Module 6buil003wconstruction Technology Andinnovationmodule Coursewor ✓ Solved
Module 6BUIL003W: CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Module Coursework _21 Application of Construction Technologies – Case Studies Contents · Coursework rationale · Introduction to the project 19 c o n s t r u c t i o n · Coursework requirements · Format of the report · Submission details · Individual coursework assessment criteria 186BUIL003W Construction Technology and Innovation 2020_BUIL003W Construction Technology and Innovation 2020_21 6BUIL003W Construction Technology and Innovation 2020_21 Coursework Rationale Coursework aims: · To analyse the construction technologies demanded by the emerging needs of industry and society. · To relate innovation in building design and use through environmental impact and sustainability considerations. · To consolidate and develop the technological framework introduced in technology at Level 4 & 5. · High-level intellectual and practical skills required for the selection of construction methodologies and their implementation, to successfully produce low energy buildings. · Critical thinking skills (analysis, evaluation, synthesis) to be used in developing novel and unique solutions to problems.
Skills of communication and presentation in the form of documentation prepared and presented to a professional standard This coursework addresses the module learning outcomes, namely:- At the end of the module the student, with minimal guidance and a significant degree of autonomy, should be able to: · Critically review the principles of construction technology, evaluating the contribution of a range of construction and passive design technologies and methods towards achieving low- and zero- carbon buildings. · Examine and evaluate innovative and technological advanced materials, assessing their suitability for their application to improve current industry practices. · Analyse and assess recommendations for projects, evaluating the content and through further research provide innovative solutions.
Introduction to the Project Requirements/Format The coursework is an individual report, with a word count of 1500 words +/-10% . It has a weighting of 40% towards your final module mark. Key elements of the project will require in-depth research and proposals. You will be given time within the module timetable to undertake site visits and conduct your own research to allow you to progress your coursework. You need to choose one of 2 options for this coursework:- For both options you will be given time within the module timetable to undertake site visits and your own research to allow you to progress your coursework.
Coursework Requirements The coursework requires you to produce a written report ( 1500 words +/- 10% ), including a minimum of 3 details (hand drawn or CAD). The aim of the coursework is for you to demonstrate your understanding of how construction technologies can be applied to proposed or existing buildings to help reduce their energy consumption. Self-selected case study (2 options) In allowing you to use a self-selected case study, you have the freedom to find your own building to use as the subject of the coursework. The building could be local to where you live or work, perhaps a signature building in which you have an interest, or a project you have worked on or are working on at present.
Be creative and enjoy the opportunity to study in detail. Option 1 Option 1 is aimed particularly at part-time students to allow you to use a project which you have access to within your organisation or wider network. The project need not be current but must allow you to comply with the coursework requirements. Option 1 Select an existing project you have current, or previous, involvement with, and to submit proposals on the following: - · Details, design (including calculations where applicable), and rationale behind 2 construction technologies that have been, or could be, adopted within your proposed project. Both refurbishment and new-build projects will be suitable. · The report needs to demonstrate that your proposals work with this site and location, and the benefits they would, or do, provide with regards to eg. reducing building energy consumption, water consumption, construction phase energy consumption, operational phase energy consumption. · The proposals need to be fully compatible with the existing/proposed construction method and your report is to show how they interface.
Your report is to be presented with the following supporting information (as a minimum):- 1. A title page. Do NOT include your name or student number within the file name or anywhere within your submission. The submission will be subject to anonymous marking. Having logged into Turn-it-in on Blackboard, the system will record your details anonymously and tutors will only see your name after the entire submission has been assessed and provisional marks have been released to all students at the same time." 2.
A contents page. 3. An abstract 4. A clear introduction setting out the constraints brought about by the following: a. the building’s use b. it’s existing, or proposed, construction c. the site and location 5. Proposals and rationale behind your 2 selected construction technologies including demonstrating how they are compatible with the building’s existing or proposed construction.
Drawings should be of relevant technical details complete with explanatory notes. 6. The report should be professionally presented, organised in a logical manner. It should be easy to follow and to identify the main points. 7.
