Building Services Engineering

This article provides an overview of energy loads associated with the application of powder coated aluminium profiles on the exterior wooden surface of the double glazed windows. The entire powder coating process has been analysed to measure its energy and environmental contribution towards window cladding. Materials involved in aluminium clad windows have been analysed for their energy impacts. The energy embodied in a standard double glazed 1.2 m × 1.2 m aluminium clad window has been calculated, and is quantified as 1459 MJ, 1967 MJ, and 5.96 GJ respectively for Argon, Krypton and Xenon infill gases. The energy consumed in powder coating the window cladding has been estimated to be 27 MJ and the total embodied energy of adding aluminium cladding to the window has been evaluated as 724 MJ.

This paper describes a modelling analysis of the role different urban forms might play in reducing building CO2 emissions. The study was based on a residential building in a Cairo neighbourhood under summer conditions and developed a base case urban layout covering an area of 1 km2. Three alternative urban strategies were then created around the same residential building. The software package EnviMet was used to assess external microclimate and thermal comfort conditions in each urban layout. Localised weather files were then created as inputs to the dynamic thermal modelling package DesignBuilder, which predicted the CO2 emissions associated with mechanical cooling to achieve comfort in the building. It was possible to observe some differences in CO2 emissions as a result of the different urban forms.

Building Serv. Eng. Res. Technol. 24,2 (2003) pp. 61–68 ... System (BEEPS): a programme for building energy ... Livio de Santolia Prof Eng. and Umberto Di Matteob aDepartment of Fisica Tecnica, Universita` La Sapienza, Rome, Italy bMinistry of Environment, Rome, Italy

An Official Article Contributor, entitled, "Building Services in the Environmental Landscape" contribution for the CEAI VIEWPOINT Journal March 2020 Edition. The article is a glimpse concerning building services design using BIM technology and the construction phases such as job preparation, decision making and management with simulated case study during construction. And historically, however, most of the development comes from the environmental possibilism theory of the possibility that can be drawn from the requirement of the client’s vision, which is mainly for business purposes within the landscape market.

This report will discuss the perceived problems associated with the current design process for a large size Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health consultant, based in the UK.

In order to solve one or more of the major issues, lean production principles will be discussed to see if
any can be applied to improve the MEP design process.
In order to set the scene for the main objective of the report, the theory behind lean will be discussed.

In summary, what this report sets out to do is apply the theory of lean, in order to solve a problem or
problems within the MEP design process.

Although the problems discussed will focus on one particular firm, in truth the discussion could be applied
to several companies of this type.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a vastly different way to design and deliver buildings when compared to the traditional two dimensional approach that has been used for decades. The use of BIM requires a different set of design processes. However, many within the design and construction industry merely see BIM as a new type of software.

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Systems can account for 40‐60% of the total project value of a building.  Therefore the successfully delivery of MEP systems has a major impact on the buildings outcome, as well as its performance over its life cycle. BIM is being seen as the solution to rid the MEP industry of the inefficiencies that plague the profession.

This research projects main aim was to identify how the process of MEP design needs to change in order to fully realise the perceived benefits of BIM. Individuals working within the construction industry were surveyed in order to obtain their opinions
In order for MEP designers to realise the true benefits of BIM there are some key changes to design process that need to be implemented. These changes can be summarises as follows:
• Early installation contractor involvement.
• Early consideration of pre fabrication for MEP systems.
• Fees to be redistributed to be in line with design effort.
• Design engineer involvement in production of project 3D models.

