Infrastructure Engineering - Research Publications
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ItemNo Preview AvailableA pilot study on users’ IEQ perceptions in a residential aged care facility in Melbourne(RMIT, 2018-11-29)The aged population in Australia is expanding rapidly. To cater for the Australia’s ageing population, there is a significant increase in demand for aged care facilities over the coming decades. The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) affects users’ physical health and psychological wellbeing. However, systematic research on the relationship between users’ perceptions and IEQ of aged care facilities has yet to be developed. In this pilot study, a residential aged care facility in Melbourne was selected as a case study for investigating the differences between the measured IEQ data and the users’ perceived individual comfort. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the perceptions of users on IEQ. Environmental sensors which enable web-based data monitoring were deployed. The measured data were then analysed together with the questionnaire survey results for drawing a comparison with the users’ perceptions. It was found that the measurements by environmental sensors are realistic and the survey questionnaires are appropriate for the study. For the future surveys, the language barrier needs to be considered for non-English speakers.
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ItemEducation & training for zero energy and lean manufacturing & construction of housing in Australia(Curtin University, 2018-09-27)For zero energy and efficient production of mass customised housing, good outcomes are possible only when it is supportedby a good education curriculum and infrastructure. This paper reports on the status of education for zero energy and lean manufacturing and construction of houses in Australia by investigating offerings of Victorian schools, vocational training and highereducation sectors in these respects. The courses currently offered within Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) were assessed. It was found that there are still gaps in the education infrastructure that do not provide fully for opportunities to educate the workforce in these areas. Although the main knowledge areas of zero energy are sufficiently covered by courses involving sustainability, renewable energy, energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure construction, the teaching of lean concepts are not widespread in all these education sectors in Australia.
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ItemComparison of multi-objective optimisation tools for building performance simulation with TRNSYS 18(IBPSA-England, 2018-09-11)Recent progress in computer science has led to applications of simulation-based optimisation methods for building design. This application-focused paper compares two generic optimisation tools: Multi-Objective Building Performance Optimisation (MOBO) and Design Analysis Kit for Optimisation and Terascale Applications (DAKOTA). The workflow and coupling of each tool with TRNSYS 18 software are presented. Results show that computing times were comparable, and both tools display similar optimal solutions. MOBO, specifically developed for building performance optimisation, is a user-friendly software, whereas DAKOTA requires a steep learning curve for non-programmers. Conversely, DAKOTA provides flexibility in interfacing the simulation software and defining the optimisation settings.
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ItemOptimisation of a hybrid geothermal-solar-gas system: A case study for a typical poultry shed in New South Wales, Australia(IBPSA, 2018-09-11)Poultry sheds are used to raise poultries (chickens, turkeys and ducks), and have a unique heating and cooling demand pattern. A significant amount of energy is consumed for the heating and cooling of poultry sheds to maintain an indoor air temperature suitable for the growth and comfort of the poultries according to their age. This energy consumption results in a considerably high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy expenditure for the poultry shed operation. Previous studies have shown that a large amount of operational and lifecycle cost of heating can be reduced with the adoption of hybrid geothermal-solar-gas systems. In addition to the costs, GHG emissions should also be considered when heating equipment is selected. This paper presents an environmental analysis and optimisation for the sizing of components of a hybrid geothermal-solar-gas system for a typical poultry shed located in Peats Ridge, NSW, Australia. The results reveal that up to 100% of the operational emissions and up to 95% of the lifecycle GHG emissions can be reduced if the current gas heating system is replaced by the hybrid geothermal-solar-gas system. By also considering the lifecycle cost, the Pareto front solutions for this hybrid geothermal-solar-gas heating system has been found.
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ItemAn optimum construction strategy for multi-story residential prefabricated modular buildings(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)Prefabrication is recognised as the way forward in building construction by the industry as it delivers quality yet affordable mass customisable houses faster than traditional on-site construction. The prefabrication of multi-story buildings transforms traditional construction into off-site manufacturing of repetitive components. Currently there are three main structural systems being adopted for modular multi-story buildings; 1) Building with a rigid in-situ central core to which the modules are connected, 2) A podium structure which acts as a base where modules are placed on top of it, 3) Fully modular structure with strategically placed load bearing modules. Current investigations on these systems focus on improving their benefits such as construction time, cost, safety and quality based on one variable at a time. However, there is a lack of studies with a holistic approach to identify the optimum structural system. This paper aims to define an Optimum Modular System Index (OMI) which will be based upon three main indices; Assembly cost penalty Index (ACPI), Onsite handling cost penalty Index (HCPI) and Concrete cost penalty Index (CCPI). Determination of OMI is expected to provide a framework to identify the optimum construction system for multi-story residential prefabricated modular buildings.
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ItemAn optimisation method for MEP plant room modularization(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)Modularisation in mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) in construction has become more prevalent along with mass customisation of buildings during the last decade. However, it is currently accomplished only for smaller systems where integrated packaged units are used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and other building services installations. The term ‘optimum modularity’ is rarely used in the field due to extensive use of packaged systems. Packaged units are limited to external plant room installations and hardly used in building internal installations such as in basements due to difficulties in assembly and job-site delivery. In this study, an efficient method is developed which leads to the minimum total assembly and installation cost of building services systems. The method identifies the optimum sets of modules and module division points based on assembly cost and capacity weight of lifting equipment. It is shown that the optimum modularity for a system is highly dependent on the module weight and the module division point.
