Building Technology

Project Summaries asB«^«*0' ^ m'^mmm m PRESIDENTS PROGRAM FOR ENERGY EFFKIENCY 1979-1980

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Building Technology

Project Summaries

National Bureau of Standards

Library, E-01 Admin, $dg.

SEP 1 2 1980

'/10t CLCC^ * ' 1979 - 1980

NBS SP 446-4

Editors:

Noel Raufaste

Michael Olmert

Center for Building Technology

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

U.S. Department of Commerce

Washington, D.C. 20234

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Philip M. Klutznick, Secretary

Luther H. Hodges, Jr., Deputy Secretary

Jordan J. Baruch, Assistant Secretary for Productivity, Technology and Innovation

r NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director

July 1980
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 80-600133

National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 446-4

Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Spec. Publ. 446^, 79 pages (July 1980) CODEN: XNBSAV

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON: 1980

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402

Price $4.00

(Add 25 percent for other than U.S. mailing)
The Center for Building Technology's (CBT) mission is to increase the usefulness, safety, and economy of

buildings through the advancement of building

technology and its application to the improvement of

building practice. CBT's research activities support the

building technology programs of Federal, State, and

local governments; assist design professions, building

officials, and the research community by developing

improved design criteria; and assist manufacturers of

building products by developing methods for evaluating

innovative materials, components, and systems.

CBT's research is aimed at developing the necessary

technology to assist in reducing the annual growth of

total national energy demand to below 2 percent and the

projected level of energy demand by 2.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 1985; reduce accidental

deaths, injuries, and property losses in building

construction by 20 percent in 20 years; and increase

building productivity by 10 percent in 15 years. Thus,

CBT's programs address energy conservation, building

safety, and building productivity and performance.

Typical CBT activities include: investigating failures,

such as the Willow Island cooling tower accident, to determine causes and needs for improved practices;

improving measurement techniques, such as development

of accurate equipment to measure the performance of

thick insulation; defining characteristics of building

performance, such as human response to time-varying

noise; and developing methods for comparing benefits

and costs, such as life-cycle cost approaches for selecting

optimal energy retrofit measures. All these activities are conducted in cooperation with other organizations in the

building community that participate in the studies or are

affected by the results. NBS/CBT does not promulgate building codes or

standards. CBT provides an objective source of technical

information for national consensus standards and model

code organizations. Close cooperation with these groups

leads to standard practices that meet the needs of the

regulatory authorities of State and local governments.

Research providing the knowledge for these standard

practices is conducted in cooperation with government,

university, and industry laboratories.

This report summarizes CBT's research for 1979-1980.

Each summary lists the project title, its progress, point of

contact within CBT, and sponsor. The summaries are arranged according to the 1 1 prime

research areas that comprise the scope of work at CBT,

which is shown on page xi. This year the report also

features a Building Community Index (p. 74), which keys

CBT research to individual segments of the industry.

iii
The reader is encouraged to review two companion

documents: 1) NBS Special Publication 439, The Center

for Building Technology: A Perspective, which presents the Center's approach to building research and its facilities; and 2) NBS Special Publication 457, Building Technology

Publications, and its supplements.

iv
Contents

Energy Conservation in Buildings 2 Energy Analysis: Norris Cotton Building

Energy Analysis Procedures

3 Energy Audit Procedures for Commercial Buildings

Dynamic Performance of HVAC Systems and Controls

EMCS Reliability Study

EMCS Computer Modeling

4 Energy Analysis of Control Strategies

Retrofit Instrumentation Technology/EMCS Sensors

Thermostat Test Standard

5 Evaluating the Performance of Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Studies

Part-Load Performance of HVAC Equipment

6 Furnace Studies

Central Air Conditioner Studies

Central Air Conditioner Test Procedures

7 Technical Evaluation Manual for Energy Conservation

Building Energy Performance Criteria

8 Retrofit Training Criteria

Revision of Bioclimatic Chart

Daylighting Studies

9 Daylighting Prediction Methodology

NFC Research Associate Program (Daylighting)

10 Life-Cycle Cost Methodology

Cost-Effectiveness of Infrared Heat-Loss Surveys

(Ground-Based)

Infrared Aerial Survey Evaluation

11 Weatherization Demonstration

Building Infiltration Evaluation

12 Guidelines for Controlling Attic Condensation

Modeling Cooling with Whole-House Fans

Underground Heat Distribution Systems

13 Energy Conservation Through Waste Use in Cement and

Concrete

Building Thermal Envelope 16 Thermal Insulation Standard Reference Material

Systems and Insulating Materials Thermal Insulation Analysis

Thermal Insulation Test Series

Thermal Performance of Materials and Elements

17 Modeling Mass Effects with Outside Insulation

Experimental Evaluation of Thermal Mass

18 MIMA Research Associate Program

Guarded Hot-Plate Tester for Thick Insulation

Calibrated Hot Box Construction

Corrosion Avoidance in Encapsulated Wiring

19 Retrofit Criteria: Insulation and Wiring

Building Solar Systems Technology 22 Collector Durability and Reliability Test Program

Standards for Rubber Hose and Connections

23 Standards for Solar Cover Plates Standards for Nonmetallic Containment Materials

v
24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Earthquake Hazard Reduction 34

