Exam 3 - Final Project Flashcards
Definition of Sustainable Development
form of development that meets the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow (future generations)
What does sustainability emphasize? (3)
Efficiency and moderation of:
1) materials
2) Energy
3) Spatial Resources
LEED has how many major areas of development?
Nine:
1. Integrative Process
2. Location + Transport
3. Sustainable Sites
4. Water Efficiency
5. Energy and Atmosphere
6. Materials and resources
7. Indoor Environmental Quality
8. Innovation
9. Regional Priority
This Green Building Standard addresses Life Cycle Performance through construction and use and requires evidence that standards are met?
BREEAM: Building Research Environmental Assessment Method (UK)
This Green Building Standard addresses Life Cycle Assessment in 7 areas
Green Globes
1. project management
2. site
3. energy
4. water
5. materials and resources
6. emissions
7. indoor environment
What green building standard has a predictive and actual performance goal?
PassivHaus:
less than 120 kWh/m2
0.6 ACH @ 50 Pa
What green building standard considers preservation, net-zero energy, beauty and biophillic design?
Living Building Challenge
are sustainable design and resilient design the same?
No, sustainability considers how to reduce energy and increase efficiency, resiliency focuses on providing basic human needs in response to rapid changing effects related to climate change.
What is strongest bearing capacity? (Gravel, Silts, Clay, Sands?
Strongest to weakest: Gravel, Sands, Silts, Clays
What is shearing strength of soil?
ability to resist displacement when external force is applied (cohesion and friction)
Course grained soils are..
more permeable
less susceptible to frost action
what is an angle of repose?
measures a soils confining force for shear resistance: shallow angle: requires confining force or will displace laterally
How can passive solar heating be accomplished? (3)
- Direct gain
- Indirect gain
- Isolated gain
Passive solar systems rely on which 3 processes for collection, storage distribution and control of solar energy?
- conduction
- convection
- radiation
What is settlement?
Loads imposed by a structure by subsidence of a portion of the supporting soil
_______ are static loads acting vertically downward on a structure compromising the self weight
Dead loads
What is ground pressure
Horizontal force a soil mass exerts on a vertical retaining structure.
_______ is the hydraulic force ground water exerts on a foundation system.
Water pressure
What are thermal stresses?
Compressive or tensile stresses developed in a material constrained against thermal expansion or contraction
____ Compromises any moving or movable loads on a structure resulting from occupancy, snow, water or moving equipment
Live loads
What are assumed to be applied slowly to a structure until it reaches peak value without fluctuating rapidly in magnitude or position
Static loads
What kinds of loads are kinetic and short in duration? What are they treated as in building codes?
Impact loads. Treat as static loads to compensate for dynamic nature
What are the two major types of dynamic loads?
Wind and earthquake loads
What kinds of buildings require wind tunnel testing and are subject to flutter?
Tall slender buildings, structures with unusual or complex shapes, lightweight structures, flexible
What is the minimum design value for the total lateral seismic force to act in a horizontal direction
Base shear
What do lateral loads subject to overturning at the base of a structure require?
An overturning moment counterbalanced by 1) an external restoring moment and 2) an internal resisting moment. Usually restoring moment is 50% greater than overturning moment.
This type of load is like a column on a footing
Point load
This type pf load is like a live load on a joist or beam
Uniformly distributed load
When does failure on a column happen?
When axial load exceeds the compressive strength of the material available in cross section
A compressive load beyond the _____ area will cause tensile stresses to develop in section.
Kern area
What happens when sudden lateral or torsional instability of a slender structural member is induced by the action of an axial load before the yield stress of the material is reaches? (columns)
Buckling
This is the perpendicular distance a spanning member deviates under transverse loading
Deflection
This is the external moment tending to cause part of a structure to rotate or bend
Bending moment
This is the internal moment equal and opposite to a bending moment
Resisting moment
This is the combination of compressive and compressive and tension stresses developed at a cross section of a structural member
Bending stress
The imaginary line passing thru the centroid of a cross section of a beam
Neutral axis
This occurs when a cross section of a beam or member is subject to bending equal to algebraic sum of transverse forces on one side
Transverse shear
This stress develops to resist transverse shear
Vertical shearing stress
This stress is like stacked beams/joists. Develops to prevent slippage along horizontal planes of a beam under transverse loading
Horizontal or longitudinal shearing stress
This type of frame uses pin joints to prevent high bending stresses from developing by allowing frame to rotate
Hinged frame
This type of frame is more resistant to deflection that a hinged frame but more sensitive to support settlements and thermal expansion
Fixed frame
This type of frame is least affected by support settlements and thermal stresses
Three hinged frame
What can decrease the two way action in plate design?
When a plate becomes more rectangular than square.
What must you consider when using a one way or two way system? (3 points)
- Dimension, scale, proportions of structural bay
- Materials
- Depth of assembly
What are the 3 basic mechanisms ensuring lateral stability?
Rigid frame, shear wall, brace frame
Purpose of seismic / expansion joints?
Physically separate adjacent building masses so that free vibratory movement can occur independently of the other
These are viscoelastic devices installed at structural joints to absorb energy generated by wind or earthquakes
Damping mechanisms
When does earth need to be braced or shored in foundation construction?
When the sides of a deep excavation exceed the angle of repose for the soil
This is steel cables or tendons inserted into predrilled holes thru the sheet piling
Tie backs
Thos is a concrete wall cast in a trench to serve as sheeting and is often a permanent foundation wall
Slurry wall
what are 7 ways to make a home energy efficient? (NRC Image)
- airtight construction
- air sealing
- high-performance (energy star equipment)
- high-perf windows
- LED lighting
- Energy star appliances
- improved insulation
Two principle types of deep foundations
Pile (friction and end bearing) and caisson
3 types of span decking (wood construction)
Simple, double, continuous
Minimum concrete cover around structural members
1,5” minimum concrete cover around reinforcement
Advantages of cavity walls (2)
Enhanced thermal insulation in space.
Air space acts as a barrier against water penetration
Roof underlay should be vapour impermeable. (T/f)
False, it should be permeable to not allow moisture to be trapped between underlay and sheathing
Vapour retarder at roof should be placed where?
At warm side of insulation. Temperature at V.R should be warmer than the dew point to prevent condensation
What can prevent condensation in a roof?
Vented air space above insulation and vapour retarder
Materials for liquid applied membranes (roofs) (4)
Silicone, neoprene, butyl rubber, polyurethane
All of these are what? ( thermoplastics, PVCs, Polymer modified bitumens, thermosetting, EPDM, CSPE, Neoprene)
Single-ply roofing types
Three types of EPDM roofing
Fully adhered, mechanically fastened, ballasted
What is a PER wall
pressure equalizer rainscreen
Uses vented cladding and air cavity divided into compartments
5 types of insulation
Batt, Rigid, foamed in place, loose fill, reflective
Vapour retarder is used for what
Prevent vapour from condensing within the layer of insulation.
