Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Non-residential Buildings'

The MIDPLY shear wall has been developed to be used as a structural system for severe earthquakes. This type of construction has emerged as a viable alternative to concrete and steel for non-residential buildings. The MIDPLY shear wall utilizes a novel arrangement of sheathing and framing members with a special nailing technique. The MIDPLY joints have a different failure mode from that which is observed in standard shear walls. The study reported in this thesis focuses on the response of the MIDPLY shear wall due to monotonic and cyclic tests; the response of an increase size in the cross-section members of the MIDPLY shear wall; and also the evaluation of the design and performance of hold-down connections at the boundary end studs of the MIDPLY shear wall. Previously tested MIDPLY shear walls showed that the boundary end stud hold-down connection is a very critical component in the performance of the MIDPLY shear wall. After a simplified analysis of 2 possible hold-down connections (see Fig. 7, 8, 9 and 10), hold-down connection #2 was selected as the most viable option since it had the ability to withstand large lateral forces. For non-residential buildings we expect a larger lateral force when compared to residential buildings. Therefore the cross-section of the members in the MIDPLY shear wall was increased and the number of boundary end studs was modified. These measures resulted in an increase in the lateral force capacity with the use of hold-down connection #2. The experimental results were used to verify an analytical model representing the MIDPLY shear wall in load-displacement characteristics. Recommendations and future research will also be discussed to show the way for further performance optimization of the wall system.

Gotland is a pilot area for Sweden to achieve carbon neutrality, which means that achieve a 100% sustainable energy supply is significant for Gotland energy development. Gotland has good sunshine conditions and solar radiation, but the development of solar energy is relatively slow. In order to prove that Visby, the largest city in Gotland, has good solar energy potential, this paper aims to investigate the PV potential for non-residential buildings in Visby by modelling the installation of roof solar panels on representative non- residential buildings (Visby Galleria, surrounding buildings in Stenhuggarvägen) through quantitative research methods. From the final result of the modelling, the solar energy potential per square meter of Visby's non-residential buildings is 121kWh, and the total solar electricity generation potential is 708 GWh. The research results show that Visby's non-residential buildings have high solar power potential, and it can be used as one of the methods to achieve a 100% sustainable energy supply.

In the thesis, causes of the energy efficiency gap, i.e. that seemingly attractive investments in energy efficiency are systematically passed over are explored, and policy instruments and business strategies that can be used to overcome this inefficiency are discussed. The economic literature of the efficiency gap focuses either on factors that are not included in the calculations of the gap, and that may explain why observed behaviour is actually efficient, or market failures that justifies policy intervention. In response to the economic literature, organizational and behavioural approaches have arisen, focusing on factors that preclude some of the assumptions made in economic theory.

A case study of four organizations has been carried out, investigating the decision processes, investment rules and motivation for energy efficiency measures. The main results are that all the organizations work systematically with energy observation and improving practices, while larger investments seem to be less prioritized. The building managers seem to cope with uncertainty by being conservative. Direct economic profitability is considered sufficient motivation for implementing energy-efficiency measures, while at the same time, the choice of investment objects is guided by strategic targets or general desirability. Capital-rationing occurs, but this competition among profitable projects is not considered a problem in the organizations. There is also some evidence of lack of incentives for energy conservation among occupants. A possible connection between emphasis on environmental results centrally in the organization and improvement in energy efficiency is established, and there are some indications that the start-up of an energy program depends on individuals.

The discussion of strategies to increase implementation of energy efficiency measures focuses on how to allow for technological change, and particularly diffusion of technologies. In this regard, looking for positive feed-back loops is important. A combination of market-based and behavioural instruments seems appropriate. Three specific strategies are explored: energy contracting, energy certificates and start-up help for arranging goals and routines for improvement.