35

Structures and Foundations 38

Performance

39

40

41

42

43

Standards for Solar Absorptive Coatings

Evaluation of IPC Corrosion Test Methodology

Solar Hot Water System Test Program

Structural Performance of Solar Collectors

Thermal Test Methods for Solar Collectors

Passive Solar Data Requirements

Economic Evaluation of Passive Solar Designs

for Urban Environments

Installation of Solar Components on Roofs

Solar Evaluation of the Norris Cotton Building

Monitoring Methods for Low-Cost Residential

Solar Systems

Commercial Solar Energy Demonstration

Solar Energy Program for Housing Systems

Dimensional Considerations in Solar Installation Solar Federal Buildings Program

Federal Procurement Specifications for Solar Heating

and Cooling

Economic Optimization Guide for Solar Systems

in Federal Buildings

Technical Evaluation Manual for Solar Retrofit

of Federal Buildings

International Cooperation in Solar Energy

Residential Solar Data Center

Development of Solar Regulatory Provisions

Code Analysis of Thermal Energy Storage

Solar Utilization in Cities and Towns

Combined Photovoltaic/Thermal Solar Systems

Characterization of Structural Response to Earthquakes

Seismic Provisions for Buildings

Characterization of Soil and Foundation Response

to Earthquakes

Romania Earthquake Rehabilitation

Loading Criteria for Structural Design

Development of Revisions to American National Standards Institute A58

Application of Reliability Analysis Concepts

to Building Components

Construction Load Evaluation

Concrete Construction Technology

Mechanical Properties of Maturing Concrete

Snow Loads on Nuclear Power Plant Structures

Criteria for Design of Cladding Subjected to Wind Loads

Criteria for Wind Tunnel Modeling

Measurement of Forces on Trench Bracing

Construction Practice in Excavation

Standards for Foundations and Excavations

In-Situ Geotechnical Measurements

Construction of the NBS Geotechnical Test Lab

Mobile Home Anchoring Against Flood and Windloads

Anchoring Mechanics for Mobile Homes

Review of Design Criteria for Energy Transport Systems

vi
Organic Coatings

44 Short-Term Evaluation of Steel Coatings

Stone Consolidating Materials

Evaluation of Joint Sealants for the Dirksen Building

45 Nondestructive Evaluation of Building Materials

Elastomeric Roofing Membranes

Roofing and Coatings Research for the Army

46 Blistering of Built-Up Roofing over

Polyurethane Insulation

Tri-Services Technical and Scientific Support

Improvement of Honeycomb Sandwich Panels

Building Safety 48 Criteria for Signs in Workplaces

Chromaticity Specifications for Color Weather

Radar Displays

Symbols Criteria and Standardization

Modeling Circulation System Safety

49 Security Barriers

Building Rehabilitation Technology 52 Construction Productivity for New and Rehabilitated

Buildings

Methods for Evaluating the Strength and Stability of

Existing Buildings

Regulatory Provisions for Existing Buildings

53 Performance Levels for Existing Buildings

Ventilation Criteria for Existing Buildings

Guidelines for Venting Single-Stack Drainage Systems

54 Restoration Standards for Porcelain Finishes

Metric Conversion Scheduling in the U.S. Building Community

Design and Construction Technology

Application Program

Building and Community Acoustics 58

59

60

Building Acoustics Technology

Highway Noise Criteria

Transmission Line Audible Noise Measurement

Impact Noise Measurement

Sound Absorption Measurement

Method for Assessing Costs of a Model

Noise-Control Code

Building Service Systems 62 Plumbing Systems Performance

Performance Performance of Water-Conserving Devices

Human Factors and Water Conservation

63 Economically Efficient Water Conservation Standards

Electrical Distribution Systems Protection

vii
Lighting Technology 66 Lighting Design Evaluation

Task Lighting Criteria

Measurement of Illumination Systems Effectiveness

Laboratory and Field Illumination Measurements

67 Applied Color and Vision

Visual Environment

Visual Techniques in NDE

Building Economics 70 Economic Methods for Building Standards

Economic Impact of Electronics Research

Quantitative Optimization Techniques

71 Economics Participation in Conferences,

Workshops, and Seminars

Building Community Index 73

>

viii
Abbreviations Used in the Text

ACF Area Cost Factors AID Agency for International Development

ACI American Concrete Institute AIA American Institute of Architects

AIARC AIA Research Corporation

ANMC American National Metric Council

ANSI American National Standards Institute ARI American Research Institute ASPE American Society of Plumbing Engineers

ASSE American Society of Sanitary Engineers

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

ASHRAE American Society for Heating, Refrigerating,

and Air-Conditioning Engineers

ASME American Society for Mechanical Engineers

BECC Building Energy Conservation Criteria

BFIRES A Computer Program Dealing with Human

Performance During Building Fires

BLAST An Energy Analysis Computer Program

BOCA Building Officials and Code Administrators

International, Inc. BRAB Building Research Advisory Board

BUR Built-up Roofing

CBT Center for Building Technology

CERL Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (U.S. Army)

CFR Center for Fire Research

CIB International Council for Building Research,

Studies, and Documentation

CICC Construction Industries Coordinating Committee

CSA Community Service Administration

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission

DoE Department of Energy

EDA Economic Development Administration

EIA Energy Information Agency

EMCS Energy Monitoring and Control Systems

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FCC Federal Construction Council

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FmHA Farmers Home Administration

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FIRL Franklin Institute Research Laboratories

GSA General Services Administration

HEW Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

HUD Department of Housing and Urban Development

HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning

ICBO International Conference of Building Officials IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

IERI Illumination Engineering Research Institute IES Illumination Engineering Society

ISO International Standards Organization

LBL Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

LCC Life-Cycle Costing

ix
LNG Liquid Natural Gas

MIMA Mineral Insulation Manufacturer Association

MIUS Modular Integrated Utility Systems

MPS Minimum Property Standards

NAHB National Association of Home Builders

NBS National Bureau of Standards

NBSLD National Bureau of Standards Load Determination

(A Computer Program)

NCSBCS National Conference of States on Building Codes

and Standards

NDE Nondestructive Evaluation

NEC National Electric Code

NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NIBS National Institute of Building Sciences

NIOSH National Institutes of Occupational Safety

and Health

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NPS National Park Service

NRC National Research Council (Canada)

NSF National Science Foundation

ORNL Oak Ridge National Laboratory

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

RCS Residential Conservation Service

RIF Resource Impact Factors RILEM International Union of Testing and Research

Laboratories for Materials and Structures RSV Reduced-Size Venting

SAE Society for Automotive Engineers

SERI Solar Energy Research Institute SPT Standard Penetration Tests SRM Standard Reference Materials

UF Urea-Formaldehyde

USGS United States Geological Survey

USNC/CIB United States National Committee/International

Council for Building Research, Studies, and

Documentation

UV Ultraviolet

VA Veterans Administration

x
CENTER FOR

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

CENTER HEADQUARTERS

Structures and

Materials

Division

Earthquake Hazard

Reduction

Construction Safety

Geotechnical

Engineering

Structural

Engineering

Building Materials

Building Composites

Building Thermal

Performance Division

Thermal Analysis

Thermal Solar

Building Energy

Criteria

Thermal Insulation

Environmental

Design Research

Division

Architectural Research

Sensory Environment

Building Safety

Building and Community

Acoustics

Building Economics

and Regulatory

Technology Division

Applied Economics

Rehabilitation Technology

Solar Technology

Criteria and

Standards Development

Building Equipment

Division

Thermal Machinery

Systems and Controls

Service Systems

xi

Energy

Conservation

in Buildings

a o

M

1
Energy Analysis: Norris Cotton GSA's Norris Cotton Federal Office Building in Building Manchester, N.H., has been designed to demonstrate a number of energy-saving concepts. For this reason, it Thomas E. Richtmyer uses a variety of equipment, such as heat pumps, modular

(301) 921-3602 boilers, an engine/generator with waste heat recovery, Building Thermal and Service Systems solar collectors, liquid thermal storage, and special

Division lighting. Exterior walls are of heavy masonry

construction with an outer insulating layer to create a Sponsor: Department of Energy "thermal flywheel," thereby reducing peak heating and

cooling loads. The windows are double-glazed and

occupy a relatively small fraction of the exterior facade.

