Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Monday, January 9, 2012

Introduction

Larger commercial buildings often employ low-slope (almost flat) roofs. The low slope of the roof allows the roof to be used to support equipment and may also provide an area for human use. Recently “green roofs” on which plants are grown have become popular. In this activity you will discover what accommodations are necessary in order to make a low-slope roof acceptable for human traffic and for use as a green roof.


Procedure

1.    Select a low slope roof treatment for the upper roof of the Keystone project and incorporate your choice into your 3D architectural model.  Do not include structural support of the roof at this time.

2.    Research low-slope roof treatments and walking surfaces that would allow human traffic. In your engineering notebook document three products that could be used as a walking surface on the green roof planned for the lower roof of the Keystone Library. Include sketches or images of each product. Show it to Mr. Torwelle before you move on.

3.    Research green roofs and document at least two green roof systems that could be used on the lower roof of the Keystone Library. Select a green roof system for use on the Keystone Library Renovation. In your engineering notebook document your selection with a sketch or image of a cross section or of the selected system and label each required layer. Justify your choice. Show it to Mr. Torwelle before you move on.

4.    Model the green roof system in your 3D architectural software. Do not include structural support of the roof at this time.

5.    Create a detail (section) view of the green roof in your 3D architectural software.

Conclusion Questions to answer in your blog.
1.    Why are flat roofs common on larger commercial buildings?
They are more practical compared to peaked roofs because commercial buildings can be very large. They can be also be built very quickly and easily.

2.    Why are the standard pitched roof treatments not acceptable for a low-slope roof?
The low slope roof needs different drains to direct the water away from the building and need more water proofing because of their low slope.

3.    Why are the typical low-slope roof surfaces not appropriate when public access is planned?
Some low slope roofs have a coating that may not be appropriate for walking on, such as foam.


4.     What factors are important to consider when designing a green roof?
The weight of all of the soil on the roof, water proofing so the moisture in the soil doesn't go into the building, maintenance of the plants and the roof itself, and the plants you want to put on the roof.

5.    What advantages do green roofs provide over standard low-slope roof treatments?
They are more aesthetically pleasing and eco friendly 

Monday, December 12, 2011

Activity 3.1.2

Introduction
Most locations within the United States fall within a municipality that regulates land use within its jurisdiction. Land Use regulations are designed to protect and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare. Typically they include Zoning Ordinances that control development by designating areas for specific types of use. These ordinances include laws that control a wide variety of development activities within each zoning area, including building construction, parking lot design, entrances and exits from property, water and sewer facilities, storm water runoff, and landscaping.


As part of local Land Use regulations, many municipalities have adopted the International Building Code to regulate the design and construction of non-residential buildings. Although some jurisdictions within a state may not use the IBC, state or local regulations will typically adopt the IBC by reference, meaning that the requirements of the IBC apply within the jurisdiction of that state or other government body.


Rules that control other aspects of development vary and are published by each municipality. It is important to identify the codes and regulations that apply to a project and become familiar with the requirements for development before beginning the design of a project.


Equipment
· Keystone Library Site Location Map
· Keystone Library Site Plan
· City of Noblesville, Indiana Code of Ordinances (found at http://www.amlegal.com/library/)
o Section 154.04 Adoption of Rules by Reference
o Section 159.105 Zoning Districts General Requirements
o Section 159.107 Commercial Districts
o Section 159.120 General Regulations
o Appendix C
· International Building Code 2009
o Section 302
o Section 303
o Section 503
o Section 602
o Section 1004
o Section 1005
o Section 1021
· Noblesville Zoning Map


Procedure
In this activity you will research the local code of ordinances and building codes to obtain important information needed to redesign the Keystone building.


The Keystone Building is within the city of Noblesville, Indiana. The Noblesville Code of Ordinances applies to this project location.