Risk with vapour retarder
Requires ventilation to mitigate condensat
ion and trapped moisture
Why does exterior cladding need to be permeable
To allow trapped moisture to escape
Where is vapour retarder placed over unheated spaces?
On the warm side of the floor
This exchanges heat from exhaust stream to pre-filtered fresh air in winter and opposite in summer
Heat recovery ventilators (HRV)
This heat exchanger transfers heat and moisture cooling and dehumidifying the incoming fresh air in summer and opposing in winter
Energy recovery ventilators
3 types of movement joints
Expansion (structure) control (at points of weakness) isolation (sectional movement)
What materials are compatible with aluminum to mitigate galvanic action?
Stainless steel, galvanized steel
What is required between concrete slabs and wood flooring?
Wood subfloor (plywood)
Can laminate be installed on concrete topping?
Yes, can be used as a smooth level surface
Types of resilient flooring
Cork tile, vinyl, linoleum, rubber tile,
4 types of energy transfer (thermal comfort)
Conduction, convection, radiation, evaporation
Factors affecting human comfort (7)
Air temperature, relative humidity, radiant temperature, air motion, air purity, sound vibration, light
MRT?
Mean radiant temperature
what does V stand for in mechanical systems?
air motion
What is a dew point?
Point at which air becomes saturated with water vapour (psychometric charts)
Negatives of biomass
Sometimes more energy is spent producing it than what it can make
Good design for heat loss may include
Solar orientation, thermal resistance of assemblies, using thermal masses and thermal insulation
What is heating load
Hourly rate of net heat loss in an enclosed space (BTU per hour)
What is a BTU
British Thermal Unit: quantity if heat required to raise temp of 1lb of water to 1 degree F
What is a heating load/cooling lod
Hourly rate of net heat loss/gain in an enclosed space in BTU/H
What is a two pipe hydronic heating system
Supply hot water and returns water with a second pipe
Downside of electric heating (vs forced air)
Cannot control humidity or air quality
What is radiant heating
Heat source carrying electric resistance heating cables or hot water within the ceiling, floor or wall
How does liquid radiant heating systems adjust temperature?
Control valve adjusts supply water by mixing it with circulating water from pipe loops
What is a heat transfer medium
Air, water, other liquid carrying the collected heat energy from source
What is compressive refrigeration
Cooling effect by the vaporization and expansion of a liquid refrigerant. Condenser reduces a vapor or gas to liquid form
This is a structure where heat is extracted from water that has been used for cooling
Cooling tower
This mechanical system blends warm and cool air to the desired temperature before distributing the air
Dual duct HVAC system
CAV system definition
Constant Air Volume : delivers air at a constant temperature thru a low velocity duct system
This HVAC system uses dampers to control the flow of conditioned air
Single duct VAV (Variable Air Volume) system
Water supply pipe materials
Copper, plastic or galvanized steel.
Must be corrosion resistant
When is a sump pump required?
For fixtures below the street sewer: remove accumulated liquids from sump pit
Three types of artificial light
Incandescent (heat of electricity produces light; fluorescent (contains mercury, fluorescent phosphors) and high intensity discharge (HID) (light produced by discharges thru metallic vapour)
Two types of concrete tests
Slump & Compression tests
What are the three performance metrics for energy efficiency
Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI)
Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI)
Airtightness
strategies for achieving TEDI targets (energy demand)
Minimize heat loss
Consider density
Optimize fenestration
Increase r-value
Reduce thermal bridging
Increase air tightness
Recover heat in ventilation
Strategies for TEUI (Use intensity) targets
Occupant and unit density
Optimize fenestration
Increase air tightness
Recover heat in ventilation
separate heating and cooling from ventilation
Strategies for achieving air tightness
Compact massing (reduces corners)
Limit penetrations in envelope
Careful detailing at interfaces
Strict adherence to construction practices
Steps of BC Energy Step Code
- Code compliance
- Improve air tightness and use additional measures (lower window-wall ratio, higher r values, improve window performance, improve heat recovery
- Integrated approach to improve air tightness and reduce thermal bridging
- Consider multiple systems and practices (high heat recovery, triple glazed windows, eliminate all thermal bridges
Simple design moves to minimize heat loss
Simple form
Lower vertical area to floor area ratio
Large floor plates
Take advantage of natural light
Maximize solar gains
Avoid overhearing by providing shading
What are some trade offs for energy efficiency
Unit density: demand harder with increasing density, use can be consolidated
Lower the u value
Better the window’s performance
What is a good design strategy for air tightness
Compartmentalization : individually vented zones
Two sustainable ventilation strategies for MURBs
centralized system with heat recovery
Decentralized systems (hear recovery is most efficient)
Two mechanical objectives for TEUI and TEDI
Use heat recovery
Separate heating and cooling from ventilation
Fenestration design considerations for energy efficiency
North: reduce WWR to reduce winter heatloss
west: shade to prevent solar gain in summer
East facing: increase WWR, shading has minimal impact
South: externally shade for gains in summer
Three strategies for window efficiency
Select efficient glass (double/triple pane)
Align windows with insulation line
Reduce framing elements by having fewer lrger windows
A resilient building
Maintains critical operations in face of an event and can return to normal operations efficiently, maintaining livability
Improves overall health and well being of its occupants
Passive cooling strategies
Building shape, orientation, thermal mass, window design,cool roofs, shading, vegetation
Shading strategies
External fixed shades, manual shades, automated shades., vegetation, solar heat gain coefficient selection, window coatings
Most effectivte strategy for mechanical systems to optimize energy efficiency
Separate ventilation and cooling systems
Unit of measurement for air tightness
ACH (air change hour)
Measurmement for TEDI (thermal energy demand intensity)
kWh/m2 per year
4 general characteristics of high performance buildings
Low thermal transmittance
Low air leakage control
Solar control
Low energy use and cost
Name components of this wall
Water shedding surface
Water resistive barrier
Air barrier
Thermal insulation
Vapour retarder
4 factors that reduce thermal comfort
Overheating
Thermal bridging
Condensation
Relative humidity
Calculate R value using parallel paths method
100 / [23/6.8] + [77/19]
Requirements of an Air Barrier
Air impermeable
Continuity
Durability
Strength and stiffness
Vabour barrier on exterior sheathing (sheathing membrane) is to do what?