ABSTRACT
Considering the diversity of employment opportunities for built environment graduates, they increasingly need to be equipped with core skills that are inevitable to be able to work effectively and efficiently with other professionals in the industry. This research work evaluated whether environmental graduates are meeting the expectations of construction managers. Therefore, to establish this, construction managers examined and identified the core skills needed by graduates and their observations of built environment graduates.
A questionnaire survey technique was used to obtain data. The study population comprised four major groups, namely, Architects, Builders, Quantity Surveyors and Engineers. Random sampling method was used to select the 57 construction companies and sites that constituted the sample size for the professionals. Purposive sampling method was used in selecting the 100 construction managers chosen from these groups. Data obtained were analysed using mean, standard deviation, rank, and T-test to reveal the significance of difference in mean.
    The survey results indicated that managers are generally not satisfied with the skill level of graduate students. Graduates are only meeting the expectations of construction managers in areas that managers considered to be of little or no importance. The survey also highlighted fifteen important skills that were considered to be lacking in graduates to be safety issues, practical building knowledge, trust and honesty, team work, time management, acceptance of responsibilities, academic achievements, leadership capability, problem solving, exercise of professional judgment, update professional knowledge, adaptation to changing work environments, computer literacy, numeracy, and written communication.
   
  The findings of the research have considerable implications on the training and practice of construction management in Nigeria. Acknowledging that there is always a need to improve the skill level of graduates, proposes a number of recommendations that are considered to improve the content of built environment education curricula.

ABSTRACT:
This project work is on design, construction and testing of medical waste incinerator. It was designed and constructed to solve the problems of littering and landfilling of medical waste around university clinic (i.e. UAM), to avoid human and environmental effects. It was constructed from available local materials such as basic standard size ordinary building bricks all to a number of about 175 pieces. Other materials used were mild steel, wood sheets and pipes. The features of this incinerator model comprised a simple dual compartment; burning zones, natural draught air inlet opening, a chimney, toploading and ash removal doors. This model was designed to be operated at temperatures of 800oC and higher. The performance of the incinerator varied and depended on the moisture content of the medical waste.
The foundation was the first part made on the ground. It was made with normal cement aggregate casted on a 2m foundation trench. The size was 5m. A standard concrete mix 3:2 aggregate of sand, and cement were used. The body of the incinerator was arranged in line into a five by four bricks matrix without spacing for mortar. This arrangement was built up to ten layers making openings for the position of top loading door access, ash removal door and chimney channels.

An excerpt from my "Building Services Engineering Management," my research thesis submitted to the Atlantic International University (AIU USA) in one of the approved subject courses curricula with Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2010-2012, received a grade of 4.0 (“A” US Grade System). However, this thesis write-up is one of the sources in the preparation and finalizing my Thesis Dissertation with my PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM).
This article paper will provide a course background with the requirement of building services engineering management which always tackling both design and construction. An introduction that will give a glimpse concerning design of a building, architects, structural engineer, and the building services engineer following the client requirement that explains the necessary elements, usage, and functions of every detail of the project. Moreover, this provides a learning process and experiences that apply in practice and within the course of my study and research in particular with building services engineering management, and I am sharing this thought with you as a guide on design aspect and in the construction side.

It is the theory wherein the physical environment, including the climate, sets hard limits on human society. Environmental determinism is the belief that the environment determines the pattern of human culture and societal development in the past generations of traditional ways and beliefs where they live in.
This write-up Article excerpt from his D/MENRM Subject Course Thesis submitted at the University of the Philippines which will provide a background and understanding between the Determinism and the Possibilism on the ecological aspect towards the development of the society towards an element of the weaknesses and the strength respectively in particular with the environment we live and experiences. Nonetheless, discussed the conflict was happening in the environmental practices and beliefs, mostly, however, from the tropical climates with laziness, relaxed attitudes, and promiscuity while the normal variability in the weather found in the middle latitudes led to being more determined and driven of work ethics evolved within determinism aspect.

This article paper was one of the “Most Read Article with 620+ views published via LinkedIn Publishing Network page last January 20, 2018. The document has been prepared to provide a course background with the requirement of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) which is the QCDD (Qatar Civil Defense Department) for the Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) on all building built scales applications within the building built environment in Qatar constructions specifically. However, this article paper also applies in other state or country around the world in the protection building properties and lives. And thus, provides a learning process and experiences that will involve within the course of my study and research over time in particular with Fire Protection and Safety Engineering, and sharing with you something on the design aspect and even in the construction side.

