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Buildings, Volume 8, Issue 4 (April 2018) – 16 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Green and blue-green roofs are becoming ever more common, particularly in urban areas. Climatic conditions render their usage complex in the Nordic countries. A scoping study was conducted in order to gain an overview of green roof research. It is found that the majority of green roof research has been conducted on a theoretical basis or on green roof test beds. Literature on the operation of full-scale green roofs is scarce. This knowledge gap indicates a risk factor in green roof operation. View this paper
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11 pages, 4215 KiB  
Article
Deflection Prediction of No-Fines Lightweight Concrete Wall Using Neural Network Caused Dynamic Loads
by Ridho Bayuaji and Totok Ruki Biyanto
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040062 - 23 Apr 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4380
Abstract
No-fines lightweight concrete wall with horizontal reinforcement refers to an alternative material for wall construction with an aim of improving the wall quality towards horizontal loads. This study is focused on artificial neural network (ANN) application to predicting the deflection deformation caused by [...] Read more.
No-fines lightweight concrete wall with horizontal reinforcement refers to an alternative material for wall construction with an aim of improving the wall quality towards horizontal loads. This study is focused on artificial neural network (ANN) application to predicting the deflection deformation caused by dynamic loads. The ANN method is able to capture the complex interactions among input/output variables in a system without any knowledge of interaction nature and without any explicit assumption to model form. This paper explains the existing data research, data selection and process of ANN modelling training process and validation. The results of this research show that the deformation can be predicted more accurately, simply and quickly due to the alternating horizontal loads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masonry Buildings: Research and Practice)
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12 pages, 2420 KiB  
Article
Predicting Dynamic Response of Structures under Earthquake Loads Using Logical Analysis of Data
by Ayman Abd-Elhamed, Yasser Shaban and Sayed Mahmoud
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040061 - 20 Apr 2018
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6806
Abstract
In this paper, logical analysis of data (LAD) is used to predict the seismic response of building structures employing the captured dynamic responses. In order to prepare the data, computational simulations using a single degree of freedom (SDOF) building model under different ground [...] Read more.
In this paper, logical analysis of data (LAD) is used to predict the seismic response of building structures employing the captured dynamic responses. In order to prepare the data, computational simulations using a single degree of freedom (SDOF) building model under different ground motion records are carried out. The selected excitation records are real and of different peak ground accelerations (PGA). The sensitivity of the seismic response in terms of displacements of floors to the variation in earthquake characteristics, such as soil class, characteristic period, and time step of records, peak ground displacement, and peak ground velocity, have also been considered. The dynamic equation of motion describing the building model and the applied earthquake load are presented and solved incrementally using the Runge-Kutta method. LAD then finds the characteristic patterns which lead to forecast the seismic response of building structures. The accuracy of LAD is compared to that of an artificial neural network (ANN), since the latter is the most known machine learning technique. Based on the conducted study, the proposed LAD model has been proven to be an efficient technique to learn, simulate, and blindly predict the dynamic response behaviour of building structures subjected to earthquake loads. Full article
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15 pages, 239 KiB  
Article
Presence of Social Client Relationship Management within the Nigerian Construction Industry
by Rapheal Ojelabi, Opeyemi Oyeyipo, Adedeji Afolabi and Lekan Amusan
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040060 - 17 Apr 2018
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4806
Abstract
Client relationship management (CRM) has become a subject matter of interest to both academics and business practitioners. This is because it reflects the need to manage successful and profitable client relationships for organizations. Construction organizations, as well as the construction industry, are vital [...] Read more.
