impose restrictions to Medicaid coverage for abortion services or other impediments that would disrupt the ability or capacity of health care providers to deliver comprehensive reproductive care. Today, public health departments are uniquely suited to address and mitigate the emerging post-Dobbs chilling effect on both patients and clinicians who may fear legal, professional, or personal consequences as they navigate options for appropriate, evidence-based reproductive health care, even in states where abortion remains legal.

Comparative carbon emission assessment of vertical and modular ground source heat pump systems

The urgent need to address climate change necessitates a reduction in carbon emissions, particularly within the building sector. To achieve carbon neutrality, innovative technologies such as carbon capture, renewable energy systems, and carbon-neutral materials have been developed. However, there remains a dearth of research quantitatively analyzing carbon emissions through a life cycle assessment while implementing these technologies in real-world building scenarios. Additionally, Ground-source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) demonstrate superior efficiency compared to Air-source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) by leveraging stable ground temperatures, yet their widespread adoption is hindered by high initial investment costs. This study compares and analyzes the carbon emissions of GSHPs with Modular Ground Heat Exchangers (MGHXs), designed to mitigate initial investment barriers, alongside Vertical Ground Heat Exchangers (VGHXs) and ASHPs. The primary objective is to evaluate technology adoption feasibility from a carbon equivalent perspective, focusing on energy demand through building energy simulation. Results indicate that MGHXs exhibit a 6.7 % reduction in carbon emissions compared to VGHXs during production and construction (stage A). However, MGHXs generate 0.57 CO2-eq more per square meter per year during building operation (stage C). The implementation of geothermal energy systems in new buildings across South Korea could potentially achieve a maximum reduction effect of 11.6 % concerning the country's NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) 2030 carbon reduction target.

Seismic performance and cost comparison of RC moment resisting and dual frames using UBC 97 and IBC 2021

The transition from the Uniform Building Code (UBC-97) to the International Building Code (IBC-21) marked a major shift in the definition of seismic hazard. The term “seismic hazard” in the form of peak ground acceleration (PGA) is replaced by spectral acceleration. This paper investigates the effect of using new seismic hazards on the structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. It also looks into the financial impact on the capital costs of new buildings. Useful insights are made to understand the structural performance and financial impact of adopting IBC 21 for structural design in contrast to UBC 97. This study was carried out from the perspective of a developing country, Pakistan. Reinforced concrete moment resisting and dual frames are used as the main structural system of a typical 7-story residential building to investigate the aforementioned effect. The frames are assumed to be located in two locations with high and low seismic hazards. The effect on structural performance is investigated via nonlinear pushover analysis. Financial impact is judged mainly through cost estimation for steel and concrete. A detailed discussion is also presented on the seismic design guidelines in both codes.

Outdoor testbeds for studies on performance of building envelopes: review and recommendations

High-performance building envelope materials, components and systems have been developed to achieve reduction in energy demand and meanwhile maintaining a satisfactory indoor environmental quality. The performance of building envelopes is generally assessed through numerical and experimental methods. Experimental work conducted with outdoor testbeds provides live data under real weather conditions, and therefore become an effective approach to evaluating the performance façade technologies. This paper reviewed 82 outdoor testbeds employed in studies on performance of building envelopes. They are categorized according to scale and form. Representatives in each category are discussed in details, and the main features are compared and summarized systematically. The functions of testbeds are analyzed according to the dedicated experimental purposes. Different construction materials and structures are also compared. On this basis, recommendations are made for future design, construction and application of outdoor testbeds.