The graphic material should add value, not confuse or have a neutral effect. 8. A conclusion, providing a clear summary of your proposals. 9. The text is to be written with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
10. The content is to be fully cited and referenced using the Harvard system. Option 2 Option 2: aimed particularly at full-time students who may not have access to a case study documentation. You will need to locate a commercial building dating from the 1950’s, 60’s or 70’s. You will be required to familiarise yourself with the site and existing condition of the building.
Option 2 Through your research you will need to arrive at detailed, sensible, executable proposals as follow: - · Details, design (including calculations where applicable), and rationale behind proposals to upgrade the following external elements of the building: Walls (including cladding where applicable) Windows · The report needs to demonstrate that your proposals would work with the subject building’s site and location, and the benefits they would provide with regards to reducing building energy consumption. · The proposals need to be fully compatible with the existing construction method and your report is to show how they interface. Your report is to be presented with the following supporting information (as a minimum):- 1.
A title page. Do NOT include your name or student number within the file name or anywhere within your submission. The submission will be subject to anonymous marking. Having logged into Turn-it-in on Blackboard, the system will record your details anonymously and tutors will only see your name after the entire submission has been assessed and provisional marks have been released to all students at the same time." 2. A contents page.
3. An abstract 4. A clear introduction setting out the constraints brought about by the following: a. the building’s use b. it’s existing, or proposed, construction c. the site and location 5. Your proposals and rationale behind your proposals including demonstrating how they are compatible with the building’s existing or proposed construction. Drawings should be of relevant technical details complete with explanatory notes.
6. The report should be professionally presented, organised in a logical manner. It should be easy to follow and to identify the main points. 7. The graphic material should add value, not confuse or have a neutral effect.
8. A conclusion, providing a clear summary of your proposals. 9. The text is to be written with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. 10.
The content is to be fully cited and referenced using the Harvard system. Both Option 1 and Option 2: - Once you have selected your building you will need to conduct detailed research to establish detail about it, including where applicable: · Its age · Its location, site and orientation · The local area climatic conditions · The construction methods used · The materials used · The suitability of materials to limit external fire spread · It’s condition Submission Details - You should submit an electronic copy of your report, via turn-it-in, no later than 1pm on 12th January 2021. Please refer to the Module Handbook for details of anonymous marking. Individual Coursework Assessment Criteria - This document is for your guidance.
You are NOT required to submit a copy of this with your work. 34 6BUIL003W Construction Technology and Innovation 2020_BUIL003W Construction Technology and Innovation 2020_BUIL003W Construction Technology and Innovation 2020_21
Paper for above instructions
Abstract
This report presents a detailed analysis of the renovation proposals for the "Old Town Hall," a commercial building from the 1960s. The aim is to upgrade the building's external walls and windows to enhance energy efficiency while preserving its historical significance. Two construction technologies will be highlighted: the incorporation of external wall insulation (EWI) and triple-glazed window units, demonstrating their compatibility with existing structures and their potential to significantly reduce energy consumption.
1. Introduction
In an era where energy efficiency is paramount, revitalizing older buildings to meet contemporary standards presents both challenges and opportunities. The Old Town Hall, located in the heart of urban Manchester, serves as a civic hub and should remain functional and sustainable amidst the pressures of urban development. The report's objective is to address the constraints imposed by the building's use as a public space, its existing construction details, and the surrounding site conditions.
Given that the Old Town Hall was constructed during the 1960s, it utilizes traditional concrete structure methods that are often less energy-efficient compared to modern standards. The primary challenges facing the renovation include:
- Compliance with local heritage regulations, requiring preservation of the building's façade.
- Mitigating energy consumption in operational phases, particularly heating and cooling.
- Ensuring that any modifications do not compromise the historical value of the Town Hall.
The following sections will discuss proposed construction technologies aimed at improving energy efficiency while maintaining the building's historical integrity.
2. Proposed Construction Technologies
2.1 External Wall Insulation (EWI)
The first proposal involves employing External Wall Insulation (EWI) as a viable solution for the Old Town Hall. EWI is a method of insulating external walls of buildings by adding an insulating layer that is subsequently covered with a protective render or cladding, significantly improving thermal performance (Lowe et al., 2019).
Details and Design:
- Proposed Material: The insulation can be made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) or mineral wool, both of which provide excellent thermal insulation properties (Hassan et al., 2020).
- Compatibility: The EWI system will be designed to fit seamlessly with the existing concrete paneling, ensuring that aesthetic integrity is preserved.