Abstract
In the quest to improve performance of buildings, without compromising occupant comfort, (both thermal and visual comfort), the utilization of passive measures in the buildings is a good alternative for energy efficient non-domestic buildings. By deploying available passive technologies, the energy usage by the buildings for both space heating and cooling can be reduced significantly. The aim of this  research is to reduce the operational energy use of the building by maximising use of passive measures without compromising occupant's comfort both thermal and visual comfort. It will also evaluate the effect of unregulated energy use on the thermal comfort of the occupants inside the building. Furthermore, it will evaluate the existing gap between the predicted performance of the buildings during design process and the actual performance of the building after occupied over certain period. In addition to that, it will also evaluate the underlying correlation between daylight, energy usage and occupant comfort in the life cycle of buildings.
The actual energy consumption, thermal comfort, daylight autonomy, useful daylight illuminance and visual discomfort are the key performance indicators analysed for the building performance assessment. The research will address two methods of data collection and analysis which are termed as qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative method will use survey process  employing short interviews  for occupants and the quantitative method will use a set of questionnaires and spot measurements to gather data from different location within the space. The thermal comfort indexes Predicted Mean Vote (PMV), and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) are calculated. The numerical analysis will be performed using dynamic simulation tools, EnergyPlus, TRNSYS, DIVA for RHINO. The simulated models will be validated using the data gathered from the experimental measurements.
Hereby, the research will provide a guideline for the stakeholders and policy makers to improve occupants comfort in the energy efficient building with the use of passive technologies. Furthermore, it will suggest on the appropriate control systems, operation and management to improve the financial implication on the performance improvement of the non- domestic buildings.
Keywords: Passive ventilation, thermal comfort, daylight, visual discomfort, building performance

The purpose of this study is to assess the awareness level and potential challenges for Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption among the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) design consultants and contractors in Nigeria, and to get the perspective of BIM in the industry. The research method used in this study was a fieldwork survey using structured questionnaires. The results from the responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA test for statistical significant difference, Chi-Square test, and Cross Tab analysis. The findings from the survey show that Nigeria MEP firms have a relatively high level of awareness toward BIM technology. The Most important challenges identified as barriers for BIM adoption are lack of technical expertise on BIM tools utilisation, lack of awareness of BIM technology, and high investment cost in training staff, process change, and software/hardware upgrade.

In this paper we analyze the priorities concerning the sewage network rehabilitation using the Onicescu method. The paper ends with the presentation of the numerical results and a few conclusions. The method proposed may be used during the feasibility studies for the sewage networks. The method proposed may be used during the feasibility studies for the sewage networks.

The present article presents the methodology for establishing the performances of central heating installations for residential buildings. The presented method can be used for performance evaluation of materials, equipments, boilers, heating stations, heating networks, indoor central heating systems, or even for an entire central heating system. This article has been written in light of underlining the methods for establishing the performances of central heating systems using the " performances global evaluation method ". This work is among the first of this kind in Romania. The research methods employed are: deduction and analysis. Through analogy, the method can be used for establishing the performances of other type of installations for constructions.

The characteristics of the frame materials have significant impacts on the properties of a window. A window itself plays a crucial role in determining the overall energy performance of the building. This article analyses four different frame types; aluminium, aluminium-clad timber, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and timber make, from the sustainability perspective. These frame types have been studied on various parameters such as; environmental impacts during production/extraction of frame materials and disposal of frames; embodied energy, durability and service life; and maintenance and repair of frames. A price comparison and market scenario has also been discussed. It has been found that timber-and aluminium-clad timber windows are sustainable products due to their environment-friendly characteristics i.e., low embodied energy, low environmental impacts, better durability and longer service life. While aluminium and PVC frames have high values of embodied energy and associated environmental impacts. Practical application: In the present sustainability-conscious age, the window industry is emphasising how to enhance the energy and environmental performance of their products. This article will be of interest not only to modern window manufacturers but also to customers as it addresses the key sustainability features of windows, i.e., energy and environmental performance, durability and service life, and maintenance and life cycle costing.