Allow vapour that has migrated from the conditioned space to dissipate to the exterior
Sheathing membrane types
Asphalt impregnated paper, spun bonded polyolefin (house wrap) and self adhering or liquid waterproof membranes
Rainscreens are good for
Wet climates: to allow water that gets past cladding to drain to the exterior
Air barriers to be installed around entire surface where condition space and unconditioned space are separated. Most typical airbarrier in residential construction is
6mm polyethylene on warm side with all joints and penetrations taped and sealed
All assemblies seperating conditioned and unconditioned spaces need to ve
Insulated and have an air barrier (vapour permeable)
5 principals of sustainable housing
Healthy indoor environment
Energy efficiency
Resource efficiency
Environmental responsibility
Affordability
This can improve concrete workability and reduce the amount of cement and aggregate needed
High fly-ash content
Concrete curing must maintain
Moist conditions,
Temperatures 10-25 degrees
What is the grade stamp on lumber
NLGA (National Lumber Grades Authority)
What grade mark of lumber should be used
S-DRY : lumber surfaced at moisture content less than 19%
Best way to limit moisture
SLC LVL PSL LSL AND OSL
Engineered wood products:
Structural Composite Lumber
laminated Veneer Lumber
Parallel Strand Lumber
Laminated Strand
Oriented Strand
What is a capillary break
Air space that allows precipitation to drain on the backside of the cladding or on sheathing membrane
Vapour barriers are to be located
On warm side of insulating materials. Does not need to be sealed but does need to be continuous
Most common vapour retarders
Polyethylene film, metal foil, polystyrene insul, spray foam, polyiso insulation l, metal , glass
What is required STC rating mining
50 STC
What is required STC rating min
50 STC
6 strategies to improve STC
Increase material mass
Increase cavity sept
Increase sound absorbing material
Increase space btwn studs
Use resilient channels to direct sound
Stagger your gypsum board attachments
Use double studs!
Intention of an air barrier
Reduce air pressure differential across an envlope
What 3 things influence the drying rate of an assembly
Air temp
Relative humidity
Solar heating
How to reduce moisture load of an envelope
Overhangs
Eaves trough
Impermeable surfaces
Integrating sills with drip edges
Plan for vertical projections acting as dams
Permeable materials absorb through_____
Capillary action/flow. Consider how the material will dry/drain or be vented
Using gravity to your advantage in mitigating water
Overlap joints by 100mm
Provide drainage holes
Provide 2% min slop at horizontal surface (8% for wood)
Use gaskets and sealant at vertical joints
Shield open joints
How to mitigate capillary action
Lap horizontal joints by 25mm
Use 10mm drainage and venting holes
choose non absorbing materials
What mech to use if you want to minimize noise
All air VAV except induction types
Hydronic convectors
What mech system to use if intent is to minimize floor space
Thru wall terminal
Induction
Hydronic
What mech to install if intent is to control air quality and velocity
VAV
dual duct VAV
multizone
Single duct CAV
What mech system to use if to minimize operational costs
VAV
single duct VAV
hydronic convector
Closed loop heat pump
What mech systems control indicators zones/rooms
VAV
air water induction
Fancoil
Terminal units
General advantages of Central systems
Quieter
Less maintenance
Better air quality
Occupies less space
Disadvantages of VAV
Cannot cool and heat different areas at same time
Adv/Disadvantages of dual duct system
Good temperature control
Space consuming
Not energy efficient
Adv/disadv of central air system
Good air quality
Easy to maintain
No individual temp control
Adv of fan coil units
Continues to circulate air even when heat is turned off
Adv/disadv of fan coil units
+ No fan rooms
+ Individually controlled rooms
Cannot control humidity
Adv/disadv of local systems (terminal & thru wall systems)
+ low cost, retrofits
+ readily avail
+ control temp of individual rooms
+ no ducts/pipes
+ low cost if not all rooms are heated
- noisy
- high maintenance costs
-ugly
What structural system to use if u want thin slabs (4)
Prestressed concrete slabs
2-way flat plate
Precasr prestressed hollow core
Post tensioned one way solid slab
what structural system to use if u want exposed structure with high FRR
avoid steel
all concrete is good
heavy timber frame
mill construction
what structural system to use if u want irregular form
site-cast concrete
light-guage steel
platform frame
masonry with concrete slab, wood or light steel framing
what structural system if you want a column to deviate from the grid
use systems that do not use beams or joists
such as site cast, two way concrete
space frame
Longspan structural systems
heavy wood truss
glulam beams
glulam arches
conventional steel frame
open-web steel joists
steel frame
steel truss
site-cast waffle
precast concrete ‘t’ (single or double)
suspended
arches
vaults
What structural system to choose if construction site is under adverse weather?
Do not choose site-cast concrete that requires a specific temperatures
Any steel
any wood
precast
What structural system to choose to minimize site construction time (minimize off site time would be opposite)
precast concrete
conventional wood
conventional steel
heavy timber frame
Structural system If you wish to minimize constructiontime for a 4- to 20-story building
Precast concrete
Conventional steel frame
Once the structural components for either of the above systems are prefabricated, on-site erection proceeds quickly.
Any sitecast concrete system
The absence of lead time for the prefabrication of components in these systems allows construction of the building to begin on-site at the earliest time.
structural system if you wish to minimize the need for diagonal bracing or shear walls:
Choose a system that is capable of forming rigid joints, such as
+ Any sitecast concrete system, particularly those with beams or deepened slabs around the columns
+ Steel frame with welded rigid connections
+ Single-story rigid steel frame
When depending on a rigid frame for lateral stiffness, the sizes of the framing members often must be increased to resist the added bending
stresses produced in such systems
If you wish to minimize the dead load on the building foundation which structural system to choose?
Consider lightweight or short span systems, such as
Any steel system
Any wood system
If you wish to minimize structural
distress due to unstable foundation
conditions which structural system to choose
Frame systems without rigid joints are recommended, such as Steel frame, with bolted connections
Heavy timber frame
Precast concrete systems
Platform framing
AVOID Welded steel frame, masonry bearing wall, and sitecast concrete frame
What structural system to choose if you wish to provide concealed spaces within the structure itself for ducts, pipes, wires, and other building mechanical systems
Consider systems that naturally provide convenient hollow spaces, such as:
+Truss and open-web joist systems
+Light gauge steel framing
+Platform frame
+Light gauge steel framing and platform frame construction are often applied as finish or infill systems in combination with other types of
building structure to provide such spaces. For more information on the integration of building services and the structural system
What are three purposes of walls?
May be load bearing and act as shear walls
Concrete good for shear and fire ratings
Used best in compression
what three factors affect thermal comfort that mech/elect can control?
- Air temperature and mean radiant temperature – temperature of things in the room
-Higher the mean radiant temperature the lowerthe temperature should be - Air temperature and relative humidity
-The higher the relative humidity the lower the air temperature should be - Air temperature and air motion
-The cooler the moving air stream is, the less velocity it should have
What are the three main fossil fuel types?