Fin-like granite panels surround the windows and are

fixed in a position that reflects in sunlight during winter,

blocks out sunlight in summer, and breaks up strong

winds. Of the building's seven floors, no two are the same. Each one has some variation in its mechanical

equipment, lighting, and/or window arrangement.

Employing several different energy-saving concepts will,

of course, have value only if each is assessed individually

for its effectiveness. A computer data-acquisition system has been installed on

site that senses critical temperatures, fluid flows, and

electrical power throughout the building and records this information on magnetic tape. These tapes are then sent

to CBT where they are processed by a UNIVAC 1 108

computer. The output is a breakdown of energy usage

within the building. Also, computer simulations are performed for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness

of the equipment as it is currently operated. This

simulation program is also being used to study the effects of system modifications.

Energy Analysis Procedures The success of the Building Energy Performance

Standard hinges on the availability of accurate, yet easy Tamami Kusuda to use, energy analysis procedures. Although DoE has

(301) 921-3501 identified the DoE-2 program as the standard benchmark

Building Thermal and Service Systems energy analysis procedure, this particular program is not

Division suitable for use by practicing engineers and energy

officials because of its complexity and its requirement for Sponsor: Department of Energy large computers. This project will provide the criteria for certifying commercial and useable energy analysis

procedures, which would result in an annual energy

consumption estimate compatible with that produced by

DoE-2.

2
Energy Audit Procedures for

Commercial Buildings

Tamami Kusuda

(301) 921-3501

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

The first step in implementing the energy conservation

retrofit of existing buildings is to determine needed

improvements to the building, its HVAC systems, and its operation. To advise the building owner, an effective

energy audit procedure must be used to accurately

predict the tradeoff between the energy savings benefit

and required cost for implementing the suggested

options. Numerous audit procedures are already in existence in State and Federal Governments and the

private sector. However, none has achieved general

acceptance as a standard approach and many lack a

suitable procedure for prioritizing from among the many

retrofit options that may be presented by a given

building. This project will provide such an audit

procedure.

Dynamic Performance of HVAC

Systems and Controls

George Kelly

(301) 921-3839

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

To address the effect of control dynamics on energy

consumption, space conditions, and comfort, laboratory

tests will be carried out on many of the individual

components comprising the most common HVAC

systems and controls. Models will be developed for these

components, verified through laboratory testing, and

used to generalize the results to typical field applications.

Components whose performance could be studied

include induction systems, fan coil units, double duct

mixing boxes, variable volume boxes, and their respective

discharge air temperature control systems. Work will begin in FY80 on one or more of the most commonly

used systems and their related controls, and will be

broadened in FY81 to include other types of HVAC

system controls.

EMCS Reliability Study

K. Yee

(301) 921-3311

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

This project will concentrate on improving energy

monitoring and control systems (EMCS). It will survey

failures in existing EMCS systems and relate the failure data to several areas of concern: components, systemwide problems, manufacturing process, and software

issues. Problems will be grouped into those with known

remedies and without remedies. Recommendations will be prepared for enhancing reliability.

EMCS Computer Modeling

James Y. Shih

(301) 921-2144

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy and

Department of the Navy

Most of the existing conservation algorithms, on which

energy monitoring and control systems (EMCS)

operations are based, have limited capabilities associated

with rudimentary schemes for enhancing thermal

efficiency. Identification of the algorithms used in existing systems and of energy savings opportunities not

yet employed is needed. Under this project, algorithms

for advanced energy conservation methodology using

EMCS will be reported. The logic flow and advantages

will be explicitly documented.

3
Energy Analysis of Control Strategies

George Kelly

(301) 921-3839

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Under this project, the computer programs DOE-2 or BLAST-2 will be used to document the energy savings

attributed to the use of different, commonly employed

HVAC control strategies for a variety of HVAC

systems, building types, and climatic regions. Typical

strategies that will be studied include: economizer cycle

with and without enthalpy control, hot and cold deck

temperature reset, floating space conditions, resetting of

set points, and optimum start/stop. In addition, a small contract will be let to evaluate different approaches to the development of a computer simulation model capable

of predicting the effect of short-term (minute-by-minute)

control dynamics and evaluating the benefits of advanced

control strategies. The outcome of both of the above

tasks will be used to formulate the direction and shape of

NBS/DoE controls program in FY81.

Retrofit Instrumentation

Technology/EMCS Sensors

James Y. Kao

(301) 921-3844

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy and

Department of the Navy

This project will investigate and recommend suitable sensors and instrumentation technology for application to energy monitoring and control systems (EMCS). An

increasing number of commercial and institutional buildings are being built or retrofitted with EMCS

systems as an energy conservation tool. Decisions are made by the building owners and operators to repair or

replace energy-using equipment, based on data obtained

from EMCS. The accuracy and precision of feedback

information affects the ability to maintain desired

operating modes and conditions. If the uncertainties of

the measured quantities and energy rates are not properly

accounted for in specifying the system, the energy

efficiency may be impaired and information based on

maintenance or replacement measures may not be valid.

Thermostat Test Standard

James Y. Kao

(301) 921-3844

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

This project will develop a thermostat test procedure and

standard. Most heating and cooling systems installed in houses and small buildings use on-off electric thermostats

for temperature regulation. An important part of a closed

control loop, the thermostat interacts with the heating

and cooling plant, the building thermal characteristics,

and load changes (internal and external) to give dynamic

variations in space temperature. Although each

component of this loop influences the temperature level and the energy consumption of the building, it is essential that the behavior of the thermostat be known and

analyzed to have an accurate prediction of the energy

consumption of the building.

4
Evaluating the Performance of Heat

Pumps

David A. Didion

(301) 921-2994

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

The first objective of this study is to determine the

significance of the start-up, shut-down dynamics on the

energy performance of an absorption air conditioner of

residential size. If the dynamics prove significant (as is anticipated) the second objective will be to transform the

NBS steady state evaluation standard (under draft review) into one that will include these dynamic effects. CBT will conduct a series of cyclic tests on a new 3-ton ARKLA "solar" water-fired absorption air conditioner.