This article has been provided with the CEAI VIEWPOINT Journal June 2018 quarterly edition in line with the theme concerning asset management. My contribution deals with the Infrastructure Asset Management in relation to the tangible assets entitled, " Skyscraper Fire Protection, an Asset Management Strategy " , which is based on the three pillars of competency of management, engineering, and information required for the level of service to be provided in a cost-effective manner within the entire lifecycle of the building built asset. The Fire Protection Engineering Systems economic variables have relative to costs and benefits which has been weighed in securing through by providing an efficient and appropriate fire system protection, that is likely to be the most beneficial to the asset owners in the aspect of asset management, to the building's occupants and the adjoining premises.

This article paper has been made and will provide a course background based on hands-on experiences with the requirement of building built construction involving any facilities, which is an environmental process and management from start to finish methodology. An introduction that will give a glimpse concerning the design of a building construction following the client requirement and purpose of the development that explains and discuss the necessary phases, elements, usage, and functions of every detail of the project. And thus, providing a learning process and experiences that apply in practice as well as the course of my study and research in particular with building services engineering design management, which would like to share as a guide on the design aspect and even in the construction side. An excerpt from my "Building Services Engineering Management," my research thesis submitted to the Atlantic International University (AIU USA) in one of the approved subject courses curricula with Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2010-2012, received a grade of 4.0 (“A” US Grade System). However, this thesis write-up is one of the sources in the preparation and finalizing my Thesis Dissertation with my PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) Master of Science in Construction Management.

This paper is to discuss the main factors leading to the air pressure fluctuations in appliance branch pipes and measures to control them. It has been established that the main factors characteristics of a good sanitary pipework system are that it must prevent the transmission of foul air into the building, minimize blockages, provide efficient conveyance of discharge from sanitary appliances and minimize the risk of flooding to any part of a building. However , due to the nature and properties of sanitary appliance discharge, the flow being a three-phase flow which is simplified to two-phase for design computations and discharge being probabilistic, air variations in the horizontal appliance pipe result in phenomenon in which the sanitary network fails to perform as designed and installed to prevent or minimize aforementioned circumstances. It has been established that the main factors to be discussed leading to air pressure fluctuations in the appliance branch pipe are water traps, bend structures, pipe diameter, pipe slope and length, angle and connection mode and ventilation conditions. These factors' associated control measures have also been presented. However, factors pertaining to concentration of appliance discharge have not been discussed. The result of this discussion will enable designers and installers of sanitary pipework to incorporate measures to control air pressure fluctuations in appliance branch pipes inside buildings.

Hourly solar radiation data are required in many building services applications. These are also reported in the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Guides A & J. Data from 16 locations in the UK were used to evaluate the so called Liu and Jordan model 1 for monthly averaged hourly solar irradiation. Individual data sets spanned periods from 12 to 26 years between 1968 and 1994, and overall, provided data from practically the full range of latitude of the UK (50.228N-58.138N). For hourly estimation, the model only slightly underestimated both global and diffuse radiation before noon and overestimated, again only slightly, after noon. In addition, a discrepancy was observed between the measured data and the model's predictions at low sunset angles. Following earlier research work, an attempt was made to further improve the Liu and Jordan model. However, it was found that at least for the UK data set, any such attempts were futile. This behaviour was attributed to the highly random nature of UK's solar climate. Practical applications: Most meteorological stations report solar radiation data on a daily averaged basis. However, most building energy simulation software requires hourly radiation. Research studies have confirmed that the well-known Liu and Jordan model, which enables the above conversion, performs well for locations in the US. This paper evaluates the above model for locations in the UK and compares it with previously studied Indian locations. According to the evaluation, the average accuracy of the model to estimate hourly radiation from its daily counterpart is 85%. Nomenclature G monthly averaged daily global irradiation (kWh/m 2) E monthly averaged extraterrestrial radiation (kWh/m 2) g monthly averaged hourly global irradiation (Wh/m 2) G clear average clear day global irradiation (kWh/m 2) D monthly averaged daily diffuse irradiation (kWh/m 2) d monthly averaged hourly diffuse irradiation (Wh/m 2) K T monthly averaged clearness index a, b site-specific coefficients c 0 , c 0 , c 01 , c 02 , c 1 , c 11 , c 12 equation coefficients d 0 , d 0 , d 01 , d 02 , d 1 , d 11 , d 12 equation coefficients DEC solar declination (degree)