Client relationship management (CRM) has become a subject matter of interest to both academics and business practitioners. This is because it reflects the need to manage successful and profitable client relationships for organizations. Construction organizations, as well as the construction industry, are vital components of economic development in Nigeria, but many organizations struggle to perform the client relationships expected of them. The use of social media in the present era has given power to the relevant stakeholders to express their perceptions to a very large audience on the social media platforms of construction organizations. The application of social media to marketing is essential to managing client relationships. This research has been carried out to examine the level of awareness and use of social client relationship management (CRM 2.0) in Nigerian contracting and consulting construction organizations. In other words, the purpose of the study is to examine the level of adoption of social media platforms in client relationship management in the construction industry in Nigeria. The study also assessed the barriers to the adoption of the use of social media platforms in client relationship management. Using a questionnaire survey, a purposive quota sampling technique was utilized for the collection of data from contracting and consulting firms. The findings reveal that contracting and consulting firms have little to no awareness of CRM 2.0. This study suggests that Nigerian construction organizations are still hesitant to implement social media in a business environment and fully adopt CRM 2.0 in the construction industry. Full article
14 pages, 1208 KiB  
Article
Gender Differences in Environmental Perspectives among Urban Design Professionals
by Marita Wallhagen, Ola Eriksson and Patrik Sörqvist
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040059 - 16 Apr 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6721
Abstract
Urban design professionals are key actors in early design phases and have the possibility to influence urban development and direct it in a more sustainable direction. Therefore, gender differences in environmental perspectives among urban design professionals may have a marked effect on urban [...] Read more.
Urban design professionals are key actors in early design phases and have the possibility to influence urban development and direct it in a more sustainable direction. Therefore, gender differences in environmental perspectives among urban design professionals may have a marked effect on urban development and the environment. This study identified gender differences in environment-related attitudes among urban design professionals involved in the international architectural competition ‘A New City Centre for Kiruna’ in northern Sweden. Participants’ self-rated possibility to influence environmental aspects was higher for males than for females. Conversely, the importance placed on environmental aspects had higher ratings among females, although the differences regarding the rating of personal responsibility were small. The gap between the participants’ self-rated belief in their ability to influence and rated importance of environmental aspects was larger among female participants. Females placed great importance on environmental aspects even though they felt that their possibility to influence these was rather low. Conversely, male participants felt that they had the greatest possibility to influence, although some males rated the importance of environmental aspects thelowest. The gender differences identified are important from an equality and environmental perspective as they may influence pro-environmental behavior among urban design professionals and ultimately influence the environmental performance of the built environment. Full article
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17 pages, 41686 KiB  
Article
From ‘Rigid’ to ‘Resilient’: A Proposed Self-Build Relocatable SIP Construction Mechanism for Sustainable Social Housing Models in UAE
by Khaled Galal Ahmed
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040058 - 16 Apr 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7613
Abstract
The current ‘rigid’ construction systems and material of Emirati social housing leave little room for residents to undertake their desired adaptations and extensions of their turn-key houses, which have been designed, built and submitted to them by federal and local social housing institutions. [...] Read more.
The current ‘rigid’ construction systems and material of Emirati social housing leave little room for residents to undertake their desired adaptations and extensions of their turn-key houses, which have been designed, built and submitted to them by federal and local social housing institutions. This lack of adaptability and responsiveness to the residents’ changing needs has caused undeniable problems with regard to social sustainability. In response, residents have reacted spontaneously by changing and extending their houses, but, unfortunately in many cases, these actions have resulted in structural, environmental and health hazards. On the other hand, the recently emerging Structured Insulated Panels (SIPs) systems have been investigated in this research as sustainable, resilient and relocatable external/internal wall-floor-roof construction systems replacing the current ‘rigid’ masonry-and-reinforced-concrete one used in the construction of UAE social housing. This would help achieve the resilience of social housing and, thus, allow residents to have the lead in adapting and extending/contracting their houses without compromising environmental, structural and safety considerations. This research indicates that the use of SIP systems is promising and thus proposes a self-build construction mechanism that would give the residents the upper hand in the decisions relevant to their houses. Full article
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15 pages, 500 KiB  
Article
Barriers to Adoption of Sustainable Technologies for Energy-Efficient Building Upgrade—Semi-Structured Interviews
by John Dadzie, Goran Runeson, Grace Ding and Francis K. Bondinuba
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040057 - 13 Apr 2018
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 11551
Abstract
Globally, only 2% of existing building stock is built yearly; the remaining 98% already exist. Energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort of the existing building stock are not encouraging. This is due to many challenges associated with existing buildings; the challenges range from [...] Read more.