This study develops a decision-support framework assisting the design of non-residential buildings with natural ventilation. The framework is composed of decision modules with input, analysis algorithms and output of natural ventilation design. The framework covers ventilation with natural driving force and mechanical-assisted ventilation. The framework has two major assessment levels: feasibility assessment and comparison of alternative natural ventilation approaches. The feasibility assessment modules assess the potential of the site with the design proposition for natural ventilation in terms of wind, temperature, humidity, noise and pollution conditions. All of the possible natural ventilation approaches and system designs are assessed by first applying constraints functions to each of the alternatives. Then the comparison of alternative approaches to natural ventilation continues by assessing the critical performance mandates that include energy savings, thermal comfort, acoustic control, indoor air quality and cost. Approaches are finally ranked based on their performance.
Ph. D.

Designing Net-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) is a complex and collaborative team process involving knowledge sharing of experts leading to the common goal of meeting the Net-Zero Energy (NZE) project objectives. The decisions made in the early stages of design drastically affect the final outcome of design and energy goals. The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is pursuing ways to improve the current building design process and project delivery methods for NZEBs. To enable the building industry to improve the building design process, it is important to identify the gaps, ways of improvement and potential opportunities to structure the decision-making process for the purpose of NZE performance outcome. It is essential to identify the iterative phases of design decisions between the integrated team of experts for the design processes conducted in these early stages to facilitate the decision-making of NZEB design. The lack of a structured approach to help the AEC industry in making informed decisions for the NZEB context establishes the need to evaluate the argumentation of the NZEB design decision process. The first step in understanding the NZEB design decision process is to map the current processes in practice that have been successful in achieving the NZE goal. Since the energy use performance goal drives the design process, this research emphasizes first the need to document, in detail, and investigate the current NZEB design process with knowledge mapping techniques to develop an improved process specific to NZEB context. In order to meet this first objective, this research qualitatively analyzed four NZEB case studies that informed decision-making in the early design phases. The four components that were studied in the early design phases included (1) key stakeholders involved (roles played), (2) phases of assessments (design approach, (3) processes (key processes, sub-processes and design activities affecting performance) and (4) technology (knowledge type and flow). A series of semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with the key decision-makers and decision facilitators to identify their roles in the early design processes, the design approach adopted, rationale for decision-making, types of evaluations performed, and tools used for analysis. The qualitative data analysis was performed through content analysis and cognitive mapping techniques. Through this process, the key phases of decision-making were identified that resulted in understanding of the path to achieving NZE design goal and performance outcome. The second objective of this research was to identify the NZE decision nodes through a comparative investigation of the case studies. This research also explored the key issues specific to each stakeholder group. The inter-relationships between the project objectives, decision context, occupants usage patterns, strategies and integrated systems, building operation and renewable energy production was identified through a series of knowledge maps and visual process models leading to the identification of the key performance indicators. This research reviewed the similarities and differences in the processes to identify significant opportunities that can improve the early building design process for NZEBs. This research identifies the key decision phases used by the integrated teams and describes the underlying structure that can change the order of key phases. A process mapping technique was adapted to capture the practice-based complex NZEB design approach and draw insights of the teamwork and interdisciplinary communication to enable more comprehensive understanding of linkages between processes, sub-processes and design activities, knowledge exchange, and decision rationale. Ket performance indicators identified for early design of NZEBs resulted in developing a decision-support process model that can help the AEC industry in making informed decisions. This dissertation helps improve understanding of linkages between processes, decision nodes and decision rationale to enable industry-wide NZEB design process assessment and improvement. This dissertation discusses the benefits the proposed NZEB design process model brings to the AEC industry and explores future development efforts.
Ph. D.