- Natural Gas
+Burns cleanly
+ Does not require onsite storage or delivery - Propane
+ Burns cleanly
- Slightly more expensive than natural gas
+ Requires no on site storage and delivery - Oil
+ Efficient
- Requires onsite storage and delivery
What to consider when increasing electrical loads
if the electricity is dervived from a Clean energy source (typically)
Good for sites that requires no combustion or storage
Compact, relatively small and quiet system
Can be very expensive if the local economy isn’t electric focused (EX. Calgary)
Impacts of using wood as a heating source
+ Renewable resource
- Burning can create air pollution/bad indoor air quality
Positives/negatives of using Forced Air systems
+ Filtering, humidification, and dehumidifying can be incorporated into the system
+Can be placed in basements or in low attic spaces
+The most typical way heating is done, as well as the most versatile in small buildings
-Requires combustion air and vents
-Requires a network of ducts to distribute air, can affect ceiling heights
-Depending on the occupancy type very large ducts may be required, therefore you would need a thick floor space
Describe hot water heating in 4 points
- Circulating hot water or steam through pipes and heat through radiators
- Requires a boiler
- Heats through radiation or convection, not much air movement
- Is unable to control humidity or air pollutants
Describe electric heat in 4 points
1.Can be put in ducts or can use hot water system
2.Direct means in space heating units
3.Baseboard convection units, wall unit heaters, floor unit heaters, radiant heating in floors, ceilings, walls,
4.Does not control humidity or pollutants unless using a forced air system
Describe solar heating
1.Needs lots of sun at the right angle
2.Need a heat transfer medium for direct and storage for days when it is cold (trombe wall)
3.To be efficient the building itself must also be thermally efficient
Describe cooling in 3 points
- Compressive refrigeration
- Heat pumps (most efficient in moderate climates)
- Absorption refrigeration
Describe HVAC in 4 points
- Can be Air systems/packaged systems OR air/water systems
- Requires duct space and take up room in ceiling or floors
- Water systems require much less space and can deliver warm and cool air
- Ventilation provided through openings in walls or floors
Describe a water-supply heating system
-Upfeed system – forces water pressure up with pressure from compressed air
-Downfeed system – water is pumped to a collection tank and gravity is used to supply pressure
-On demand water heating systems are energy efficient, require no storage tank but they do need an exhaust vent for natural gas heater
What are water supply lines made of?
- Copper (corrosion resistant, strong, low friction loss, easily joined, small diameter)
- Galvanized Steel
- Plastic (light weight, easily joined, low friction, not all OK for potable water, not all good with hot water)
Types of fire protection systems
- Wet pipe system – contains water at sufficient pressure to provide immediate discharge
- Dry Pipe System – contains pressurized air that is release when a sprinkler head opens allowing water to flow through the piping, good for places where water may be subject to freezing
- Preaction System – dry pipe sprinkler through which water flow is controlled by a valve operated by fire detection devices more sensitive than sprinkler heads, but could damage your stuff
- Deluge System sprinkler heads are open all the time, water flow is controlled by a valve operated by a heat, smoke, or flame sensitive device
- Standpipes – wet, contain water under pressure, fitted with fire hoses for emergency use by building occupants, Dry, no water, but connection allows firefighters fire hose to a hydrant or pump truck
What heating/cooling system to choose if you wish to minimize the visual obtrusiveness
Choose a system that has minimal hardware in the occupied spaces of the building, such as
Any all-air system
What heating/cooling system to choose if you wish to minimize the floor space used for the mechanical system, or the floor-to-floor height of
the building:
Choose a local system that has no ductwork or piping, such as:
- Through-the-wall and packaged terminal units
or a system that minimizes the size of the ductwork or piping, such as:
- Induction systems
- Hydronic convectors
What heating/cooling system to choose if you wish to minimize maintenance requirements of the heating and cooling system
Choose systems that are very simple and have few moving parts in the occupied spaces of the building:
+ Variable air volume
+ Single duct, constant air volume
+ Hydronic convectors
What heating/cooling system to choose if you wish to avoid having a chimney in the building
Choose systems that are electrically powered:
+ Electric boilers
+ Through-the-wall and packaged terminal units
+ Closed-loop heat pumps
What heating/cooling system to choose if you wish to maximize the speed of construction
Choose systems that can be installed by a single trade, such as:
-Through-the-wall and packaged terminal units
Cheapest initial cost mechanical system
Single ducts air system
packaged thru wall system
which heating/cooling system to mitigate operating costs
VAV system
Single duct CAV
closed-loop heat pumps (circulates anti-freeze)
hydronic convectors (uses hot water to heat air)
best systems to control air velocity and quality
VAV
Single-duct CAVs
which heating system to use to minimize noise
VAV
fan coil
closed loop heat pumps
packaged units thru-wall
which heating system to minimize maintenance
VAV
CAV
hydronic convectors
which heating system to use to minimize floor area taken up by systems
fan coils
hydronic convectors
closed loop heat pumps
thru-wall packed units
What is a chilled water plant
The chilled water plant produces cold water that is used for cooling the building. The chillers are fueled by electricity, gas, or steam.
The chillers give off heat, noise, and vibration, and should not be located near spaces they will adversely affect.
They may be placed anywhere in the building from basement to roof, but they are heavy and require deeper-than-normal structural members for support
what is a cooling tower
Cooling towers extract heat from the water that is used to cool the condenser coils of the chilled
water plant. In effect, the cooling towers are the mechanism by which the heat removed from a
building by the air conditioning system is dissipated into the atmosphere.
what is a transformer used for?
For reasons of efficiency, electric utilities transmit electricity at high voltages. Transformers reduce this to lower voltages that can be utilized directly in the building — typically 120/208 volts or 115/230 volts in wall and floor receptacles, and up to 480/277 volts in some types of machinery and lighting fixtures.
why is an exterior transformer (on concrete pad) preferred?
because it is less expensive,
cools better, is easier to service,
transmits less noise to the building,
is safer against fire
requirements if an oil transformer must be placed inside a building?
Oil-filled transformers of the type the utility company provides for large buildings must be
placed in a transformer vault, which is a fire-rated enclosure with two exits.
requires an access panel for servicing and well ventilated (gives off lots of heat)
requirements for DRY type transformers inside buildings
Dry-type transformers (small and medium-sized buildings) do not need a vault;
They may be placed in the main electric room.
The transformer vault or main electric room is often placed in the basement or on the ground floor but are heavy and require floor reinforcement
What is the transformer switch gear comprised of?
disconnect switches,
secondary switches,
fuses
circuit breakers
Dry: can be in same elect room
Wet/oil: in room adjacent to the transformer vault
Main characteristics of emergency generators
The emergency generator is driven by an engine fueled with propane gas or diesel oil.
Engine needs large quantities of air for combustion and cooling, and it gives off exhaust gases, noise, and vibration.
The best location for the emergency power supply is on the ground outside the building, near the switchgear room.
Period up to 10s for the generator to kick-in
What is a sewer ejector pit?