Globally, only 2% of existing building stock is built yearly; the remaining 98% already exist. Energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort of the existing building stock are not encouraging. This is due to many challenges associated with existing buildings; the challenges range from cracks, leakages, poor insulation, heat losses and high rate of unsustainable technologies. This paper investigates possible barriers facing the adoption and application of sustainable technologies (STs) for sustainable or energy-efficient upgrade of existing buildings. New STs are manufactured on a regular basis to meet improved energy efficiency standards, yet there are minimal actions/attempts to adopt and apply improved technologies in existing buildings for energy efficiency. Indeed, there are limited studies focused on the use of qualitative approaches to identify barriers to adoption and use of STs. Thus, a semi-structured interview approach was adopted and applied using sustainability/energy efficiency professionals, building services engineers, project managers, architects, and facility managers in Australia. The results indicate that barriers to the adoption and application of sustainable technologies are perceived benefits in demolish-and-build, age of building, cost of STs, perceived poor payback time, unreliable energy-savings projections, existing design, hidden and overall cost of renovation, and cost of STs. Full article
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19 pages, 16815 KiB  
Article
Thermal Comfort Analyses of Secondary School Students in the Tropics
by Baharuddin Hamzah, Zhonghua Gou, Rosady Mulyadi and Samsuddin Amin
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040056 - 10 Apr 2018
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 9830
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the thermal comfort level of students in secondary schools in the tropical city of Makassar. The analysis is carried out based on data surveyed from eight selected high schools. The study involved 1594 students in 48 classrooms. The [...] Read more.
This study aims to analyze the thermal comfort level of students in secondary schools in the tropical city of Makassar. The analysis is carried out based on data surveyed from eight selected high schools. The study involved 1594 students in 48 classrooms. The recorded data includes personal data and measured environmental parameters. At the same time, students were asked to fill out questionnaires related to their thermal comfort levels. The surveyed classrooms showed high air temperatures. The air temperatures ranged from 28.2 °C in the morning to 33.6 °C in the midday. The radiant temperatures were similar to the air temperature, which indicated that the airflow speed was low. The only parameter that could meet the Indonesian national standard was relative humidity. However, many students still feel comfortable (−1 to +1) based on TSV (thermal sensation vote) and TCV (thermal comfort vote). Even though about 80% of respondents accepted this hot temperature, most of them preferred to have a decrease in the air temperature. Regarding the PMV (predicted mean vote), only about 23% respondents were predicted to feel slightly warm (+1). The regression analyses show that the neutral temperatures were 29.0 °C and 28.5 °C for TSV and TCV, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Factors in Green Building)
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24 pages, 7400 KiB  
Review
Performance of Blue-Green Roofs in Cold Climates: A Scoping Review
by Erlend Andenæs, Tore Kvande, Tone M. Muthanna and Jardar Lohne
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040055 - 10 Apr 2018
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 11972
Abstract
Green and blue-green roofs are emerging as an increasingly popular feature of rooftops, particularly in urban areas. Particular problematic conditions render their usage complex in the Nordic countries. In order to ensure that green roofs are built durable and with the service life [...] Read more.
Green and blue-green roofs are emerging as an increasingly popular feature of rooftops, particularly in urban areas. Particular problematic conditions render their usage complex in the Nordic countries. In order to ensure that green roofs are built durable and with the service life expected of them, it is important to know all the relevant factors surrounding their construction and operation. A scoping study was conducted in order to gain an overview on green roof research and available scientific literature. One hundred articles of particular interest for Nordic climates were retrieved and their findings summarized. It is found that the vast majority of green roof research has been conducted on a theoretical basis, or with practical measurements on green roof test beds or isolated components. There is scarcely any literature on the operation of full-scale, building-implemented green roofs, and no articles were found on the building technical performance of aged green roofs. These knowledge gaps indicate a major risk factor in green roof operation, as their performance and integrity over time has not been documented. This despite the fact that green roofs have been implemented and in operation worldwide for decades. Full article
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15 pages, 14855 KiB  
Article
Choosing the Energy Sources Needed for Utilities in the Design and Refurbishment of Buildings
by Pavel Atănăsoae and Radu Dumitru Pentiuc
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040054 - 30 Mar 2018
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5420
Abstract
This paper presents a method for choosing the energy sources that are needed for the following building utilities following building: lighting, domestic hot water, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The novelty of this paper consists of applying the concept of the energy hub [...] Read more.