The results of the tests will be analyzed for two effects.

First, does the magnitude of the degradation of the unit's performance due to dynamics have a significant effect on

the seasonal performance rating in a typical installation? Second, are the unit's shut-down, start-up capacity

transients such that they may be simulated by a single- or double-time constant model.

Heat Pump Studies

George Kelly

(301) 921-3839

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

The current test procedure requires manufacturers to test an outdoor coil/compressor section with the indoor coil they sell most. This reduces the amount of testing

required, but causes problems when manufacturers want

to make representations regarding the performance of

other size (or type) indoor coils with that outdoor

section. CBT will develop a procedure that will enable

manufacturers to use the laboratory data from one

indoor/outdoor coil combination to predict the

performance likely to result from using other indoor coils with the outdoor section tested. Work will also continue on the field performance of three heat pumps in the

Washington, D.C. area.

Part-Load Performance of HVAC

Equipment

David A. Didion

(301) 921-2994

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

This project will establish the dynamic performance and

part-load efficiency characteristics of large HVAC

equipment for design simulation codes and for background data for minimum standards. Since the start of this project in 1977, an additional activity under the

sponsorship of ASHRAE has become significant and is of such similar nature (although much broader in scope)

that it has been convenient to incorporate the NBS/DoE

support under the ASHRAE project. This ASHRAE

activity is the Task Group on Building Dynamics. The

ultimate goal of this Task Group is the documentation of

the energy performance optimization of building

operations, predominately through control systems. The

heart of this effort will be another type of building

simulation code, but many of the component algorithms

(such as equipment) will be similar to the building design

simulation codes.

5
Furnace Studies The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (PL 94-163)

and the National Energy Act require the Department of

George Kelly Energy to prescribe test procedures and minimum

(301) 921-3839 performance standards, respectively, for residential Building Thermal and Service Systems furnaces and boilers. These laws state that the National

Division Bureau of Standards shall help DoE develop these

regulations. Final test procedures for furnaces and boilers Sponsor: Department of Energy were published in the Federal Register on May 10, 1978. DoE is refining these test procedures and setting

minimum standards. CBT will develop a computer model to evaluate the

effect of furnace or boiler location on seasonal

performance and annual operating cost. It will be

designed to cover installation in indoor living areas, indoor closets, outdoor closets, outdoors, and in "unheated" basements. The model will be verified by

conducting experimental studies on a mobile home

located in CBT's large environmental chamber. This

research will include evaluating off-period losses for direct vent, non-power burner furnaces using the optional

"tracer gas" testing procedure; determining the effect of

jacket losses and fuel modulation on a "finned tube"

boiler; and recommending modification of test procedures for automatic stack dampers to include

electric operated units that employ a time delay prior to

closing. CBT's recommendations to DoE will also address minimum efficiency standards for furnaces and

boilers.

Central Air Conditioner Studies This project will undertake the development and

verification of a computer model for a central air George Kelly conditioner that can be used by manufacturers to reduce

(301) 921-3839 the amount of laboratory testing required under the

Building Thermal and Service Systems existing test procedures. CBT will also work with

Division Purdue University in an evaluation of the use of time

constants to predict the part-load performance of central Sponsor: Department of Energy air conditioners.

Central Air Conditioner Test

Procedures

George Kelly

(301) 921-3839

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (PL 94-163)

requires the Department of Energy to prescribe test procedures for central air conditioners. The Department

of Energy published test procedures for central air conditioners in the Federal Register on November 25, 1977. These test procedures were based primarily on tests developed by the Center for Building Technology. DoE

is anxious to continue improving and refining these test procedures and has requested CBT to perform this research. DoE has also asked CBT to submit

recommendations on minimum standards for central air conditioners to help meet DoE's responsibilities under

the National Energy Act.

6
CBT's research performed on central air conditioners in FY80 will be aimed at determining if the present test procedure can be simplified. Theoretical work will be

carried out on the effect of different indoor/outdoor coil combinations and different design features (thermal

expansion device, capillary tube, fixed orifice, etc.) on

the part load and seasonal performance of residential central air conditioning equipment. It is hoped that this research will lead to the development of degradation

coefficients (or "enhancement factors") that can be

assigned in accordance with the different features possessed by a unit. Work will also begin on a central air conditioner computer "model" which could lead to a considerable reduction in the amount of testing required

by manufacturers and also make the job of verifying their compliance considerably easier.

Technical Evaluation Manual for Energy

Conservation

James H. Pielert (301) 921-3146

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

The rehabilitation of existing buildings, including energy

conservation considerations, requires a knowledge of

materials, components, and techniques that frequently

differ from those used in new construction. Often, when

considering rehabilitation activities to enhance the value

and extend the useful life of a building, those involved

face a lack of information on technical matters. This

work will attempt to fill that gap.

Building Energy Performance Criteria

Jim L. Heldenbrand

(301) 921-2177

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Recent Federal initiatives to regulate energy use at the

design stage of new buildings have pushed toward the

expansion of performance standards to include the whole

building level. Preliminary research for the development

of such building energy performance standards (BEPS)

was based largely on statistical analysis of calculated

building design energy requirements without specific

regard to the performance of the building components

themselves. A life-cycle costing (LCC) approach to development of BEPS has been recommended by CBT

and preliminary work by Battelle N.W. Labs and

Lawrence Berkeley Lab for DoE has applied the LCC

approach to envelopes of residential buildings. CBT will be developing illustrative building energy performance

criteria that cover both the envelope and heating and

cooling equipment for single-family dwellings. This

project will produce a methodology for integrating

component performance criteria which represent user needs into economics-based whole-building criteria.

7
Retrofit Training Criteria

Heinz R. Trechsel

(301) 921-3195

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

This project will support the Residential

Conservation Service (RCS) program by

developing installation standards and a comprehensive resource document for persons preparing State plans; training

programs and manuals for installers,

inspectors, and auditors; and informative

literature for dissemination to homeowners,

occupants, and others involved in the

manufacture, marketing, and installation of

energy-conserving retrofit measures. The

document will also be used by standards

organizations as a basis for converting the

installation standards to National Voluntary

Consensus Standards and by building

officials who regulate energy retrofit measures.