If the lowest level of a building lies below the level of the sewer or septic tank, sewage is collected in
an underfloor pit and pumped up to the sewer.
Describe a telecommunications room
A central room for telephone and data systems should be located in the basement or on the ground floor as close to the telecommunications
What is a water pump
Where the water service enters the building, a room is required to house the water meter and the
sprinkler and standpipe valves.
Requirements for electrical closets and telecom rooms
Electrical and telecommunications closets must be: accessible from public areas of the floor,
must each be stacked above one another
must include wiring shafts
must be kept free of plumbing, steam, and other types of wiring
minimum wall thicknesses for plumbing stacks
300mm for single side fixtures
400 for double
All outlets in wet locations (washroom, kitchen, etc) require what?
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI)
two classes of soils
fine grained
coarse grained
What are the 4 soil classification types, according to the ASTM Unified Soil Classification System?
Gravels, Sands, Silts, and Clays. * Organic material is a soil type, but is a really bad idea to use underneath a building.
Which soils are most susceptible to frost action?
Silts and clays are the most susceptible to frost action, while sands and gravels are the least - the same is true about permeability - low permeable soils retain water, which expands when frozen.
What are the two types of loads, and provide examples?
- Static Loads
Live loads
Occupancy loads
Snow loads
Rain loads
Settlement loads
Ground pressure
Water pressure
Thermal stresses impact loads (car)
Dead loads - Dynamic Loads
Earthquake
Wind
When wind is applied to a building in a lateral direction what are the three scenarios the building is resisting?
Sliding
Overturning
Uplift
Short thick columns vs long slender columns are subject to what type of failure typically?
Short and thick - Crushing
Long and Slender - Buckling
If you have a rectangular slab is it preferable for it to be a one-way or two-way slab?
A one-way slab, two-way slabs perform better when the slab is square
Basic frame types for resisting lateral loads?
Rigid frame, shear wall, braced frame
Two types of foundations and provide examples for each?
- Shallow foundations
Spread footings - Deep foundations
Piles
Caissons
What is underpinning?
The process of rebuilding or strengthening an existing foundation of an existing building, or extending it with a new excavation. The process provides temporary support while an existing foundation is repaired.
What is sheet piling and what are tie backs?
Sheet Piling consists of timber, steel, or precast concrete planks driven into the ground vertically to retain the earth and prevent water from seeping in during the excavation
Tiebacks are secure to rock or soil and are provided to secure sheet piling (if cross bracing within the excavation itself would interfere with the operations)
Types of piles? (in material and design)
End bearing piles
Friction piles
Timber Piles
Composite piles (such as concrete at upper section to prevent water table corrosion)
Pipe piles
Precast concrete piles
H-Piles
Difference between pretensioning and posttensioning?
Pre - is when you stretch the reinforcing tendons in a concrete member before the concrete is cast
Post - After the concrete member is cast
What is convection?
Transfer of heat through liquid or gas (your body gives off heat to the surrounding air)
What is conduction?
Direct contact (give off heat touching tips)
What is radiation?
Giving off heat through electromagnetic waves
What are the three types of heating systems?
Electric
Water
Air
what are 4 advantages of electric heating systems?
- most compact
- quick response to temperature changes
- easily zoned
- low initial cost
what are 3 advantages of water heating distribution systems?
- compact, easily hidden
- can be combined with domestic hot water systems
- good for radiant floor heating.
What are three advantages of air heat distribution?
1.quick response
2.can also perform ventilation, cooling, humidity control and filtering.
3. no equipment in rooms
Provide examples of clean energy for heating?
Solar energy
Window power
Biomass energy
Hydrogen
Hydropower
Ocean energy
Geothermal
What is heating load and cooling load?
Heating load is hourly rate of net heat loss in an enclosed space
Cooling load is hourly rate of heat gain in an enclosed space
What is forced air heating?
Air is heating in a gas, oil, or electric furnace and distributed through the space with ducts
What is hot water heating?
Water is heating in a boiler and circulated by a pump through pipes to radiators or convectors.
Brett Shaw Fun fact, steam heating is similar, using steam generated in a boiler and circulating it through piping to radiators
What is electric heating?
Electric energy is converted into heat and distributed through the space through baseboard convection
What is radiant heating?
Uses heated ceiling, floors, and sometimes walls as radiating surfaces. The heat source may be pipes or tubing carrying hot water or electric resistance heating cables imbedded into the surfaces
For water supply when do you need a gravity downfeed system (pumped up to a tank and gravity fed for building water supply)?
If the water supply is 50 psi, upfeed is reasonable for low rise buildings up to six storeys, above that you must have downfeed
Sound Transmission mitigation main principles:
Increase mass (# layers)
Increase depth of cavity
Fill cavity with insulation
Space studs @ 600 o.c.
Space resilient channels @ 600 o.c.
Portland Cement Types:
Type I: General construction (normal Portland cement)
Type II: resistant to moderate sulfate action (moderate Portland cement)
Type III: Cures faster & gains strength earlier (high early strength Portland cement)
Type IV: Generates less heat (Low-heat Portland cement)
Type V: Resistant to severe sulfate action (sulfate resistant Portland cement)
What is the typical water to cement ration?
Typical water to cement ratio = 0.45-0.6
What is galvanic action?
One metal corrodes while plating the other
Occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact and enough moisture is present for electric current to flow
Two wood types
Softwoods – predominantly evergreens (pine, fir, hemlock, spruce, etc.)
Hardwoods – Broad leaved flowering trees (cherry, maple, oak, etc.)
What is efflorescence?
The migration of a salt to the surface of a porous material, where it forms a coating. (sulfate attack)
Three Brick grades
SW: suitable for severe weathering
MW: suitable for moderate weathering
NW: suitable for negligible weathering
List wood panel products
Plywood
High-Density Overlay (OSB)
Medium Density overlay (MDO)
Particleboard
Oriented strandboard (OSB)
Waferboard
Three types of green roof systems
Intensive vegetated roof systems (min 1ft depth for planting)
Extensive vegetated roof systems (lower maintenance, 4”-6”)
Modular block systems (3”-4” of engineered soil)
What is a life-cycle analysis?
In an LCA of a building, all of the material and process quantities are gathered into a body of information known as the inventory and multiplied with the appropriate impacts for each material or process. The overall results are summed to obtain the overall environmental impacts of a building.