The present thesis stems from the benefits of the application of energy analysis in the early-stage building design. The research highlights the barriers that prevent this early integration and finally proposes the development of a simplified modelling methodology tailored around the optimization of energy efficiency during early-stage design. In general, the research aims to identify (a) the accuracy level obtainable through progressive simplifications of the building model, (b) the most significant building parameters with respect to the model accuracy and (c) the maximum level of simplification both able to ensure the respect of time requirements dictated by early-stage building design and to maintain an acceptable level of correctness. Those results are achieved by defining a methodology, which consists in developing a simplification protocol and applying it to a suitable number of case studies featuring large non-residential buildings starting from a detailed model and progressively enhancing the level of simplification. The protocol is based on the use of EnergyPlus software both to develop a detailed model of the building under various system hypothesis, and to simplify the model until a reasonable accuracy is still attained by the energy simulations. At each progressive simplification step, a comparison with the detailed model results is given in terms of building energy needs and power curves of the system. The quantitative differences between detailed and simplified model are analysed to determine the quality of the results of the simplified model. The results of the case studies are then utilized to propose the implementation of a simplified energy simulation tool based on the aforementioned protocol.

This thesis charts the rise of sustainable buildings and traces the evolution of design management from a process used in design to its current position in the construction industry in the UK. The established fact that design plays a vital role in achieving sustainability in building presents itself from different perspectives. For projects to achieve their sustainability targets, the industry must understand the issues surrounding sustainability. The industry can look to Soft Landings to be the next step in the evolution of design management. With the industry having to deal with ever stringent targets from policymakers, and the uncertainty surrounding the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, how can Soft Landings be positioned to be effective in closing the performance gap in non-residential buildings? 'Intellectual inquisitiveness' should lead us to ask how we can get the best out of the current processes. The thesis looks at the working processes of Soft Landings projects at the design stage to discover how the interactions between the design team and other team members can foster collaborative working. It also aims to develop a framework for quality communication and information flow. Using case studies and interviews with the professionals involved in the projects, the research uncovers important elements for achieving sustainability. The research discovered that although the projects adopted Soft Landings, there was still an atmosphere of holding back information that may be important to the project because of future competition. There was also a lag in the flow of information during the distinct stages of the project which had a negative effect on some of the projects. The research concludes that although the framework for Soft Landings is comprehensive and can enhance energy efficiency in buildings, it does not adequately address communication between teams, especially during the design process. The implications of this research for design teams is the use of communication and information flow frameworks specific to Soft Landings to assist them in communication with other teams. The contribution of this research is adding to the body of work for academic research into Soft Landings. It has shed light on the practical adoption and the challenges of the process.

Vid fastighetstaxering av lokalhyreshus tar inte värderingsmodellen för mark hänsyn till att det finns utrymmen under mark som generar hyresintäkter. Det innebär att taxeringsvärdet för markvärdet möjligtvis inte avspeglar marknadsvärdet.  Syftet med arbetet är att göra en kartläggning av två svenska städer för att tillhandahålla underlag som hjälper Lantmäteriet i sitt arbete att förbättra kvaliteten på taxeringsvärdet. Målet är att identifiera möjliga samband mellan marknadsvärdet i jämförelse med taxeringsvärdet för fastigheter med och utan utrymme under mark.  Metoderna som tillämpas är en kvalitativ analys av köpesummor i förhållande till taxeringsvärden och kvalitativa intervjuer. Analysen av köpesummor utfördes för att besvara om utrymme under mark påverkar marknadsvärdet jämfört med taxeringsvärdet. Intervjuerna syftar till att ge djupare kunskap om värdet för utrymme under mark. Resultatet från analysen av köpesummor visade att marknadsvärdet inte påverkades av utrymme under mark. Däremot framgick det i intervjuerna att markvärdet för utrymme under mark bör behandlas annorlunda vid taxering eftersom det har ett beaktansvärt värde. Slutsatsen blev därför att utrymme under mark som genererar intäkter borde tas med i fastighetstaxeringen under säregna förhållanden.
At a property tax assesment of a non-residential rental housing unit the valuation model of land does not take in to consideration the space beneath it that generate revenue from rent. This means that the tax assessment value of the land does not necessarily reflect the market value.   The purpose of this paper is to make a survey, of two Swedish cities, that can provide the National Land Survey with information that can help them improve the quality of the tax assessment value. The aim is to identify possible connections between the market value in comparison to the tax assessment value of properties with and without space beneath ground.  The methods used are a qualitative analysis of the purchase price in relation to tax assessment values and qualitative interviews. The analysis of the purchase price was done to answer if space beneath ground affects the market value compared to the tax assessment value. The interviews aim to create a deeper knowledge of the value of space beneath ground.  The results from the analysis of the purchase price showed that the market value was not affected by space beneath ground. However, it emerged in the interviews that the land value for space beneath ground should be handled differently during assassment, because it has a noteworthy value. The conclusion was that space beneath ground that generates revenue, should be included in the property tax assessment under special conditions.