Revision for Bioclimatic Chart The Bioclimatic Comfort Chart, originally published in 1963, has had exceptionally wide influence on architects Preston McNall and planners involved in climate-adapted architectural

(301) 921-3595 design. It is the key element in a comprehensive climatic

Environmental Design Research Division design procedure. It defines the overheated and

underheated times of the year in a given climate and

Sponsor: Department of Energy provides for the subsequent design guidelines on the

positioning of sunscreens and windows; provision for natural ventilation; placement of thermal mass and

insulation; optimal building configuration, aspect ratio,

and orientation; and siting and landscaping measures.

The Bioclimatic Chart was, however, based on research

performed prior to 1963, and there has been a great deal

of new work since that time that suggests different comfort boundaries. There has also been new research on

different age groups, clothing levels, and activity levels other than those included in the present Bioclimatic

Chart, which is based on young adult, T-shirt clad,

reclining subjects. In addition, there is some information

now available on the comfort effects of high intensity

asymmetric radiation such as is experienced when sitting in direct sunlight, effects of higher levels of wind motion,

and effects of changing thermal conditions. Under this project, the chart will be revised to account for these new developments.

Daylighting Studies Daylight has been recognized as an effective way of

reducing the energy required for illuminating buildings.

Tamami Kusuda However, attendant impact on space heating and cooling

(301) 921-3501 requirements must be considered. Comprehensive

Environmental Design Research Division computer programs for calculating natural daylighting

are available, which incorporate complex mathematical

Sponsor: Department of Energy representations of light-ray reflections from surface to

8
surface within a room. Because of the costly machine

time, none of the existing building energy analysis

programs consider these interreflection simulations. NBS

has developed a simplified daylighting calculation routine

based upon a two-surface reflection model and intended

for use with NBSLD. To validate this simplified

procedure, experimental work is required to find a method of correlating the daylighting with the total hemispherical radiation over a horizontal surface. This

project will undertake these experiments.

Daylighting Prediction Methodology

Tamami Kusuda

(301) 921-3501

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Under this project, an instrumented mobile-home

daylight testing laboratory will be used to continue

measurement of available indoor daylighting as a function of outdoor solar radiation for many sets of

window configurations, internal wall reflectances, and

time of day. Also measured will be the air-conditioning

energy saved and illumination energy saved as the result of the daylight using various window and room

management strategies. Modifications will be made to the

cooling system to accurately measure the cooling load of

the test room. The results of this work will be used by

building reseachers at NBS, LBL, CERL and AIARC

for developing energy analysis tools, guidelines, and

criteria and standards for energy conservation in buildings. The work will be coordinated with the

programs of the IES (Research and Daylighting) and the

IERI.

NFC Research Associate Program

(Daylighting)

Tamami Kusuda

(301) 921-3501

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Fenestration Council

The National Fenestration Council, representing the

window manufacturers, and skylight and glass industries,

is interested in developing the energy conservation

features of window design and window operation.

Windows can be made very effective by the proper use of daylighting as a means of reducing electric lighting

loads while also benefiting from solar heat gains. But to truly understand the energy implications of daylighting

designs, a dynamic computer simulation is necessary, one

capable of analyzing hourly daylight and thermal

conditions. This project, once completed, will permit

various energy analysis procedures such as DOE-2,

BLAST, and NBSLD to include well-validated

daylighting calculations. This work will be carried out under the memorandum of agreement between the NFC

and the National Bureau of Standards. A research

associate was identified by NFC to work with CBT in carrying out the technical activities for 2 years. Mr. Gary

Gillette is working with CBT architects and engineers

using CBT's daylight research facilities.

9
Life-Cycle Cost Methodology

Rosalie T. Ruegg

(301) 921-2330

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

The report Life-Cycle Costing Manualfor the Federal

Energy Management and Planning Programs will be

revised and published in accordance with final LCC

Rules, the revised energy price projections of EIA, and

comments and suggestions from reviewers. A series of

nine regional Federal Life-Cycle Costing Workshops has

been conducted to instruct managers of Federal facilities and others about the new life-cycle costing rules. A

publication on life-cycle costing for the private sector

will be prepared. The publication will be consistent with

the NBS BSS113 report, Life-Cycle Costing—A Guide for

Selecting Energy Conservation Projects for Public Buildings,

and will extend the life-cycle costing procedures to incorporate taxes and other evaluations of energy

conservation investments in the private sector.

Cost-Effectiveness of Infrared HeatLoss Surveys (Ground-Based)

Richard A. Grot

(301) 921-3470

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Although thermal surveys of buildings are considered to be highly efficient from a technical viewpoint, they are much more expensive than traditional inspection

methods. The traditional methods, however, are less reliable. This project will correlate the energy savings,

costs, and techniques of infrared scanning to calculate the

most effective way of doing such surveys in urban

residential areas. The surveys will be carried out by

contractors in 10 cities. The results will be submitted to the ASHRAE committee on standards for thermographic

inspections.

Infrared Aerial Survey Evaluation

Douglas M. Burch

(301) 921-3602

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Considerable controversy exists within the technical

community concerning the effectiveness of aerial IR

surveys in rating the insulation levels of peaked

residential attics. Proponents of these surveys argue that buildings which are losing comparatively more heat

through the ceiling will have warmer roofs, causing them

to appear as having higher apparent radiation

temperatures than buildings with better insulated attics. Others argue that the apparent radiance temperature of a roof is dependent upon too many factors, such as roof

emittance, local air temperature, and wind speed, to enable the aerial scans to directly provide accurate

information.

Analysis of the "halo" surrounding the image of a house

in an aerial thermogram has been suggested as a procedure for identifying the level of wall insulation and

to check for storm windows. If validated, this procedure

would allow complete examination of the exterior

envelope of a residence from the air, reducing per-house

cost and time required for energy auditing. Under this project, a field study will be performed using three side- by-side houses (located in Springfield, Mo.) as test structures. Insulation levels and storm windows would be

varied to allow side-by-side comparisons of the aerial

10
thermograms. The investigation would be performed as a

joint effort between CBT, Texas Instruments, and

Energy Measures Corporation.