The success of chilled ceilings and displacement ventilation systems as a means of sensible cooling in buildings has prompted a review of evaporative cooling technology as an effective means of generating the required cooling water. When such cooling water is generated at low approach conditions (2-5 K), at the higher temperatures required in these systems (14-18°C), very high levels of availability result. In many north western European locations the levels of availability are such that the prospect of supplanting rather than simply supplementing the refrigeration system, for sensible cooling purposes, arises. The viability of the technique, however, largely depends on achieving low approach conditions, at acceptable levels of energy performance. Hence the need to investigate the energy performance of the process. This paper presents the results of recent experimental research into: i) the achievement of low approach conditions in an evaporative cooling test rig; and ii) the energy performance of this test rig when generating cooling water, indirectly, at the temperatures required for chilled ceilings. Energy performance is presented for a range of speci c conditions and typical annual ef ciencies of cooling water generation are determined. Results are compared with typical energy ef ciencies of conventional, vapour compression based, refrigeration systems. A signi cant potential for improved annual energy performance, is shown.

The purpose of this study is to assess the awareness level and potential challenges for Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption among the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) design consultants and contractors in Nigeria, and to get the perspective of BIM in the industry. The research method used in this study was a fieldwork survey using structured questionnaires. The results from the responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA test for statistical significant difference, Chi-Square test, and Cross Tab analysis. The findings from the survey show that Nigeria MEP firms have a relatively high level of awareness toward BIM technology. The Most important challenges identified as barriers for BIM adoption are lack of technical expertise on BIM tools utilisation, lack of awareness of BIM technology, and high investment cost in training staff, process change, and software/hardware upgrade.

This paper describes a modelling analysis of the role different urban forms might play in reducing building CO 2 emissions. The study was based on a residential building in a Cairo neighbourhood under summer conditions and developed a base case urban layout covering an area of 1 km 2 . Three alternative urban strategies were then created around the same residential building. The software package EnviMet was used to assess external microclimate and thermal comfort conditions in each urban layout. Localised weather files were then created as inputs to the dynamic thermal modelling package DesignBuilder, which predicted the CO 2 emissions associated with mechanical cooling to achieve comfort in the building. It was possible to observe some differences in CO 2 emissions as a result of the different urban forms.

The energy-efficiency aspects and cost-saving features of various radiant cooling systems have been reported in many previous studies. However, the available literature on the analysis of initial investment and maintenance costs is scanty, especially for the slab-integrated one. A field survey was carried out in a green building in Malaysia that was installed with a combined radiant-convective system. The performance of this multi-floor radiant slab cooling system was studied and the energy conservation potential was evaluated by comparing the data obtained from the building energy management system (BEMS) with the estimated energy consumption of a conventional convective air system. Also, price quotations and service maintenance contracts were obtained for a complete cost-benefit evaluation of both systems. It was found that the radiant slab cooling system was able to reduce 34% of the energy consumption compared to the conventional variable air volume system while providing the same level of air conditioning. Despite its higher initial cost, the payback period for the investment cost is about 2.5 years. These findings are particularly useful for design engineers in the tropics to consider an alternative cooling technology for large office buildings which is more energy efficient and cost effective.

This article provides an overview of energy loads associated with the application of powder coated aluminium profiles on the exterior wooden surface of the double glazed windows. The entire powder coating process has been analysed to measure its energy and environmental contribution towards window cladding. Materials involved in aluminium clad windows have been analysed for their energy impacts. The energy embodied in a standard double glazed 1.2 m × 1.2 m aluminium clad window has been calculated, and is quantified as 1459 MJ, 1967 MJ, and 5.96 GJ respectively for Argon, Krypton and Xenon infill gases. The energy consumed in powder coating the window cladding has been estimated to be 27 MJ and the total embodied energy of adding aluminium cladding to the window has been evaluated as 724 MJ.

