Journal of Facade Design and Engineering - Volume 4, issue 3-4

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-170055

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 4, no. 3-4, pp. 77-77, 2016

Authors: Krehel, Marek | Grobe, Lars O. | Wittkopf, Stephen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The transmission and distribution of light through Complex Fenestration Systems (CFSs) impacts visual comfort, solar gains and the overall energy performance of buildings. For most fenestration, scattering of light can be approximated as the optical property of a thin surface, the Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF). It is modelled in simulation software to replicate the optical behaviour of materials and surface finishes. Data-driven BSDF models are a generic means to model the irregular scattering by CFS employing measured or computed data sets. Even though measurements are preferred due to the realistic values they provide it is not always possible to …measure the light scatter in all incident directions. In contrast, numerical simulations have virtually no limitations; however, at the cost of lower reliability. A hybrid approach, combining both, was therefore proposed. The BSDF of a CFS was measured for incident elevation angles from 0° to 60°. For incident elevation angles from 0° to 85°, the BSDF of the sample was computed. The BSDF acquired by both techniques in the overlapping range of directions between 0° to 60° was compared and revealed good qualitative accordance. The variance of the direct-hemispherical reflection and transmission based on the two techniques was between 3% and 28%. A hybrid data set was then generated, utilizing measurements where possible and simulations where instrumentation could not provide reliable data. A data-driven model based on this data set was implemented in simulation software. This hybrid model was tested by comparison with the geometrical model of the sample and measurements. The hybrid approach to BSDF modelling shall support the utilization of BSDF models based on measured data by selectively overcoming the lack of reliable measured or extrapolated data. Show more

Keywords: BSDF, BRDF, BTDF, geometric optics, scattering, complex fenestration systems

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-161191

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 4, no. 3-4, pp. 79-89, 2016

Authors: Wüest, Thomas | Luible, Andreas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the mid-1990s the climatic loading of double-glazed units (DGU’s) was investigated and design rules were developed for use in practice. Even though at the time those rules were developed for DGU’s, they have recently also been used for the design of modern triple-glazed units (TGU’s) and multilayer facade systems. So far, no research has addressed the question whether this design process, and in particular the temperature differences that have been determined for DGU’s, can be applied to other systems. It is therefore the aim of this paper to determine the governing temperatures in insulated glass units (IGU’s) under up-to-date …boundary conditions. To do this, the thermal behaviour of TGU’s, multilayer facade systems and solar shading is investigated in detail. A simple calculation model is developed, which can be used to determine the gas temperatures in various facade configurations in accordance with the relevant standards. The results show that while parts of the existing requirements are still valid, there are distinct differences in the requirements for more contemporary applications. The gas temperatures affect the climatic load and therefore also influence the structural design of IGU’s. Show more

Keywords: Climatic loads, IGU design, IGU temperature, facade design, insulated glass units IGU

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-161146

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 4, no. 3-4, pp. 91-113, 2016

Authors: Andaloro, A. | Mazzucchelli, E.S. | Lucchini, A. | Pedeferri, M.P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Facade maintenance has become a key aspect in building management, due the specific actions involved and operation related costs. Within this framework, the application of titanium dioxide photocatalytic sol-gel products on facade elements offers a wide range of opportunities to ensure proper functionality maintenance over time. This paper illustrates the self-cleaning performance of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide based coatings applied to different kinds of cladding materials. All tested samples were opaque. Preliminary laboratory tests were performed by means of water contact angle measurements to verify hydrophobic and hydrophilic behaviour prior to outdoor application. Afterwards, outdoor tests were performed to monitor colour …variation over a 36-month period to verify product effectiveness and durability. Results proved that the application of functionalized nanotechnological coating to a facade can significantly facilitate cleaning operations and reduce the necessary frequency over time. In addition, the output provides some preliminary information about the exposure condition influence on self-cleaning performance, which could be further investigated in the future. Show more

Keywords: Facade maintenance, cladding, photocatalysis, self-cleaning coating, retrofit

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-160054

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 4, no. 3-4, pp. 115-129, 2016

Authors: Paar, Michael Johann | Petutschnigg, Alexander

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this paper, the authors elaborate an adaptable curtain-wall façade design concept that combines façade greening with biomimetic approaches. It begins with an overview of façade greening. Next, the paper takes a more in-depth look at prairie dog burrows and the modular growth of barnacle colonies as sources of biomimetic inspiration, including how they may be applied in technology and brought together with façade greening. The concept is expected to act contrary to the urban heat island effect by naturally cooling external building walls and thus reducing the energy needs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with artificial cooling of buildings. …This is considered important, as our cities are heating up more and more, resulting in increased energy demand. The promising information gained from lab experiments on scaled façade models, based on continuous wind-generated air circulation between the building’s external wall and the façade, further initial calculations regarding natural convection, and the additional cooling effect of façade greening, can be considered a sound basis for future developments and discussions. Show more

Keywords: Adaptable curtain-wall façade, urban heat island effect, façade greening, prairie dog burrows, modular growth structure of barnacle cultures

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-171645

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 4, no. 3-4, pp. 131-142, 2016

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 4, no. 3-4, pp. 143-143, 2016