This paper presents a method for choosing the energy sources that are needed for the following building utilities following building: lighting, domestic hot water, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The novelty of this paper consists of applying the concept of the energy hub and considering the cost of carbon dioxide emissions when selecting the available energy sources in the building’s location. The criterion for selecting the energy sources is the minimum overall cost of all forms of energy that are consumed in the building over its estimated lifetime. In order to estimate the overall costs, it is necessary to know the power that is installed and provided by the energy production technologies that are inside the building, as well as the capacity of energy that is required from outside energy sources. An office building that was proposed for refurbishment has been investigated as a case study. In the paper, we have analysed four scenarios. The results indicate that more favourable alternative solutions can be obtained compared to the traditional scenario (Scenario 4—heat and electricity by public utility networks). The overall costs are 46.17% (212,671 EUR) lower in Scenario 1, 25.35% (116,770 EUR) lower in Scenario 2, and 10.89% (50,150 EUR) lower in Scenario 3. Additionally, the carbon dioxide emissions are 22.98% (49 tonnes CO2/year) lower in Scenario 1 and 8.91% (19 tonnes CO2/year) lower in Scenario 2. Thus, renewable energy sources can occupy a growing share of the total energy consumption of the building. The proposed algorithm can be used for both the refurbishment of existing buildings and the design of new buildings. Full article
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20 pages, 53600 KiB  
Review
Practices of Built Heritage Post-Disaster Reconstruction for Resilient Cities
by Tomasz Jeleński
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040053 - 30 Mar 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 12270
Abstract
The concept of resilience has become increasingly important to our understanding of sustainable planning. Post-disaster urban and architectural reconstruction might be treated as a strategy for resilient cities, helping them to reinvent themselves after possible destruction. The purpose of this study is to [...] Read more.
The concept of resilience has become increasingly important to our understanding of sustainable planning. Post-disaster urban and architectural reconstruction might be treated as a strategy for resilient cities, helping them to reinvent themselves after possible destruction. The purpose of this study is to analyse several cases of nearly total reconstruction of historical urban complexes. Specifically, it explores how urban heritage conservation and recreation could contribute to the resilience agenda, giving traumatised societies a sense of continuity and localness. It analyses the changes in the conservation doctrine, highlighting the growing acceptance of architectural reconstructions. Drawing on historical examples, mainly derived from the Polish School of Conservation practice, this paper argues that the methods and processes attempted to regain identity for the thoroughly rebuilt structures proved effective in recreating the identity of such cities as Kalisz, Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Wrocław. The article argues that while processes at the governmental level emphasised the strengthening of national identity, the experiences of the reconstructed townscapes eventually involved forms of more diverse municipal identities. The article highlights that the strategy of recreating traditional images of cities after their mutilation in disastrous events might be a key to becoming a more resilient city and the formation of the post-disaster citizenry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage: Conservation vs. Emergencies)
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24 pages, 1949 KiB  
Article
Balanced Evaluation of Structural and Environmental Performances in Building Design
by Marco Lamperti Tornaghi, Arian Loli and Paolo Negro
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040052 - 30 Mar 2018
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8085
Abstract
The design of new buildings, and even more the rehabilitation of existing ones, needs to satisfy modern criteria in terms of energy efficiency and environmental performance, within the context of adequate safety requirements. Tackling all these needs at the same time is cumbersome, [...] Read more.