This article provides an overview of energy loads associated with the application of powder coated aluminium profiles on the exterior wooden surface of the double glazed windows. The entire powder coating process has been analysed to measure its energy and environmental contribution towards window cladding. Materials involved in aluminium clad windows have been analysed for their energy impacts. The energy embodied in a standard double glazed 1.2 m × 1.2 m aluminium clad window has been calculated, and is quantified as 1459 MJ, 1967 MJ, and 5.96 GJ respectively for Argon, Krypton and Xenon infill gases. The energy consumed in powder coating the window cladding has been estimated to be 27 MJ and the total embodied energy of adding aluminium cladding to the window has been evaluated as 724 MJ.

This study is concerned with the evaluation of the isotropic and four anisotropic solar radiation models for inclined surfaces. The evaluation procedure was split in two stages— abbreviated and detailed analysis. Physical reasoning was used in the abbreviated analysis to demonstrate the shortcomings of the older models, while detailed evaluation was carried out for the newer models, using at least one-year's measured hourly data from each of five European sites. Plots displaying the hourly estimated radiation against measured values have been prepared along with computation of the mean bias error and the root mean square error for each slope/ azimuth. The isotropic model has been found to perform very poorly and in view of its impact on the thermal energy and daylight related calculations it is not recommended for further use. In this work further refinements have been suggested for the treatment of the background sky-diffuse radiance. The newer models including the presently pr...

This article presents the artificial neural network modelling of the operating current of a 120 Wp of mono-crystalline photovoltaic module. As an alternative method to analytical modelling approaches, this study uses the advantages of neural networks such as no required knowledge of internal system parameters, less computational effort and a compact solution for multivariable problems. Generalised regression neural network model is used in the present article to predict the operating current of the photovoltaic module. To show its merit, the current predicted from the artificial neural network modelling is compared to that from the analytical model. The fiveparameter analytical model is drawn from the equivalent electrical circuit that includes light-generated current, diode reverse saturation current, and series and shunt resistances. The operating current predicted from both the neural and analytical models are compared to the measured current. Results have shown that the artificial neural network modelling provides a better prediction of the current than the five-parameter analytical model.

Hourly solar radiation data are required in many building services applications. These are also reported in the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Guides A & J. Data from 16 locations in the UK were used to evaluate the so called Liu and Jordan model1 for monthly averaged hourly solar irradiation. Individual data sets spanned periods from 12 to 26 years between 1968 and 1994, and overall, provided data from practically the full range of latitude of the UK (50.22°N—58.13°N). For hourly estimation, the model only slightly underestimated both global and diffuse radiation before noon and overestimated, again only slightly, after noon. In addition, a discrepancy was observed between the measured data and the model’s predictions at low sunset angles. Following earlier research work, an attempt was made to further improve the Liu and Jordan model. However, it was found that at least for the UK data set, any such attempts were futile. This behaviour was attributed to the h...

Presently within International Auctions, in choosing the equipments to be installed for heating systems, the Product Life Cycle Value Evaluation Method is being used in Romania, this method is poorly known and seldom used in the field of installations for constructions. Based on sustainable development, this work tackles the possibility of using Green Public Procurement in the field of central heating systems installations. The optimum solution will be the one with the minimum investment and operating costs. The method presented in this article can be used for choosing the next equipments for the installations for constructions: boilers, pumps, fans, blowers, compressors. Considering the above, we suggest using this method in choosing the equipments to be fitted in installations for constructions.

Buildings are generally modelled for compliance using reference weather years. In the UK these are the test reference year (TRY) used for energy analysis and the design summer year (DSY) used for assessing overheating in the summer. These reference years currently exist for 14 locations around the UK and consist of either a composite year compiled of the most average months from 23 years worth of observed weather data (TRY) or a single contiguous year representing a hot but non-extreme summer (DSY). In this paper, we compare simulations run using the reference years and the results obtained from simulations using the base data sets from which these reference years were chosen. We compare the posterior statistic to the reference year for several buildings examining energy use, internal temperatures, overheating and thermal comfort. We find that while the reference years allow rapid thermal modelling of building designs they are not always representative of the average energy use (TRY) exposed by modelling with many weather years. Also they do not always give an accurate indication of the internal conditions within a building and as such can give a misleading representation of the risk of overheating (DSY). Practical applications: An understanding of the limitations of the current reference years is required to allow creation of updated reference years for building simulation of future buildings. By comparing the reference years to the base data sets of historical data from which they were compiled an understanding of the benefit of multiple simulations in determining risk can be obtained.