What are the two main PassivHaus targets (energy + infiltration rate)
Max energy demand of 120kwh/m2
Infiltration rate no greater than 0.6 air exchange/h @ 50 pascals
Explain R value and U value
Higher U value = Worse performance
Higher R value = better performance
list different insulating materials
Batt Insulation (glass or mineral wool)
Rigid foam insulation (Extruded polystyrene, Cellulose glass board)
Foamed in Place (sprayed)
Loose fill insulation (often blown cellulose
Cast (insulating concrete)
two types of CMU grades
Grade N = Loadbearing concrete masonry (above and below grade)
Grade S = Loadbearing concrete Masonry (only above grade)
What is an underlayment?
protects roof sheathing from moisture until shingles are applied
Mortar types and classifications
Type M: High strength
Type S: Medium high strength
Type N: Medium-strength
Type O: Low-strength
Type K: Very-low strength
typical flat roof assembly (top to bottom)
Wear course
Roofing membrane
Rigid Foam or lightweight concrete insulation
Vapour retarder
Smooth troweled finish
Reinforced concrete roof slab
Typical basement floor assembly (slab on grade)
4” poured concrete (hydronic loop)
6mil poly vapour barrier
2” rigid insulation (R-10)
8” granular A
Native soil or stable bedrock or engineered fill compacted
Typical foundation wall assembly
Drainage membrane
Bituminous damproofing
Poured concrete wall
2” continuous R-10 rigid XPS insulation (tape all joints)
2x4 wood studs
R-12 Roxul comfortbatt insulation within stud cavity
½ gypsum board
what kind of truss is this?
Pratt truss: Vertical members in Compression, Diagonal in tension
what kind of truss is this?
Howe Truss = Vertical members in tension, diagonal in compression
Primary structural elements (7)
foundation, columns, beams, girders, joists, slabs, walls
What loads should the structure reflect against
Wind, dead load, live load, earthquake, hydrostatic
The greater the span required, the _________ the joists, beams may become
Deeper. This is necessary because the floors require a certain amount of rigidity to prevent excessive deflection under the loads. It may also need to be specific rigidity if vibration is a concern.
What is the purpose of heating?
To provide a constant and comfortable room temperature throughout the heating period. Heating technology generates hot water for space heating, and, in most plants, also for domestic use.
What are the three concepts involved in heating? (every system does this)
Heat generation, heat distribution, and heat emission. The generation of heat is a highly complex aspect of heating technology.
what are the three primary parts of a mechanical system
Heating, Cooling and Humidity
What critical factors impact soil stability?
Stratification (layering)
Composition
Density of the soil bed
Variations in particle size
Presence/absence of groundwater
Integrity of a building structure ultimately depends on the __________ and _______ of the soils under its loading
stability and strength
What is allowable bearing capacity of soil?
the maximum unit pressure a foundation is permitted to impose vertically or laterally on the soil mass
What is shearing strength of soil?
a measure of its ability to resist displacement when an external force is applied, due largely to the combined effects of cohesion and internal friction
primary concerns with foundation design
Settlement and bearing capacity.
When considering settlement, total settlement and differential settlement is normally considered. Differential settlement is when one part of a foundation settles more than another part. This can cause problems to the structure the foundation is supporting.
What is the definition of a building envelope
The exterior surface of a building that separates indoor conditioned space form the outdoor space. Includes all external additions (ie chimney, bay window)
three categories of a building envelope
- Support (to resist and transfer mechanical loads)
- Control (the flow of matter and energy of all types)
- Finish (to meet human desires on the inside and outside)
Name the requirements for air control, vapour control, heat control and rain control in order of importance
rain control, air control, heat control, and vapor control.
Why is air control important
ensure indoor air quality,
control energy consumption,
avoid condensation (and thus help ensure durability),
and to provide comfort.
What factors determine the effectiveness and durability of the building enclosure system?
dimensions, performance and compatibility of materials, fabrication process and details, their connections and interactions
What is: Design wind load
Calculation of static pressure on the exterior surfaces from critical wind velocity
The value takes into consideration coefficients for: exposure conditions, building height, wind gusts, geometry/orientation
Why are horizontal forces more critical than vertical ones in seismic design?
Because structures usually have considerable reserve for dealing with additional vertical loads
Define: Base shear
Minimum value for the total lateral seismic force (assumed to act in any horizontal direction)
Define the following: Collinear forces, concurrent forces, nonconcurrent forces
Collinear forces: occur along straight line. Vector sum = sum of magnitude of forces acting along same line of action
Concurrent forces: lines of action intersecting at a common point. Vector sum = equivalent to, and produces same effect on rigid body as the application of the vectors of several forces
Nonconcurrent forces: lines of action that do not intersect at common point. Vector sum = single force that would cause the same translation and rotation of a body as the set of original forces.
What is a moment (structural forces)?
The tendency of a force to produce rotation of a body about a point or line
What is a couple (structural forces)?
Force system of 2 equal parallel forces acting in opposite directions tending to produce rotation but not translation
What are beams designed to do?
carry and transfer transverse loads to supporting elements
Define: Deflection
Perpendicular distance a spanning member deviates from true course under transverse loading
What is the difference between a simple beam and a fixed-end beam?
Simple beam: rests on supports at both ends - no moment resistance (ends free to rotate)
Fixed-end beam: both ends fixed against translation and rotation (reduced max deflection, transferred bending stresses, increased rigidity)
Distinguish between the following three frame types: Fixed, hinged, three hinged
Fixed: rigid frame connected to supports with fixed joints (more resistant to deflection than hinged, but also more sensitive to settlements and thermal expansion/contraction)
Hinged: rigid frame connected to its joints with pinned connections (pinned connections prevent high bending stresses by allowing rotation)
Three hinge: structural assembly of 2 rigid sections connected to each other and to its supports with pin joints (more sensitive to deflection than fixed or hinged. 3 hinged system is least affected by support settlements and thermal stresses, can also be analyzed as a statically determinate structure)
Name 1 kind of beam for each wood, steel, and concrete, that can span >60’ (18m)
Wood: laminated beams (timber), trusses (timber)
Steel: OWSJ
Concrete: Precast Tees
What is least effective way to achieve lateral stability?
Rigid frame (only appropriate in low-mid rise)
What do vents and traps do in relation to plumbing design?
Vents - permit septic gas to escape and prevent siphonage and backpressure
Traps - seal sewer gases from escaping the fixture
What is the difference between a soil stack and a waste stack?
Soil stack - toilet stuff
Waste stack - non toilet stuff (shower, sink)
What things should be considered when selecting an HVAC system?
Performance
Efficiency
Cost
fuel/power source
Flexibility to meet bldg demands
Noise and vibration
Space consumption
Bldg size and configuration
What is the intent of Fire Protection Systems?
To protect building from fire and contain fire long enough for safe evacuation and firefighter response
4 reasons Wet-Pipe sprinklers are most common
Easy to design
Easy to install
Easy to maintain
Cost less due to simplicity and design mechanics
Describe the 2 common types of elevators
Electric - car mounted on side guide rails, lifted with hoisting cables, driven by electric hoisting machinery in PH. geared and gearless traction
Hydraulic - supported by piston that is moved against a fluid under pressure. Machine room located at bottom. Max 6 storeys
What is the most reliable type of boring test?