Weatherization Demonstration

Richard Crenshaw

(301) 921-2019

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: Community Services

Administration

The objectives of this project are to develop a field method for evaluating combinations of energy

conserving options, to measure the energy and cost savings associated with these options, and to develop

installation standards to assure consistent performance of

the options when installed. A sample of 300 frame, masonry, and masonry veneer, one-and two-story houses have been selected in 16 cities across the United States. More than 200 of these houses were weatherized with both architectural and mechanical

energy conserving options. The effectiveness of the

package of options selected for each site will be

evaluated by carefully comparing actual installation costs with field measured savings. Houses which show

unusually high or low savings will be further evaluated

using diagnostic tests to explain the variations. The results provide CSA with a quantified basis for their weatherization program. The results will also provide a

field check on the accuracy of ASHRAE and other

current energy calculation procedures for residences,

leading to suggestions for improving calculations used in predicting energy performance.

Building Infiltration Evaluation Reduction of outside air is one of the strategies proposed

to save energy in the heating and cooling of buildings.

Charles M. Hunt There is need for better information on natural

(301) 921-3560 ventilation rates of buildings with outside air dampers

Building Thermal and Service Systems closed. High-rise buildings present special problems.

Division Such information is needed before we know where we

stand with respect to existing ventilation standards, as Sponsor: Department of Energy well as tne possible revision of standards. Under this project, the NBS Administration Building has been

instrumented to measure air exchange by using SF6 tracer

gas.

In addition to selected tracer gas measurements, the current fan pressurization system will be finalized and

experience will be gained in the logistics of large building

measurements. If successful, flow parameters will be

measured for whole buildings and sub-elements such as floors and rooms, and these will be used in simulation

models. The measured data will be compared with those

calculated by the comprehensive multi-room air leakage

model. A preliminary test of the Shaw-Tamura model has

been carried out and will be reported. First generation

results suggest that more attention should be given to the

effects of the mechanical ventilation systems and

exhausts.

11
Guidelines for Controlling Attic

Condensation

Douglas M. Burch

(301) 921-3620

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Insufficient attic ventilation may lead to condensation on

the underside of roof sheathing of residential buildings.

Current guidelines on the minimum amount of attic ventilation are based on the experience and knowledge of

persons in the building industry; they were developed

approximately 30 years ago when the ceilings of houses

had very limited insulation. Due to the energy shortage, current recommendations require much greater amounts

of ceiling insulation. Houses with heavily insulated

ceilings will have colder attics, which will be more

susceptible to condensation and require higher ventilation

rates. A strong need exists to establish a rigorous

rationale for formulating guidelines for controlling attic condensation. This project will also resolve the issue as to whether a ceiling vapor barrier should be required.

Modeling Cooling with Whole-House

Fans

Douglas M. Burch

(301) 921-3620

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

A typical home air conditioner may require five times as much energy as a fan. The NBS studies in 1977 at the

Houston attic ventilation test houses confirmed that in many regions, outside air during the cooling season

fulfills comfort conditions during most of the year. It would be desirable to capitalize on fan cooling and

determine how much energy could be saved and what

kind of indoor environment can be expected under

cooling with forced ventilation.

This project is to determine more precisely when outside

air may be substituted for air conditioning, what

ventilation rates are required, how much energy is saved,

and algorithms to simulate the effects of forced

ventilation under different ventilation schedules and

different climates.

Underground Heat Distribution Systems

Tamami Kusuda

(301) 921-3501

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Defense and Tri- Services Committee

Although underground heat distribution systems are often considered in the energy conservation plans of

communities, many of the existing systems have been

failing due to ground water seeping into the system and

the rupture of the carrier pipes. Under this project, CBT

has constructed a conduit boiling test apparatus,

conducted the boiling tests on three different calcium

silicate insulation systems, and prepared three technical

reports. The Tri-Services engineers are interested in non- calcium silicate-type insulation for the conduit boiling

test as well.

12
Energy Conservation Through Waste

Use in Cement and Concrete

James R. Clifton

(301) 921-2630

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

The manufacture of portland cement consumes about 2 percent of the energy consumed in U.S. industrial processes. As much as 20 percent of the energy

consumed by the cement industry could be conserved by

the use of waste materials in cements and concretes. CBT

is comparing the behavior of blended cements and

concretes containing fly ashes and blast furnace slags to those of portland cements and portland cement concretes

to develop relationships between composition,

microstructure, and performance. These relationships

will form the basis for developing performance-based

standards for blended cements, and for fly ashes and slags

which are added to concretes.

Criteria will be prepared for tests to determine the sulfate resistance of cements and the effect of fly ashes on

chemical admixtures. Also, criteria will be developed on

the dimensional stability of blended cements. CBT is participating in ASTM committees concerned

with cements (CI) and waste material (E38). Through

this participation, we are playing an active role in the

establishment of new performance tests and criteria for blended cements and concretes, and for broadened use of

waste materials in construction.

13

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Building Thermal

Envelope Systems

and Insulating

Materials

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15
Thermal Insulation Standard Reference

Material

Chock I. Siu

(301) 921-3536

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Thermal insulation Standard Reference Materials (SRM)

are materials that can be used to calibrate thermal testing

devices of industry and independent testing laboratories. Candidate materials, available from economical sources under special order, are measured, characterized, and

certified as SRM's. A stock of high-density fiberglass

boards has been certified as SRM 1450. Also, density and

thermal conductivity measurements have been made on a stock of low-density fiberglass batts for use in the

National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program.

Measurements and analysis of this low-density material

will continue, leading to its certification as a SRM.

Thermal Insulation Analysis

Brian Rennex

(301) 921-3637

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Under this project, a base will be established for a multi- year approach to investigations into steady-state and

dynamic characteristics of heat, air, and moisture

transmission in materials, composites, and building

envelope systems. Initial emphasis will be given to a

detailed plan to analyze and report on the performance

of the new 1000-mm line-heat-source guarded hot plate

and to derive and validate formulas and analytical models

for thick, low-density insulation. Data being supplied

from the Thick Insulation Test Series will be used in this analysis and in the production of reports and papers for publication.

Thermal Insulation Test Series

Chock I. Siu

(301) 921-3536

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

A series of tests is being made on low-density and highdensity fiberglass insulation using the 200-mm guarded

hot plate, the 300-mm guarded hot plate, and the new

(under construction) 1000-mm line-heat-source guarded

hot-plate thick insulation tester. The data from this test series will be used to validate theoretical models and to establish the 1000-mm tester as a suitable apparatus for characterizing standard reference material (SRM) using

thick specimens. The technical and economic benefits to the insulation and building industries will be realized by

the elimination of present uncertainty regarding effective thermal conductivity of thick low-density materials.