This article paper entitled, "Building Services in the Environmental Environment" contribution for the CEAI VIEWPOINT Journal March 2020 Edition. The article is a glimpse concerning building services design using BIM technology and the construction phases such as job preparation, decision making and management with simulated case study during construction.

Pseudo weather data with a high temporal resolution are of use in many fields including the modelling of agricultural systems, the placement of wind turbines and building thermal simulations. With the publication of the 2009 UK Climate Projections (UKCP09) such data can be created for future years and for various predictions of climate change. Unfortunately such -UKCP09 -data does not include information about wind speed or direction due to a lack of robustness. Here we demonstrate a methodology for generating such wind data on an hourly time grid from a consideration of the potential evapotranspiration reported by the UKCP09 weather generator and information related to the correlation between observed wind speed, direction and time of year. We find our pseudo wind data is consistent with the historic observed wind. Furthermore, when used within a dynamic thermal simulation of a building, the use of such pseudo wind data generates a consistent internal environment in terms of ventilation rates, temperatures and energy use that is indistinguishable from simulations completed using historic observed weather for both single-sided and crossventilated buildings. Practical applications: The methodology presented in this paper will allow academics and building engineers to create realistic hourly wind speed and direction data for inclusion with the future climate data of UKCP09. This will allow the creation of consistent future weather years for use in areas such as building thermal simulation.

Numerical models for air- and water-cooled centrifugal, reciprocating and screw chillers are presented. The models were established by curve-fitting manufacturers' chiller performance data. They relate the electricity demand of a chiller to its cooling output and to the temperature of the condenser inlet cooling medium. Including the cooling medium temperature as an independent variable in the model allows its effect on chiller performance to be accounted for explicitly. This contrasts with relying on an assumed relationship between this temperature and the chiller load (e.g. according to the ARI Standard rating conditions). Using chiller models based on such an assumption can lead to erroneous energy use predictions for chiller plants comprising multiple chillers. Predictions of the chiller models agreed reasonably well with chiller performance data extracted from reocrds of plant operation. The models have been incorporated into an air-conditioning system simulation program BE...

Thermal resistance, noise reduction, daylight and solar energy admittance are some of the expected duties of a window. A window manufacturer or a building services engineer employed to select windows for optimum performance does not necessarily need to know the intricate details of the thermal, sound, daylight and solar transmission characteristics of multiple glazed windows. Rather, they require broadly based information on critical design parameters and their influence on window performance. This paper presens charts which enable appropriate design of windows for any given duty and set of constraints.

Hourly solar radiation data are required in many building services applications. These are also reported in the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Guides A & J. Data from 16 locations in the UK were used to evaluate the so called Liu and Jordan model 1 for monthly averaged hourly solar irradiation. Individual data sets spanned periods from 12 to 26 years between 1968 and 1994, and overall, provided data from practically the full range of latitude of the UK (50.228N-58.138N). For hourly estimation, the model only slightly underestimated both global and diffuse radiation before noon and overestimated, again only slightly, after noon. In addition, a discrepancy was observed between the measured data and the model's predictions at low sunset angles. Following earlier research work, an attempt was made to further improve the Liu and Jordan model. However, it was found that at least for the UK data set, any such attempts were futile. This behaviour was attributed to the highly random nature of UK's solar climate. Practical applications: Most meteorological stations report solar radiation data on a daily averaged basis. However, most building energy simulation software requires hourly radiation. Research studies have confirmed that the well-known Liu and Jordan model, which enables the above conversion, performs well for locations in the US. This paper evaluates the above model for locations in the UK and compares it with previously studied Indian locations. According to the evaluation, the average accuracy of the model to estimate hourly radiation from its daily counterpart is 85%. Nomenclature G monthly averaged daily global irradiation (kWh/m 2) E monthly averaged extraterrestrial radiation (kWh/m 2) g monthly averaged hourly global irradiation (Wh/m 2) G clear average clear day global irradiation (kWh/m 2) D monthly averaged daily diffuse irradiation (kWh/m 2) d monthly averaged hourly diffuse irradiation (Wh/m 2) K T monthly averaged clearness index a, b site-specific coefficients c 0 , c 0 , c 01 , c 02 , c 1 , c 11 , c 12 equation coefficients d 0 , d 0 , d 01 , d 02 , d 1 , d 11 , d 12 equation coefficients DEC solar declination (degree)

