This paper covers the innovative use of advanced numerical simulation in the field of structural engineering. It begins with a brief review of current standard practice and then discusses the latest more advanced technologies and approaches that are available. The practical benefits of using advanced simulation as an integral part of the design process are illustrated through a range of international project case studies
This research investigated the influence of three layouts of operating rooms on the indoor environment control, on thermal comfort and on energy consumption. It was used the EnergyPlus software. The parameters of the environment were described in accordance with standards. The three layouts had controlled the temperature and relative humidity. The patient presented extreme discomfort. The anesthesiologist presented much discomfort and in some cases discomfort. Other people remained in comfort or a little discomfort. The layout combining two hallways and an operation room indicated the best
This paper discusses the modification and testing of an existing dynamic thermal model to include the calculation of the effects of glazing and shading options such as slatted blinds. It discusses the selection and development of algorithms, the testing of component sub-models against detailed models, and provides comparisons against theoretical and measured benchmarks. The modified model is found capable of predicting total solar transmission of glazing with mid-pane shading combinations, expressed as a G-value, to ±0.04.
This paper investigates the robustness of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) search method in solving an unconstrained building optimization problem, when the number of building simulations used by the optimization is restricted. GA search methods can be classified as being probabilistic populations based optimizers. The probabilistic nature of the search suggests that GA’s may lack robustness in finding solutions.
This paper explores means for more effectively exploiting daylight in buildings through extending periods of illumination free of glare problems. The key concept is to quantify and examine the impact of selected design parameters, e.g. light shelves, on the admission of daylight within buildings. The University of Calgary’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) office building is used as a base model, whereas innovative techniques are developed and presented in this study.
This article aims at a better understanding of how decisions are taken to improve energy performance of office buildings in warm climates and why energy tools are not popular among the architects. A survey was developed based on theory of designer's thinking and activities. Most of the survey consists of statements that can be weighted on a scale of 1 to 5, during specific stages of design: pre-design, sketch and detail phases.
Calculating the dynamic effects of surface overshadowing is a major part of most thermal analysis engines. It also represents a significant overhead in the analysis process yet, once a run is complete, this information is usually lost and must be entirely recalculated before the next run. However, detailed overshadowing for specific surfaces is valuable information to the designer.
The Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR) scheme is a performance-based rating for office buildings. While it was originally designed for existing buildings, its success in that sector has led to its rapid adoption as a performance standard for new buildings. As a result of this application, there has been an upsurge in the use of simulation as a predictor of absolute performance.
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