Core borings
Can penetrate through all materials to great depths
Expensive but reliable
List ways to improve bearing capacity of soil
Deepen or increasing bearing area of footing
Improved drainage
Replace unsuitable soil with compact granular/enginnered fill
Compaction
What is finish grading and how accurate is it?
Final distribution of earth at end of construction
Accurate within 1”
What are cohesive and non-cohesive soils?
Cohesive soils (clay, silt) retain strength when unconfined
Granular soils (gravel, sand) fall apart when not confined
When are shallow foundations used? When are deep foundations used?
Shallow - used when table soils of adequate bearing capacity is present at ground or relatively near to ground
Deep - used when underlying soils have poor bearing capacity. Foundations extend through unstable soil to a more stable medium
Outline some primary and secondary factors to consider when designing foundations
Primary - soil/groundwater conditions, structural requirements
Secondary - construction method (access/space), environmental factors, codes/regulations, adjacent property issues, time, risks
Functions of the foundation system
Transfer building loads to ground
Anchor building against wind/seismic loads
Isolate building from frost heaving
Isolate building from expansive soils
Holds up bldg from moisture
Foundations can be used as storage/living space/mech/parking
How is condensation minimized in regards to building envelope?
Correct placement of thermal insulation and vapour retarders
Proper ventilation of concealed spaces (attics, walls, crawl spaces, etc)
What are the 4 D’s when it comes to liquid water resistance?
Deflection
Drainage
Drying
Durability
Explain a concealed barrier/drainage cavity cladding system in regards to moisture control
Concealed barrier (drainage cavity systems) shed most water at cladding face, with a membrane behind to let water run down and out (not pressure equalized)
Explain a rainscreen cladding system in regards to moisture control
Similar to concealed barrier but with larger gap
Explain a pressure moderated rainscreen cladding system in regards to moisture control
Cladding is vented to promote air to pass through
What 3 factors help increase sound transmission loss?
Assembly - staggered stud, resilient mounting, air spaces, seal penetrations
Mass - heavier and denser means less TL
Absorption - the absorption coefficient determines how much sound energy is absorbed by a material
List 4 ways to help reduce sound transmission of equipment
Block flanking paths that transmit sound through plenum spaces (ductwork, piping) vibration sound dampers in ducts
Use resilient mounting to isolate vibrations from bldg struct
Inertia block - heavy concrete base to decreate vibration
Select quieter equipment
List the 2 main types of sound sources in regards to transfer, and how they are mitigated
Airborne - mitigated with mass/insulation/isolation
Impact - mitigated with discontinuity of bldg materials
What is apparent sound transmission? Provide examples for each of the 2 contributing factors
Direct transmission - sound through through wall (STC ratings). Factors in direct transmission: insulation, mass
Flanking - sound going around a wall (i.e. though floor/wall connection) Factors - joist direction, floor topping, continuity of sub-floor
What percent of concrete volume is aggregate? What properties of aggregate are important in final product
60-80%
Strength, weight, fire resistance
What do air-entraining agents do?
Disperse microscopic, spherical air bubbles in a concrete mix to increase workability and resistance
What do accelerators do?
Speed up setting/strength development of a mix
What do water reducing agents do?
Reduce water to increase strength
why is steel reinforcement required in concrete?
1 - absorb tensile/shearing/compressive stresses
2 - tie vertical and horizontal elements
3 - reinforce edges around openings
4 - minimize shrinkage cracking
5 - control thermal expansion/contraction
What does an increase in the carbon content of steel cause?
Increase in carbon content increases the strength and hardness
Reduces ductility and weldability
What is a non ferrous metal?
contains no iron (copper, aluminum, lead)
Are tensile and compressive forces handled best against or parallel to the wood grain?
parallel
Describe the difference between plain-sawing and quarter-sawing
Plainsawing - squared log into boards with evenly spaced cuts results in flat grain lumber. Variety of grain patterns, tends to twist and cup, wears unevenly, tends to have raised grain, shrinks and swells less in thickness more in width
Quartersawing - logs approximately at right angles to the annual rings results in edge or vertical grain lumber that has more grain patterns, wears more evenly with less warping, shrinks and swells less in width more in thickness, less affected by surface checks, moore waste and more expensive
What % of moisture must wood be at to be decay-resistant
< 20%
List 4 important factors related to Air Barriers
Impermeable to air flow
Continuous over entire bldg envelope
Able to withstand forces acting on them during and after construction
Durable over expected bldg lifespan
What is a vapour barrier? Where is it installed?
Material of low vapour permeance installed as close as possible to the warm side of an insulated assembly.
Prevents moisture from entering a bldg where it could condense into a liquid
what is a mat/raft foundation
A raft or mat foundation is a massive concrete slab covering the entire footprint of a structure, distributing its load evenly across the soil beneath. It serves as a unified base for buildings, transferring the imposed loads effectively to the ground.
What is a firestop
A system consisting of a material, component, and means of support used to fill gaps between fire separations or between fire separations and other assemblies, or used around items that wholly or partially penetrate a fire separation
what is a fire block?
A material, component, or system that restricts the spread of fire within a concealed space or from a concealed space to an adjacent space
Firestopping components/materials
Intumescents (swell when exposed to heat)
Mineral fibres
Silicone
Rubber
Cementitious mortar
What is the next best insulator besides a vacuum?
air
What are insulating pockets in a material designed to create a balance between?
Most insulation is designed to create air pockets that are large enough to prevent conduction and small enough to prevent convection
List 4 things that can improve the thermal performance of a window assembly
Multiple panes
Low-e coatings
Gas filled
Continuity of assembly
What is the main cause of water infiltration into a wall assembly?
Pressure difference across the wall assembly
When using spray foam insulation at foundation walls, what type of damp proofing is required?
Damp proofing is NOT required when using spray foam because it already does a good job keeping moisture out (adheres to the concrete)
Where is the air barrier typically located in an assembly?
Air barriers can be located anywhere in an assembly
Sometimes AB can also be VB (poly sheet)
Sometimes AB can also be VB and MB (blueskin)
Sometimes AB are finishing materials
What should the perm rates for vapour barriers be?
Vapour barrier should have flow of 1 perm or less and be sealed at all joints
What are some dampproofing materials?
Admixtures
Bituminous coatings applied to exterior of foundation wall
Cementitious coatings on conc or masonry walls
Plastics (silicone or polyurethane) used for above ground
Membranes
What 2 moisture movement mechanisms do vapour barriers deal with?
Vapour pressure
Air movement
What does an air barrier help to reduce in terms of envelope performance?
Likelihood of condensation due to air leakage
Discomfort from drafts
Infiltration of dust/pollutants
Interference in the performance of bldg services (HVAC)
What kind of ventilation is required in air-tight construction?
forced air system
Three methods for presenting specifications (3Ps)
1.Proprietary - describes specific products and systems by trade name
2.Prescriptive - describes exact means and methods, does not use product name
3.Performance - describes desired end result, reference to material standards (appearance, strength, etc
What are the 3 components of a spec?