Buildings typically have a long life span, which can easily reach 50 or 100 years. In the light of expected climate change it is therefore important to look towards the future, and to analyse how buildings will cope with the changes in climate that are predicted by the climatologists. In such long-term predictions of building performance, uncertainties play a large role. This paper describes a preliminary study that aims to better map out the consequences of dealing with a whole range of uncertainties in the specific case of predicting the effect of climate change on the energy use and thermal comfort (overheating) in the large stock of terraced houses in the UK. Uncertainties in climate change prediction are compared with other variable factors like building occupancy patterns, actual thickness of construction materials and HVAC control settings. Uncertainties have been propagated in a transient model of these terraced houses using the transient simulation program EnergyPlus. In order to explore the large range of input variants use has been made of a genetic algorithm. The current search and solution spaces are discussed, putting the impact of climate change in perspective with regards to other changes and developments that might increase or decrease overheating. Overall, the findings indicate that uncertainties in long term thermal performance predictions run high, with standard deviations of over 100%. However, the robustness of the contemporary dwelling design is fortunately high.

This book aims to cast light on the environmental control in buildings, since the 17th century onwards. Even before Building Services became a main hallmark in buildings, in order to face sanitary and comfort increasing needs, pioneering experiences had improved design skills of professionals. After being for ages decided, most of all, by construction passive features, indoor climate went under the setting of installations and plants, representing the most significant shift of paradigm in the modern age’s construction history.
This change being not without consequences, the essays collected are focused to show how deep is the connection between architectural design, comfort requirements and environmental awareness throughout the long 19th century.
Taken into account the differences between different European Countries, the focused topic will be of interest to architects and designers which are concerned with environmental design, in order to define a deeper knowledge of heritage behaviour face to the climate requests, particularly going towards a future in which energy savings and fuel consumption reduction will border our ways.
Contributions by Melanie Bauernfeind, Marco Cofani, Magdalena Daniel, Emmanuelle Gallo, Alberto Grimoldi, Dean Hawkes, Angelo Giuseppe Landi, Mattias Legnér, Henrik Schoenefeldt.

ABSTRACT
Considering the diversity of employment opportunities for built environment graduates, they increasingly need to be equipped with core skills that are inevitable to be able to work effectively and efficiently with other professionals in the industry. This research work evaluated whether environmental graduates are meeting the expectations of construction managers. Therefore, to establish this, construction managers examined and identified the core skills needed by graduates and their observations of built environment graduates.
A questionnaire survey technique was used to obtain data. The study population comprised four major groups, namely, Architects, Builders, Quantity Surveyors and Engineers. Random sampling method was used to select the 57 construction companies and sites that constituted the sample size for the professionals. Purposive sampling method was used in selecting the 100 construction managers chosen from these groups. Data obtained were analysed using mean, standard deviation, rank, and T-test to reveal the significance of difference in mean.
    The survey results indicated that managers are generally not satisfied with the skill level of graduate students. Graduates are only meeting the expectations of construction managers in areas that managers considered to be of little or no importance. The survey also highlighted fifteen important skills that were considered to be lacking in graduates to be safety issues, practical building knowledge, trust and honesty, team work, time management, acceptance of responsibilities, academic achievements, leadership capability, problem solving, exercise of professional judgment, update professional knowledge, adaptation to changing work environments, computer literacy, numeracy, and written communication.
   
  The findings of the research have considerable implications on the training and practice of construction management in Nigeria. Acknowledging that there is always a need to improve the skill level of graduates, proposes a number of recommendations that are considered to improve the content of built environment education curricula.