Thermal Performance of Materials and

Elements

Robert R. Jones

(301) 921-3636

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Under this project, new technical data and test equipment and procedures will be developed for design

purposes and for standards on the thermal performance

of insulating materials and large building elements. The

goal will be to reduce energy requirements of buildings

while retaining acceptable levels of functional

effectiveness, durability, safety, and cost. The project

will be carried out as a part of a comprehensive plan

developed in cooperation with the Department of

Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Lawrence

Berkeley Laboratory, and the building industry. The

results from this activity will be greater and more

16
predictable energy conservation, a sound basis for competition in the building industry, and greater assurance of building durability, habitability, and

economy to the consumer.

Modeling Mass Effects with Outside

Insulation

Douglas M. Burch

(301) 921-3620

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

This study is addressed to the national concern for building energy conservation with specific reference to thermal mass. The present standards, such as ASHRAE

Standard 90-75R, DoE Model Code (NCSBCS), and the

HUD Minimum Property Standards have not considered

building thermal mass. As a result, there is a need to experimentally evaluate the energy savings attributable to thermal mass in building walls, especially with respect to the location of insulation. It costs more to bring masonrywall buildings up to existing heat-loss standards than

stud-wall buildings. The masonry-wall industry has

sought relief from these standards through recognition of

a thermal storage effect. A congressional subcommittee

recently passed a resolution to block the latest HUD

MPS revisions until thermal mass is recognized. The

results of this study and related efforts will give HUD,

FmHA, and DoE a needed technical base for policy

decisions.

Experimental Evaluation of Thermal

Mass

Douglas M. Burch

(301) 921-3620

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

This project addresses the concern for building energy

conservation, and specifically, thermal design of building

envelopes. The present standards, such as ASHRAE 90- 75R, DOE Model Code (NBSBCS), and the HUD

Minimum Property Standards, emphasize building

insulation without due regard to building thermal mass. CBT will experimentally evaluate the energy savings

from thermal mass in residential walls. Based on the

results of this work, preliminary guidelines for reduction

in thermal resistance for energy conservation standards

will be developed as a function of climate, orientation,

type of wall construction, and mode of operation for the

building. Five one-room test structures will be

constructed outdoors at the NBS site. These test structures will have the same floor plan, orientation, and

other common features. The walls of these structures will be (1) insulated lightweight wood frame, (2) uninsulated

lightweight wood frame, (3) insulated masonry, (4) uninsulated masonry, and (5) log. The experimental plan

is to instrument these test structures for measuring wall

heat transmission, heating and cooling energy

requirement, rate of air infiltration, and indoor comfort

condition. The test structures will be exposed to outdoor

conditions for one calendar year. Differences in wall heat

transmission, heating and cooling energy requirements,

and indoor comfort attributed to variations in wall

thermal mass will be quantified and correlated with

respect to the outdoor climatic condition. The NBSLD

17
Computer Program will be validated for predicting these

parameters for a full range of outdoor conditions.

MIMA Research Associate Program

Robert R. Jones

(301) 921-3636

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Mineral Insulation Manufacturer

Association

The Mineral Insulation Manufacturer Association is interested in developing testing procedures for accurate determination of the thermal resistance of thick

insulation. An essential element in this development is the

construction of and initiation of tests on a new line-heat- source guarded-hot-plate thick insulation tester at NBS.

Another element is the development of mathematical

models and an analysis program to use test data to be

generated on the new tester. These activities will lead to the capability of delivery to private testing laboratories

of thick insulation transfer calibration specimens. A

research associate, selected by the Mineral Insulation

Manufacturer Association, will work with CBT for 2 years in this effort.

Guarded Hot-Plate Tester for Thick

Insulation

Mahn Hee Hahn

(301) 921-2486

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Increasing national interest in energy conservation

encourages the use of thick insulation—sometimes as much as 300 mm (12 in) or more. The existing NBS

apparatus is only capable of accurate thermalconductivity measurements of insulating material

specimens up to 50 mm thickness. An apparatus capable

of precise measurements of thick insulation is urgently

needed to provide a calibration base for industry and for independent testing laboratories. This project will result

in construction of a 1000-mm diameter line-heat-source

guarded-hot-plate apparatus for thermal conductivity

measurements on materials up to 350-mm thick.

Calibrated Hot Box Construction

Douglas M. Burch

(301) 921-3620

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

This year, the construction of the calibrated hot box for

testing large wall sections will be started. It will be

capable of simultaneous testing of air, moisture, and heat

transfer through test walls 3 m X 5 m in size, subject to diurnal environmental chamber cycles. A test program

will be prepared and a draft standard calibration

procedure and error analysis will be developed.

Corrosion Avoidance in Encapsulated

Wiring

Robert W. Beausoliel

(301) 921-2554

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Long-term laboratory tests, started in FY79 to evaluate

the durability of electrical boxes in an insulated

environment, will be continued. Additional sealed humidity-controlled vessels containing outlet boxes and

switch boxes (including wiring devices) with and without

thermal insulation will be included in the test program.

These tests will use new thermal insulation samples that

satisfy the proposed HH-I-515D corrosion specification. Test results will be compared with "idealized" testing

18
results from 515D. Additional tests will attempt a

correlation of corrosion on other building elements, such

as piping and nails, that come in contact with the thermal

insulation.

Retrofit Criteria: Insulation and Wiring This project will conduct laboratory tests of several

insulation materials to establish tables of allowable

Lawrence S. Galowin thermal blanketing over wiring of various sizes at their (301) 921-3293 peak ampacity ratings. Acceptable installation practices

Building Thermal and Service Systems to provide thermal release paths for thermal insulation

Division will be determined. CBT will also study the ability of

studs, joists, and gypsum to reduce wire temperatures.

Sponsor: Department of Energy The outcome of this work will be safety criteria for use by DoE.

19

D

D .0

Building Solar

Systems

Technology

m

§1 W@m?

21
Collector Durability and Reliability Test

Program

David Waksman

(301) 921-3285

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

The reliability and long-term performance of solar collectors has not generally been demonstrated. Recent

studies have indicated that significant changes in collector performance (greater than 10 percent) can occur as a result of exposure to "no-flow" conditions for

3 to 9 weeks. Various component and materials tests have been proposed to evaluate the reliability/durability

of solar collectors. However, these testing procedures

have to be proved. This project is intended to provide a coordinated testing program that will result in establishing validated testing procedures to relate laboratory, accelerated field, simulated operational exposure, and actual field demonstration data for solar collectors used in building heating and cooling

applications.