The design of new buildings, and even more the rehabilitation of existing ones, needs to satisfy modern criteria in terms of energy efficiency and environmental performance, within the context of adequate safety requirements. Tackling all these needs at the same time is cumbersome, as demonstrated by several experiences during recent earthquakes, where the improvement of energy performance vanished by seismic-induced damages. The costs of energy retrofitting must be added to the normal losses caused by the earthquake. Even though the minimum safety requirements are met (no collapse), the damage due to earthquake might be enough to waste the investment made to improve energy efficiency. Since these measures are often facilitated by corresponding incentives, the use of public funding is not cost effective. The application of the existing impact assessment methods is typically performed at the end of the architectural and structural design process. Thus, no real optimisation can be achieved, because a good structural solution could correspond to a poor environmental performance and vice versa. The proposed Sustainable Structural Design method (SSD) considers both environmental and structural parameters in the life cycle perspective. The integration of environmental data in the structural performance is the focus of the method. Structural performances are considered in a probabilistic approach, through the introduction of a simplified Performance Based Assessment method. Finally, the SSD method is implemented with a case-study of an office-occupancy building, both for precast and cast-in-situ structural systems, with the aim to find the best solution in terms of sustainability and structural performance for the case at hand. Full article
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19 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
The Social, Educational, and Market Scenario for nZEB in Europe
by Evangelia Topriska, Maria Kolokotroni, Daniela Melandri, Simon McGuiness, Andrei Ceclan, Georgios C. Christoforidis, Vittoria Fazio, Maria Hadjipanayi, Patrick Hendrick, Marija Kacarska, Elisa Peñalvo López, Kaj Leonhart Petersen and Jutta Steinbrecher
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040051 - 27 Mar 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6363
Abstract
Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) are a significant part of the energy efficiency strategy of the European Union. As buildings represent approximately 40% of the final energy use in Europe, the reduction of their energy demand is key for a sustainable future. This [...] Read more.
Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) are a significant part of the energy efficiency strategy of the European Union. As buildings represent approximately 40% of the final energy use in Europe, the reduction of their energy demand is key for a sustainable future. This paper takes a qualitative approach and presents data about professional and market barriers, as well as the educational market in relation to the implementation of nZEB policies for new and retrofit buildings in 11 European countries. Different levels of policy enactments and market penetration are reported and are generally found to be more advanced in western and central European countries. Furthermore, gender equality is examined in the building sector in relation to nZEB and presents significant gaps, with a more balanced situation reported in southern Europe. The accreditation and targeted education of nZEB experts is still almost non-existent in the examined countries, and the need for training of building professionals is highlighted as a critical missing component of current policy. This research aims to be the first step towards the creation of educational material and programmes as a mean to accelerate the transition to nZEB. Full article
27 pages, 60662 KiB  
Article
Beyond the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: Vulnerability Reduction as a Challenge Involving Historical and Traditional Buildings
by Valentina Pica
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040050 - 27 Mar 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 8899
Abstract
In observance of the international procedures on disaster risk management, and in particular the Sendai Framework (2015), this research focuses on how more specific procedures related to it can be made effective in the treatment of historic areas worldwide. Disaster risk management is [...] Read more.
In observance of the international procedures on disaster risk management, and in particular the Sendai Framework (2015), this research focuses on how more specific procedures related to it can be made effective in the treatment of historic areas worldwide. Disaster risk management is now viewed as being important in the context of historic buildings, as they are strongly related to cultural identity as well as to resilient communities, and can have a large impact on local economies. The study points out that cultural heritage might be the core field of action for capacity building in less vulnerable places, and that its protection is one of the main tasks to attend to in order to achieve the goal of vulnerability reduction. The paper also aims to answer questions such as: which actions could allow better protection of cultural heritage? Is it correct to involve local communities in reconstruction plans by capacity building and self-managed projects? How have reconstruction plans been managed recently worldwide? By further developing the applicability of the priority areas of action of the Sendai Framework, the research illustrates critical points and best practices that will hopefully support disaster risk reduction based on strategic management and remote monitoring, involving technologies and social participation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage: Conservation vs. Emergencies)
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17 pages, 83104 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Thermal Comfort Conditions in Cold Rural Areas of China: A Case study of Stone Dwellings in a Tibetan Village
by Bin Cheng, Yangliu Fu, Maryam Khoshbakht, Libin Duan, Jian Zhang and Sara Rashidian
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040049 - 26 Mar 2018
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7119
Abstract