1. Identify the Building Code that applies in Noblesville by reviewing Section 154.04 Adoption of Rules by Reference in the Noblesville Code of Ordinances.
Indiana building code
2. Visit the Indiana Association of Building Officials website at http://www.iabo.com/ and follow the link to Current Codes. On which model code is the current Indiana Building Code based?
International Building Code
3. Using the International Building Code, find the Use and Occupancy classification of the proposed new Keystone Building.
Low-hazard storage, Group S-2 
4. Using the International Building Code, describe each of the four types of construction. Based on the existing structure, under which of these types of construction could the Keystone Building fall? See section 503.1.
I. Steele framing encased in concrete
II. Steele framing
III. Noncombustable exterior, treated wood interior 
IV.Heavy timber
V. Any materials allowed by code
Type IV
5. Compare the allowable Building Heights and Areas (IBC 2009 Table 503) for the Keystone Library using different construction types. What is the least restrictive construction type that can be used for the Keystone Library? Is a fire-protective layer required over the structural elements? Note: The letter A indicates that the structural members are protected by a fire-rated coating or cover (sheetrock, spray on, or another approved method). The letter B indicates that the structural members are not protected by an additional fire-rated coating or cover.
A-3
6. What materials do you propose to use for the new interior walls and floor for the Keystone Building? Justify your answer.
Treated wood interior becuase you don't want the building with people in it to burn down quickly.
7. Use the IBC to determine the Occupant Load (IBC 2009 Section 1004) for the Keystone Building assuming a second floor is added. For now, conservatively assume that the second floor is entirely stacks and that the first floor is entirely reading rooms. In addition, because there is currently no plan to include an outside stairway to the roof, assume that the occupants of the green roof must exit through the 2nd floor. The building inspector has determined, based on the planned use of the green roof as additional reading area, that the occupant load for the green roof may be based on the requirements for reading rooms.
200
8. The occupant load is used to determine the minimum egress width for the building. Use the IBC to determine the required total egress width (IBC 2009 Section 1005) for the Keystone Building including the second floor.
60 cm
9. What is the minimum number of exits required for the Occupant Load (IBC 2009 Section 1021)?
Six exits
10. Read IBC 2009 Section 1021.2. Is it permissible to have only a single exit from the ground floor? From the second floor? Justify your answers.
No, becuase you need a minimum of two exits per floor.
The answers to the following questions should be researched in the Noblesville Code of Ordinances and the Noblesville Zoning Map.


11. In which zoning designation does the Keystone building property lie? (Refer to the Keystone Library Site Location Map to help locate the site on the zoning map.)

12. Describe the purpose of this zoning designation. Document your answer with a section number from the code.
13. What is the minimum lot size within this designation? Does the Keystone Property meet this requirement? Document your answer with a section number of the code.
14. What is the maximum building height according to the Noblesville ordinance?
15. Read Section 159.120 of the Noblesville Code of Ordinances. Record any information that is important to the redevelopment of the Keystone building.
16. Is the Use proposed in Keystone Building Project permitted on this property? Document your answer.
17. When developing a property, when is landscaping and screening required?

Monday, November 7, 2011

2.3.4-Adding It Up to Green


Use
and

Copy and paste these into your blog and answer them in a different color.

Conclusion
1.    What types of professionals should be included on a project team and throughout the project in order to obtain a LEED ID credit?

architecture or residential building designerer
mechanical and electrical engineer
building science or performance testing
etc.





2.    What specific solar orientation practices can earn LEED credit?


The east-west  axis of the building is within 15 degrees due east west.

3.    What types of sites should be avoided in order to obtain LEED credit?




4.    What basic landscape design practices should be followed in order to obtain LEED credits?




5.    What are some ways that architects can obtain LEED credits concerning water efficiency?






6.    What building components or systems can be enhanced to contribute to LEED credits that promote energy efficiency?






7.    How can the choices of (or use of) materials affect the LEED rating of a home?






8.    What is required to earn LEED credits with respect to moisture and indoor pollutants in kitchens and bathrooms?






9.    From a public relations perspective, why might a company want to have a high LEED score?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Activity 2.3.2 Green Building and Sustainable Design        

Introduction
Green building design and sustainable architecture are reshaping the practices and products of modern construction. Climate change concerns and a sense of stewardship for the Earth are motivating the use of green building products and sustainable techniques. Energy use in buildings is increasing and could continue to rise. By using new sustainable methods, materials, and mechanical components, architects and engineers are able to create structures that can curb that trend. A sustainable building design reduces pressure on the environment by decreasing energy consumption during the life cycle of a building.

In addition to incorporating sustainable features, designers should also address occupant needs and comfort when planning a building. Desirable work space and living environments allow users to be more productive and comfortable. Careful consideration must be given to natural light and interior temperatures as well as materials that emit low levels of toxins.

In this activity you will learn about green and sustainable practices in preparation for the design of your Affordable House. During the design process, continually consider incorporating sustainable features into your home design.