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ItemSensitivity analysis of building envelope parameters affecting thermal comfort(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)The ever-increasing attention towards implementation of environmentally sustainable building design approaches necessitates the prediction of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) during design stage. Building performance simulation tools are able to predict key performance indices of buildings including IEQ. Among different aspects of IEQ, thermal comfort has been reported as one of the important aspects for occupants. It is necessary to understand the effects of design parameters on the performance of building in order to provide acceptable thermal comfort levels. However, due to the possibility of various design strategies, the selection of the most appropriate combination is a challenging task. Thus, the determination of effective parameters is of great importance in order to streamline the design process. The design parameters related to building envelope are among the most important items that have major influence on building thermal performance. Although prefabrication offers several benefits in terms of saving on-site time, saving money and better waste management, it affects envelope thermal performance due to introduction of lightweight components. While there is a body of research reporting the effects of passive strategies on building thermal performance, the influence of lightweight prefabricated envelope components is not well-documented in the current literature. This paper aims to perform a sensitivity analysis (SA) to identify the relative importance of major building envelope design parameters affecting thermal comfort of a prefabricated house in Melbourne, Australia. The envelope parameters investigated are: infiltration rate, solar heat gain coefficients and sizes of windows, and thermal resistance of insulation for exterior walls, floor and roof. The ranges of these parameters are based on the building components particularly used by prefabrication building industry in Australia. A typical three-bedroom prefabricated house in Melbourne was considered and the results of the SA are presented.
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ItemExploring demands for mass customised prefabricated houses in Brazil(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)Housing shortage has been a challenge faced by many countries around the world. In Brazil, the housing supply capacity was less than demand by about 5.4 million dwellings in 2011. To address this shortfall, the Brazilian government launched ‘Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida’ (My House, My Life Program) in 2009 with the aim of reducing housing shortage. The program was divided into three development stages, the first and second stages of the program were completed in 2014 and 2016, respectively. The third stage is now ongoing, a grand total of 4.6 million dwellings are expected to be delivered at the completion by the end of 2018. However, there is significant lack of information on reliable housing demand and supply predictions for the coming years in Curitiba. In addition, the consumers’ feedback from first and second development stages showed that lack of choice and design customisability have been an issue. Therefore, quantifying housing demand in Curitiba is extremely important for planning purposes and better houses. Mass customised prefabricated houses have enormous potential to deliver high-quality in large scale with shorter time by providing options for the consumers. The aim of this study is to develop a housing demand model of mass customised houses for the city of Curitiba. The potential for future mass customisation in Curitiba is explored as the demand of various house sizes are predicted up to 2025. Based on the Brazilian Census data from 2010, population profiles and diversity of family’s structures are used as influencing parameters in the model. The outcome of the proposed model can be used as guideline or public policy for delivering appropriate mass customised houses which would fit future needs and desires of people. The predicted results show substantial reduction in size of the family living at the same dwelling, which will certainly impact on the future of the housing market. It was interpreted that there is a need of more compact one and two-bedroom dwellings, reducing the demand of four-bedroom dwellings.
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ItemNet zero fossil energy for heating detached houses in Harbin(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)Following the recognition of the zero energy building concept, the zero energy mass customised houses have received more attention recently. This paper investigates the application of solar energy to achieve net zero on-site energy for space heating in a cold climate. As a case study, a cluster of 30 typical houses in Harbin, China was considered. Harbin is known for its coldest weather and longest winter among major Chinese cities. This study used TRNbuild software to model the house and consequently TRNSYS to determine the total heating load of the cluster of houses. The study focused on fulfilling the heating demand by using a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system. The total electricity consumed by the GSHP is covered by a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) array. The required area of PV array to meet 100% of the annual electricity consumed by the GSHP was calculated. The results show the peak GSHP electric load required for the cluster of houses to be 99 kWhe with the total PV array area of 1961 m2. The levelised cost of electricity (LCoE) generated by the PV array was found to be US$ 0.067 (RMB 0.44) per kWhe for 30-year project life. The cost of heat distribution network, the annualised life cycle cost (ALCC), and the unit heating cost (UHC) were also estimated for the system investigated.
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ItemHigh strength structural glass for walk-on photovoltaic modules(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has a great potential to enable zero energy homes. To enable more surface areas without losing the other functionality work-on PV modules have been considered. These modules can be installed on platform walk ways and flat roof tops. To protect PV cells of a module, glass panels have been used for the transparent covering. Majorities of previous studies were mostly about investigating the amount of dust-deposition and transmittance ability of various coated and uncoated glazing panels. The load carrying capacity under work-on conditions has not been substantially investigated. This paper presents an experimental investigation of load carrying capacity of PV modules covered by annealed and toughened glazing panels sizes of 270 mm × 270 mm × 5 mm and 450 mm × 450 mm × 6 mm respectively. A 10 mm thick stainless steel plate was kept underneath the glazing panels to incorporate the effects of the substrate. The glazing specimens were loaded by means of the spherical indenter up to the point of failure. The breaking load was then recorded. A similar experimental procedure was conducted without the substrate material for obtaining the minimum strength capacity. Results show that the load carrying capacities of both types of glazing panels are almost doubled when the substrate material is included in the design. This study serves to verify the importance of selecting suitable types of substrate and superstrate materials in PV modules for maximising its resistance from damage that can be caused by impact by the human body, fallen objects and hail.