The use of financial incentives mechanisms (FIMs) in Australian government large nonresidential building projects is seen as a way to improve project motivation and outcomes and reinforce long-term commitment between participants. Yet very little empirical research has been conducted into how FIMs should be applied in the context of construction projects and what determines their impact on motivation. The primary aim of this research was to identify the motivation drivers impacting on the achievement of FIM goals. This allowed for the formulation of recommendations to improve Australian government building procurement strategies, creating the potential for better project outcomes. The research involved four major case studies of large construction projects. Analysis of motivation drivers on each project was based on interviews with senior project participants, secondary documentation and site visits. Once the motivation drivers were identified, they were ranked by the weighted number of motivation indicators impacted, to give an indication of their relative importance. The results provide Australian government clients with key areas for policy direction. The findings indicate that the following motivation drivers (in order of impact) were more important than FIM design in achieving FIM goals: equitable contract risk allocation and management scope for future project opportunities with the client harmonious project relationships early contractor involvement in design stages value-driven tender selection processes. A consequence of ignoring these key procurement initiatives can be a less than ideal FIM goal performance, despite the nature of FIM design, including the strength of the reward on offer. FIMs have the potential to be a valuable addition to any project procurement strategy. Yet, the main message of this thesis is: If clients rely solely on financial incentives as the driver of motivation it will likely result in failure.

The use of financial incentives mechanisms (FIMs) in Australian government large nonresidential building projects is seen as a way to improve project motivation and outcomes and reinforce long-term commitment between participants. Yet very little empirical research has been conducted into how FIMs should be applied in the context of construction projects and what determines their impact on motivation. The primary aim of this research was to identify the motivation drivers impacting on the achievement of FIM goals. This allowed for the formulation of recommendations to improve Australian government building procurement strategies, creating the potential for better project outcomes. The research involved four major case studies of large construction projects. Analysis of motivation drivers on each project was based on interviews with senior project participants, secondary documentation and site visits. Once the motivation drivers were identified, they were ranked by the weighted number of motivation indicators impacted, to give an indication of their relative importance. The results provide Australian government clients with key areas for policy direction. The findings indicate that the following motivation drivers (in order of impact) were more important than FIM design in achieving FIM goals: equitable contract risk allocation and management scope for future project opportunities with the client harmonious project relationships early contractor involvement in design stages value-driven tender selection processes. A consequence of ignoring these key procurement initiatives can be a less than ideal FIM goal performance, despite the nature of FIM design, including the strength of the reward on offer. FIMs have the potential to be a valuable addition to any project procurement strategy. Yet, the main message of this thesis is: If clients rely solely on financial incentives as the driver of motivation it will likely result in failure.