- Thermal Efficiency: EWI can potentially reduce heat loss by 25-30%, reducing overall energy consumption (Zavrl et al., 2022).
Rationale:
By adopting EWI, we can lower heating demands in winter while ensuring cooler interiors in summer, thereby lessening the reliance on HVAC systems. This technology aligns with local regulations, as it can be installed with careful design considerations to retain the building's external appearance.
2.2 Triple-Glazed Windows
The second proposal focuses on replacing the existing single-glazed windows with triple-glazed window units. Triple glazing utilizes three layers of glass, separated by air or argon-filled spaces, reducing heat loss significantly (Mihci et al., 2021).
Details and Design:
- Proposed Material: The frame for the triple-glazed window units could be made from PVC or thermally broken aluminum to provide structural integrity and insulation (Baker & Boardman, 2018).
- Compatibility: The design will mirror the existing window style featuring slender profiles, ensuring that historical aesthetics remain intact.
- Thermal Efficiency: Triple-glazed windows can reduce thermal transmittance (U-value) to as low as 0.6 W/m²K, a significant improvement over traditional glazing (Rodrigues, 2020).
Rationale:
Beyond improving energy efficiency, this update will enhance the acoustic performance of the building, making it more comfortable for occupants and reducing external noise infiltration. The energy savings from upgrading the windows can offset the costs within a few years of implementation.
3. Integrating Proposed Technologies with Existing Construction
It is crucial that both EWI and triple-glazed windows be compatible with the Old Town Hall's existing construction. The current concrete structure will support EWI, which can be affixed without requiring extensive modifications to the underlying structure (Chaudhry & Fadali, 2018).
The scope of work will also account for necessary adjustments to ensure the functionality of fire safety mechanisms and drainage systems. Likewise, specific attention will pay to integrating new window units to the existing framing system, ensuring stability while preserving the façade.
4. Benefits of Proposed Technologies
Innovative construction technologies like EWI and triple-glazing present numerous benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Significant reductions in heating and cooling costs will be realized through insulation retention.
- Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption correlates with reduced carbon emissions (Baker et al., 2020).
- Building Value: Energy-efficient upgrades enhance marketability and potentially increase property value while extending the building's life cycle (Orenstein, 2021).
5. Conclusion
The revitalization of the Old Town Hall through the proposed construction technologies of External Wall Insulation and triple-glazed window units embodies a sustainable approach to heritage building management. By addressing both energy performance and aesthetic preservation, we meet contemporary needs while respecting the historical significance of the structure.
The implementation of these technologies will contribute to reducing operational energy consumption while enhancing occupant comfort. Consequently, it is an exemplar model for similar renovations across urban heritage sites.
References
1. Baker, P., & Boardman, B. (2018). The effects of windows on energy consumption. Building Research & Information, 46(5), 542-563.
2. Baker, P., Boardman, B., & Clark, J. (2020). Energy efficiency in old buildings: the case for action. Journal of Architectural Conservation, 26(2), 120-135.
3. Chaudhry, T. A., & Fadali, M. (2018). Compatibility of insulation systems with existing structures: a case study. Energy Procedia, 147, 365-370.
4. Hassan, A., Murphy, J., & Wang, X. (2020). The impact of insulation on heat loss in buildings. Energy Reports, 6, 105-115.
5. Lowe, R., Gough, A., & Smith, T. (2019). Assessment of External Wall Insulation Systems across European Buildings. Energy and Buildings, 203, 109516.
6. Mihci, E., Celep, Z., & Demir, Y. (2021). Impact of window types on energy performance of buildings. International Journal of Energy Research, 45(3), 439-452.
7. Orenstein, A. (2021). Enhancing building values through energy efficiency upgrades. Property Management Journal, 39(4), 366-378.
8. Rodrigues, D. (2020). Glazing systems in building renovation: performance and durability. Architectural Science Review, 63(4), 290-298.
9. Zavrl, M., Zorman, L., & Hocevar, M. (2022). Impact of thermal insulation on energy consumption in residential buildings. Renewable Energy, 173, 162-170.
10. Zavrl, T., Tomazevic, M., & Plazonic, M. (2022). Sustainable insulation in old building renovation. Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering, 3(36), 45-54.