Part 1 - general: general descritpion, references and standards, defines admin and technical requirements
Part 2 - Products: acceptable equipment, materials, etc. products to be incorporated into the work
Part 3 - execution: describes the manner in which part 2 is applied to project
Identify 7 components of the construction documents
Bidding documents
Contract forms
Contract conditions
Specifications
Drawings
Addendum
Contract modifications
6 Divisions of NMS (National Master Spec) Performance Based Specs
Division A - Substructure
Division B - Shell
Division C - Interiors
Division D - Services
Division E - Equipment and Furnishing
Division F - Site Work
How do you damp proof/water proof foundations
Waterproofing membrane applied in combination with drainage board to direct water downward toward drainage tile at footing of foundation
Design considerations to limit moisture load
Overhangs, lower stories designed to handle more water, drip edges, vertical projections act as dams in windy conditions
Minimize # and size of holes in cladding
4 exterior wall systems and how they deal with water (mass wall, barrier wall, drainage wall, rainscreen)
Mass wall (conc, masonry) - sheds most, absorbs and dries remaining
Barrier wall (EIFS) - relies on continuous seal, maintenance
Drainage wall (stucco, siding) drainage plane w/ moisture barrier
Rainscreen - air cavity as drainage plane on rigid water resistant airtight wall
5 forms of water infiltration
- Kinetic energy of rain
- Gravity flow
- Surface tension
- Capillary action
- Pressure differential
What is an interior air barrier?
Gypsum board - sealed at all locations incl top and bottom of stud, where it abuts an interior stud, around windows and doors, top plate of partition wall where adjacent to unconditioned space
3 ways to prevent ice daming
Seal ceiling from b/w interior and attic
Vent attic
Proper eave flashing
Window components
Rails (horizontal ie top rail)
Sash - fixed or movable framework which panes of glass are set
Muntin - vertical within sash
Panel - glazing in sash
Stile - vertical
Casing trim
sill
two types of metal windows
Aluminum - requires thermal breaks
Steel - no thermal breaks
List different glass types
Annealed (common, cooled slowly
Heat strengthened reheat/sudden cool
Tempered - annealed reheat to soft, cooled
Laminated - 2 or more bonded under heat w resin
Wired
Patterned
Obscure
spandrel
Flat roofing types
Built up roofing (multiple layers, ie tar)
Single ply (1 layer ie SBS or EPDM)
What is typically in Specs 00 - Procurement?
Available info
forms/supplements
Conditions of contract
revisions/mods
What is typically in spec 01- General requirements
price/payment procedure
Admin requirements / submittals
Quality requirements
Product requirements
Execution / close out
Life cycle / commissioning
Disadvantages of wood construction
Deep floor assembly
Limited spans
Can decay, insects
Sound transmission
Bracing required
Advantages of masonry construction
High compressive strength
Passive solar
Modular
Easy to make curves /shapes
fire/prest resistant
Good for sound transmission
1-2 storeys
Disadvantages of masonry construction
Limited to bearing walls
Weak in tension/bending
Thick walls / short spans
Details
Skilled trades reqd
Bad thermal performance
two ways to minimize stresses on soils
Mat slab
Symmetrical grid
List some materials with the highest embodied energy
Gypsum board - 1830
Brickwork - 2200
Cement - 4100
Glass - 11000
Plastic - 18500
Steel - 19200
Lead - 25,900
Copper - 29600
Aluminum - 103500
Identify 4 impacts materials can have on health and environment
Off-gasing
Recyclability
Carpets
Processes
Material cost considerations
wood frame and light gauge steel least expensive though also have limitations in fire rating,
heavy steel is more expensive but and spans further
the heavier the material the more expensive it is
Material considerations for faster construction
Steel and precast concrete is fast to put up, as long as everything is prepared properly
Wood and light gauge steel is also fairly quick because it is easy to construct
Poured in place concrete is very slow because it needs to set
Delivery method will affect timing
Concrete block is faster than bricks because its bigger
Material considerations for durability
Materials such as brick, stone and concrete are very durable
Glass can also be very durable
Stucco depends on its substrate
You must look at the conditions that the cladding or finish will be subject to.
Material considerations for aesthetics
Very dependent on the owner or city
Modern building – glass metal precast concrete streamlined and simple
Other buildings – use brick or wood or traditional materials
Exposed structure
Material considerations for performance
Systems,
sustainability,
operations,
maintenance
material considerations for the environment
Need to look at overall process of making, constructing, acquiring materials (embodied energy)
How will materials act in different seasons
how many levels of protection should an assembly have for moisture protection?
at least two
Are specs or drawings contractually binding?
Both part of contract, specs trump drawings, smaller scale trumps larger scale
Good practice for good spec writing
Use simple, imperative style (no shall be, will be, should be)
Make direct positive statements with the materials and methods as the main subject
Avoid vague or escape phrases, such as “as shown on drawings, specified elsewhere, or to the satisfaction of the architect”
Avoid weasel paragraphs “the contractor shall furnish and include everything necessary for the full and complete construction of the building whether shown or specified or not shown or specified”
Avoid superfluous words such as all, any, which, same, and/or
Avoid the phrases “workmanlike, high class, first class job” – describe the end result in known, precise terms. Avoid “Carefully or Neatly”
Use numbers for numeric quantities
Use abbreviations and acronyms if they are well known (or include glossary)
Avoid “equal” “approved as equal” “equal to” “Just as good”
Avoid repetition, say it once in the appropriate place
Avoid writing “Scope of work” paragraphs – remember the express mention of one thing implies the exclusion of another
Ensure consistency in style and the use of terms
Not necessary to use complete sentences.
What are the levels of development for BIM?
100 - generic representation
200 - rough idea of size, location, facility
300 - specific geometric size, orientation, location, quantity of components
350 - plus how component is attached to nearby elements
400 - enough to info to fabricate
500 - fully developed design, manufacture details, dates, model numbers etc.
Strong Wood types (3) from Studio Companion
Douglas Fir
Southern Pine
Oak
Azimuth?
Horizontal deviation, clockwise from south
2 types of site drainage
Subsurface - underground piping
Suraface - grading of site to naturally drain
Pole Foundations?
Elevate timber structure above grade when site is unideal
Pole Foundations?
Elevate timber structure above grade when site is unideal
Exterior wall construction should control/moderate what?
Passage of heat, air infiltration, sound, moisture and water vapour
What is a whythe?
Wall section (vertical) of 1 masonry unit thickness
Ensure differential movement between curtain wall and frame? T/F
True
What is a column splice and when is it required?
A welded plate supporting 2 connecting columns that change in size.
What is a compound column?
Structural steel column, encased in concrete (often w vertical + spiral rebar)