This thesis describes a doctoral research undertaken on the embodied carbon of steelwork used in non-residential buildings. The broad area of sustainable development in the built environment is reviewed first and a reasoned rationale for the narrowing of the research topic to structural steelwork provided. The research then concentrated on steel, from the energy-intensive steelmaking process to the 100% recyclability of steel components at the end of a building life. Carbon emissions and energy consumption at various stages of steel production, manufacture, construction, maintenance and end-of-life are reviewed in detail. It has been established that a significant amount of research and energy saving initiatives are underway in the steelmaking industry. However, although research is taking place in the downstream processes, the effort is not well co-ordinated, resulting in numerous gaps in existing environmental data. In an attempt to close some of these gaps, a case study has been carried out on the fabrication and erection phases of a real steel building structure. The various activities, from procurement of materials to the erection of the steel frame on site, are described in detail. Furthermore, steel quantities of the fabricated frame were recorded during the case study, from which the carbon emission of the building was calculated using the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) Carbon Footprint Tool. This carbon footprint was estimated to be 12498 tCO2 from the 4747 tonnes of steel, giving an average emission figure of 2.63 kgCO2/kg for the cradle to end-of-erection boundary case. The building had internal plan dimensions of 94m by 57m, which gave a carbon footprint of 2.3 tCO2/m2 of floor area.

The main target was processing of methodology for dividing of building, into residential and non-residential units, and acquaint with jural operations which preceded this fact. There were also dealt with forms of property, problems and possibilities of dividing the apartment building on separate residential and non-residential units including examples of the declaration of building-owner, resolution of agreements and other necessary documents. Diploma thesis provides a comprehensive overview about problems with flat´s property which is arising from apartment-building dividing at residential units, so they can be self-contained property.

The aim of the thesis is to design procedure of inspection non-residential immovable property. There will be done analysis of methods used to evaluate immovable property, with focus on local investigation in the master thesis. Based on this analysis there will be set common and specific recommendation for preparation of source data, for evaluation of buildings, and for local investigation in case of evaluation buildings. The purpose of this thesis is to help experts with preparation of source data to make evaluating report.

This thesis survey on juxtaposition choice waies evaluation for real property type residence and non-residential space in locality Lesná, where there are built - up type sectional construction namely more - housing type J. Are here used most common manners evaluation for these print real property. On top enclosed is several formulation of several estate agency (juxtaposition offers with demand) in given to locality. Further also design documentation housing periods in type panel building.

The thesis presents a comprehensive overview of the context and significance of ventilation cooling techniques and their feasibility in the United States. Passive cooling is one of the more architecturally interesting ways by which architects could make buildings energy efficient. There is great interest in passive systems since they can lead to a huge reduction of energy costs and support more sustainable building solutions. A number of ventilation system options are available to fill the need for a lower cost alternative to active [conventional] systems. It is the non-residential sector where energy consumption is of most concern and integrating passive natural ventilation in new non-residential buildings is receiving a lot of attention internationally and the U.S. building industry. Interest in improving air quality by passive ventilation is also increasing.
Department of Architecture

‘Net Positive Water’ explores the capability of domestic architecture to combat the developing urban water problem. Urban intensification is contributing to the volatility of urban waters and the breakdown of the urban water cycle. Inhabitant water misuse and overconsumption is overwhelming aging municipal utilities, resulting in the decay of urban water quality. LEEDTM and The Living Building Challenge are recognized Green Building Guidelines prescribing sustainable site and building water standards. Case Studies of domestic Green Building projects will showcase water conservation to enable domestic water renewal. Net Zero Water Guidelines based on the Green Building Guidelines outline Potable and Non-Potable water use to achieve a sustainable volume of water demand at 70 litres per capita per day. Sustainable water practices are encouraged by utilizing domestic building systems to increase water value and water awareness. Time-of-Use and Choice-of-Use exposure for household water related tasks establish water savings through the use of best-performing water fixtures and appliances. Net Positive Water Guidelines will establish On-site and Building standards for sustainable harvesting and storage of water resources. Clean and Dirty water management will prescribe Passive design and Active mechanical processes to maintain best-available water quality in the urban domestic environment. Net Positive Water building typology will integrate urban inhabitation as a functional component of the urban water cycle to use, reuse, and renew water resources. The method will be tested using a Mid-rise Pilot project to deploy the necessary Passive and Active mechanisms to generate Net Positive Water quality through Net Zero Water sustainable water use. The pilot project is situated in Waterfront Toronto - The Lower Don Lands development to harness regional interests for water renewal and environmental revitalization.