Equipment
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Engineering notebook
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Computer with Internet access

Procedure
In groups of two to three, you will learn more about green and sustainable practices and then respond to the questions. For each statement below, describe a reasonable action. Use the US Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov) sites to begin your search, but seek out reliable information on each topic from at least one other website source.  . Be sure to cite each additional reference.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.    <!--[endif]-->Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.

 You could use a butterfly roof to collect the water for showering and watering plants.
Website: http//_____http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-butterfly-roof.htm________________________________________________





2.  Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.
You could use recycled heavy timber or metals for your building or newspaper insulation. 
Website: http//______________http://www.toolbase.org/toolbaseresources/level3.aspx?bucketid=2&categoryid=17_______________________________________




3.   During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase. 

 You could order the amount of materials you need as accurately as possible to reduce the amount of waste you create.
Website: http//___________http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/environment/constructionsitewastemanagement/__________________________________________




4.  Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?
Use effective and efficient lighting, solar panels on the building, if it's a high rise building, maybe you could add some wind turbines on the top of the structure to generate energy.
Website: http//_____________________http://www.toolbase.org/Home-Building-Topics/Green-Building/efficient-lighting-strategies________________________________




5.   Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction of the structure.
You could use vegetation around the site to reduce erosion. The plants' roots will hold the soil together to prevent the dirt from washing away and turning to mud, which is icky.    
Website: http//_______________________________http://www.stormwaterok.net/F-1514-OSU.pdf______________________





Conclusion

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.    <!--[endif]-->Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.
Maybe you could compress large quantities of recycled paper into pillars and spray them with a water proofing agent.



<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.    <!--[endif]-->Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement.
We could a skylight. Our house uses a lot of artificial light and a skylight could minimize the amount of energy we use for lighting.

Friday, September 23, 2011

WEST POINT BRIDGE: 


How do we design the best bridge? Let's go on an Information Hunt, looking for clues.

Find the words and definitions in West Point Bridge Design HELP and fill in the blanks below.
1.      Click on HELP. Then select Help Topics.
2.      You can type the word you’re looking for, or scroll down.  Once you see the word, double click on the word you want to look up.

A.     Materials:
1.      Look up materials.  List the 3 different types of materials

2.      Scroll down to Notes and Tips. Read the section.
         List strength and expense for each type of material.
3.     

Type of material
Strength (weak to strong)
Cost (least to most)
1.
Carbon Steel
1
1
2.

High Strength Low Alloy Steel

2
2
3.

Quenched and Tempered Low-Alloy Steel

3

3

B.     Cross-Sections
  1. Go back to Index. Look up cross-section.  Choose Cross-Section from menu.  List the 2 different types of cross sections.
  2. Go back to Index. Look up cross-section.  Choose the line that names the 2 cross section types. from the menu.
  3. Look for the boxes that describe when it is most economical to use each type of cross section.










Type of cross section
Better to use for:
(tension or compression)
Shown as what color
(blue or red)

Hollow

Compression

red

Solid

Tension

blue

C.     Engineering Design Process: What are the steps?
  1. Go back to Index. Look up engineering design process.  Choose The Engineering Design Process from the menu.
  2. List the 7 steps.


  1. Identify the problem
  2. Define the problem
  3. Develop alternative solutions
  4. Analyze and compare alternative solutions
  5. Select the best alternative
  6. Implement the solution
  7. Evaluate the results


How do we optimize our bridge design?

Let's go on an Information Hunt, looking for clues.

A.                  Find the How to Design a Bridge page from the help index.  What is the objective?

to create an optimal bridge design



B.                  Go to each step of the Design Process flowchart.  Read about the step, especially the Notes & Tips section.  Enter one important fact from each step.

¨     Select a Site Configuration
Bridges on a river will cost considerably more than a bridge built over ground
¨     Decide on a Truss Configuration
The configuration must be stable
¨     Draw Joints
Joints can only be placed on snap points.
¨     Draw Members
Must be on drawing board mode.
¨     Load Test Your Design
Check your model for stability
¨     Strengthen All Unsafe Members
Use different materials that may be stronger
¨     Optimize the Member Properties
Minimize the material cost.
¨     Optimize the Shape of the Truss
Triangles are a strong shape
¨     Find the Optimum Truss Configuration
Try reducing the number of joints
¨     Find the Optimum Site Configuration
Find by trial and error
¨     Choose the Optimum Design
choose based on aesthetics, ease of construction, ease of maintenance, local availability of materials, and environmental impact

¨     Record Your Design
SAVE