МЕТОД ОЦЕНКИ ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК СИСТЕМ ПОЖАРНОЙ АВТОМАТИКИ МНОГОКВАРТИРНЫХ ЖИЛЫХ ДОМОВ

A method is proposed for evaluating the functional characteristics of fire automation systems of apartment buildings based on the use of an electronic database, providing input, storage, structuring, presentation and processing of data characterizing the ability of fire automation systems and their individual elements to perform the required functions. The analysis of data on the operability of fire automation systems in operation beyond their service life in multi-apartment residential buildings in Saint-Petersburg, according to various differentiated characteristics, in order to determine their ability to perform specific functions, as well as the reasons for their failure. The necessity of evaluating the effectiveness of fire protection systems of apartment buildings is substantiated, taking into account the results of the study of functional characteristics at various stages of their life cycle, the task of forming a unified information database on the operability of fire protection systems of apartment buildings in Saint-Petersburg and its subsequent integration with the state information system «Monitoring the technical condition of apartment buildings in Saint-Petersburg».

Mitigating vibration from building systems in a second-floor laboratory

A second-floor laboratory reported excessive vibrations that were impacting the calibration of microscopes, as well as human comfort. Based on a review of the building floor plans and discussions with the Design-Build team, potential vibration sources were narrowed to various MEP equipment in the first-floor mechanical room, rooftop, and outdoor utility pad. Vibration measurements were collected in the laboratory and near each piece of mechanical equipment as the equipment was turned ON and OFF to determine its vibration impact on the laboratory. The narrowband frequency data indicated that the rotational frequency of the ceiling-mounted hot water pumps coincided with the frequencies of excessive vibration in the lab. Vibration isolation for the hot water pumps and surrounding piping and equipment was reviewed, and recommendations were provided based on ASHRAE guidance to minimize vibration propagation to the laboratory.

Integrating energy simulations and analytical hierarchy process procedure in multi-criteria evaluation of heating systems for industrial buildings

Industrial buildings in Italy are generally aged and widely outdated from an architectural, technological, and environmental perspective. Despite the current limitations affecting both envelope and system installations, enhancement strategies are not frequently debated in the literature or addressed recurring to not adequately comprehensive approaches. This research examines space heating options for integrated retrofit interventions of manufacturing facilities using a novel methodology that combines multi-criteria decision analysis based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with building energy simulations. Interviews with representatives from medium-sized companies in Tuscany provide insights into the exigencies of industrial buildings, while on-site surveys identify common features of industrial buildings in the region leading to the identification of a representative case study building. This facility is examined producing several energy models to account for the different heating system alternatives to be evaluated according to criteria including economic, environmental, comfort, space, and reliability. Both qualitative judgments and quantitative outputs from energy simulations are considered to rank the technological alternatives encompassed in the analysis. In addition, sensitivity analyses are carried out to highlight the impact of boundary conditions on optimal configuration selection. Economic considerations weigh heavily for industrial owners, often outweighing environmental concerns due to higher initial investment requirements for low-impact solutions. Consequently, gas boiler generators and hot-water fan heaters emerge as preferred options for their flexibility, low initial cost, and ease of installation.

Development of a novel hybrid hydrogen generator incorporated into a combined system for buildings in sustainable communities

The development of a new hybrid hydrogen generator, using both photoelectrochemical process and conventional electrolysis, integrated into a combination system for buildings is a major step forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions in cities where it is specifically designed, implemented and evaluated for incorporation into sustainable community systems. A significant advantage of this hydrogen generator is the ability to produce hydrogen constantly, regardless of the absence of solar irradiation. Furthermore, both electrolyzers contribute to a rise in the amount of hydrogen produced. Furthermore, the utilization of PEC electrolysis for hydrogen generation results in a significant reduction in the overall power requirements of the system. This new study investigates an integrated power system that produces electricity from solar energy and tackles issues related to freshwater supply, hydrogen production, and heating/cooling demands. The purpose of this research is to integrate advanced system components, including a solar power tower system, a combined Brayton-Rankine cycle, a multi-effect desalination (MED) unit, a new hybridized hydrogen generator system, an absorption cooling cycle (ACS), and a hydrogen storage and refuelling station. The overall energy efficiency is determined to be 49%, while the exergy efficiency becomes 46.2%.