This paper focuses on thermal environmental conditions in the stone dwellings of a Tibetan village in Danba County, Sichuan, China, in winter. During the study, field measurements and subjective survey studies were collected, simultaneously, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the thermal comfort [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on thermal environmental conditions in the stone dwellings of a Tibetan village in Danba County, Sichuan, China, in winter. During the study, field measurements and subjective survey studies were collected, simultaneously, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the thermal comfort conditions that were experienced by residents in cold rural areas of Sichuan. Subjective surveys involved questions about thermal comfort perceptions and acceptability in cold conditions. The status of thermal comfort and characteristics of indoor environmental qualities were investigated in the study. The majority of survey participants (47% and 74%) voted as “slightly cool” for temperature, and “slightly dry” for humidity in the studied typical winter days, respectively. The available adaptive opportunities for the residents were investigated through the survey studies. Adjusting clothing, drinking hot beverages, blocking air infiltration through windows, and changing activities were the most common adaptive measures. An adaptive coefficient ( λ ) was determined based on adaptive predicted mean votes (aPMV) models using least square methods to assess the different adaptation measures in the region. Findings of this study provided a valuable reference for thermal comfort adaptations in cold climates, where limited adaptive opportunities were available due to the low standard of living. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Factors in Green Building)
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18 pages, 91726 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Heat Treatment Efficacy for Insect Pest Control: A Case Study of a CFD Application to Improve the Design and Structure of a Flour Mill
by Francesca Valenti, Simona Maria Carmela Porto, Nicoletta Tomasello and Claudia Arcidiacono
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040048 - 24 Mar 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5443
Abstract
Heat treatment of the indoor environment of flour mills is an alternative technique to chemical fumigation for controlling insect pests. The aim of this research was to assess temperature distribution inside a flour mill during a heat treatment for insect pest control by [...] Read more.
Heat treatment of the indoor environment of flour mills is an alternative technique to chemical fumigation for controlling insect pests. The aim of this research was to assess temperature distribution inside a flour mill during a heat treatment for insect pest control by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and simulation. The model was validated by using the average values of experimental data acquired during a heat treatment carried out in a flour mill, which is representative of the building materials and techniques used in the milling industry of South Italy. Simulations were carried out in steady-state conditions, and simulated data were validated by the average values of air and wall temperature measurements. Since the modelled temperature distribution in the mill fit the real one with a good accuracy (maximum error equal to 2.57 °C), the CFD model was considered reliable to simulate other operating conditions. Since it was observed that the internal surface temperatures of the mill were much lower than the value required for the success of the heat treatment, equal to 45 °C, the CFD model could be used for improving the effectiveness of heat treatments in the flour mill. Application of the proposed CFD model in the simulation of specific interventions could be aimed at improving both building performance and fan heaters’ localisatio,n in order to find the best configuration. Full article
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12 pages, 4773 KiB  
Article
On the Influence of Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation on Overheating Risk in Offices
by Arianna Brambilla, Jerome Bonvin, Flourentzos Flourentzou and Thomas Jusselme
Buildings 2018, 8(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8040047 - 22 Mar 2018
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7245
Abstract
Free cooling strategies are gaining importance in design practice due to the increased risk of overheating in well-insulated buildings with high internal loads such as offices. The state of the art highlights that the most efficient passive solution for indoor temperature stabilization and [...] Read more.
Free cooling strategies are gaining importance in design practice due to the increased risk of overheating in well-insulated buildings with high internal loads such as offices. The state of the art highlights that the most efficient passive solution for indoor temperature stabilization and control is the integration of thermal mass with an optimized ventilative cooling profile to enhance the thermal cycle of heat storage. Due to its cyclical behavior, thermal mass effects are difficult to predict and quantify with the traditional steady-state approach to building thermal performance. Dynamic thermal simulations help to assess a building’s behavior under transient situations, including the thermal mass influence. However, building codes usually include thermal simulations based on standard assumptions: typical meteorological year (TMY), standard occupancy, standard daily-based lighting and appliances profiles, and standard weekly-based occupancy. Thus, when assumptions change, the actual behavior of the building may vary consistently from the predicted conditions. In this paper, we focused on the ability of thermal mass to contrast the influence of variations from the standard assumptions, especially in relation to climate and ventilation profiles. The results show the necessity of encompassing different risk scenarios when evaluating a free cooling solution performance. Among the different scenarios simulated, natural ventilation misuse shows greater influence on the thermal indoor environment, especially if coupled with low thermal mass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupant Comfort and Well-Being)
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