A review of existing and planned testing procedures

useful in evaluating the reliability/durability of collector

units and their materials will be conducted. Laboratory

and outdoor field exposure tests will be performed on

solar collectors and their materials. The results of these

tests will be correlated and compared with actual in-use performance. Long-term field exposures will be

conducted at a number of different sites to evaluate

climatic effects. Test specimens representative of various

collector types are being used.

Standards for Rubber Hose and Rubber hose is an economical and efficient connector

Connections between the solar collectors and manifolds on the supply

and return lines of solar energy systems. Rubber hose is Robert D. Stiehler sometimes also used at the inlet and outlet of pumps,

(301) 921-3180 storage tanks, and other components in the system. At

Structures and Materials Division present, however, there is no standard for hose used in solar systems. The environment and other conditions

Sponsor: Department of Energy surrounding solar energy systems necessitate a highquality hose with a long life, good resistance to ozone and other atmospheric pollutants, and good performance

at high and low temperatures. Standard methods of

testing hose for most of these characteristics are given in ASTM D380-77. The principal task here is to establish minimum requirements for the hose, based on these tests, to assure satisfactory performance in solar energy

systems.

The approach will consist of identifying performance

requirements, important properties related to performance, factors that could affect the performance,

and existing tests to measure performance of rubber hoses

and connections. Laboratory studies will be performed to determine if materials meet the requirements and to develop procedures, as needed, to measure performance.

Based on the laboratory studies, draft standards will be

submitted to ASTM Committee Dll for consideration as consensus standards. A report, Solar Energy Systems—

Standards for Rubber Hose (NBSIR 79-1917), which

22
presents results of laboratory studies and a recommended

draft standard, was published in November 1979.

Standards for Solar Cover Plates Most solar collector designs incorporate a cover plate

whose purpose is to transmit solar energy while

Elizabeth J. Clark protecting the inner areas of the collector from the

(301) 921-2635 exterior environment and reducing the heat loss. Any

Structures and Materials Division l oss m the transmittance of solar energy through the cover plate results in a decrease in the efficiency of the

Sponsor: Department of Energy entire solar heating and cooling system. The

transmittance and other important properties of some

cover plate materials are frequently deteriorated by

sunlight and the temperatures encountered in solar

collectors. Many standard test methods are available to evaluate materials such as glass and plastic. However, the

performance requirements for cover plates of solar collectors are not entirely covered by the existing test methods. The purpose of this project is to prepare draft performance standards for cover plate materials used in flat-plate solar collectors. The products of the project,

drafts of standard test methods by which cover plates

used in solar energy systems may be evaluated, will be

sumitted to ASTM Committee E44 for consideration as consensus standards.

Standards for Nonmetallic Containment

Materials

Elizabeth J. Clark

(301) 921-2635

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Materials used to contain, transport, or store fluids in solar energy systems are called containment materials.

Plastic containment materials are being used increasingly

in solar collectors, solar ponds, tanks containing heated

storage liquids, and piping. Numerous field problems

have been reported with plastics. These problems stem

primarily from the poor thermal and UV stability of some plastic materials. Many standard methods are

available to evaluate plastic materials. However, the

performance requirements for containment materials in solar systems are not entirely covered by the existing test methods. The purpose of this project is to prepare draft standards for nonmetallic containment materials used in solar systems. Initially, performance criteria,

performance attributes, degradation factors, and

currently available tests were identified. Tests were then

assessed to determine if modifications were necessary to

reflect solar conditions in use. Laboratory and field studies are being performed to obtain data needed to prepare testing standards. Draft standards will be

submitted to ASTM Committee E44 as possible consensus standards.

23
Standards for Solar Absorptive

Coatings

Larry W. Masters

(301) 921-3458

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

While numerous standard tests have been developed for coatings in building construction, the performance

requirements involved in solar systems are quite

different. For example, temperatures on the absorptive

surface may reach 250 °C or greater, but standard test methods for coatings seldom involve temperatures as high as 100 °C. The purpose of this project is to prepare

such draft standards, which will be based upon results of

laboratory and field studies and will be submitted to the

ASTM Committee E44 for consideration as consensus

standards. ASTM acceptance is expected by the end of

1980. The research findings will ensure improved

absorptive coatings performance, provide a basis for selecting proper materials, and enhance acceptance of

solar systems by making them more reliable.

Evaluation of IPC Corrosion Test

Methodology

Paul W. Brown

(301) 921-2993

Structures and Materials Division

This project will assist in the selection of proper metalfluid pairs as a basis for the design of durable solar collector systems. Currently there are no technical data

to ensure the validity of the corrosion test methodology

as described in Interim Performance Criteria, NBSIR 76- 1187, November 1976 (IPC).

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Solar Hot Water System Test Program

Arthur H. Fanney

(301) 921-3754

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Under this project, two simultaneous experiments are being conducted. In the first, six representative domestic

hot water systems, with water-heating and air-heating

collectors, single and double tank configurations (with

and without heat exchanger), and with pumped and

thermosyphon flow, are being subjected to controlled

field tests for 12 months. In the second experiment,

controlled laboratory tests are being run on selected components with simulated solar input to examine the

effects of stratification and heat exchangers on system

performance as well as to examine alternate methods of

testing complete systems in the laboratory.

Reports and technical papers comparing experimental

data with the performance predicted by the applicable

computer simulation codes for the six field-installed systems for the first 12 months (July 1978-June 1979), and

a description of the changes and additions made to the

test facility for FY80 have been published. Reports and

technical papers covering the test results for the second

12 months will also be published. Results on the

laboratory verification of the recommended test procedure for rating solar domestic hot water systems

under consideration by ASHRAE (Standard 95P) will be

published.

24
Structural Performance of Solar

Collectors

Emil Simiu

(301) 921-2346

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

In designing solar collectors and their supports, the

effects of aerodynamic loads induced by wind, snow

loads caused by drifting and accumulation around the

collectors, loads induced by seismic events, loads

associated with incompatible thermal expansion of

collector arrays, and the resistance of collector systems

or elements to the action of hail, must be considered. For

certain collector systems the technical information

required for safe and economical structural design is not

available. The purpose of this project is to develop

structural performance criteria and guidelines, especially

for collector supports and fasteners. The results of the

research will be used by designers and code writers.

Thermal Test Methods for Solar

Collectors

Elmer R. Streed

(301) 921-3285

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Standardized testing and rating procedures for solar collectors are needed in a form similar to those published

for fuel-burning equipment, air conditioners, and heat

pumps. Many different kinds of solar collectors are being

developed at universities and research laboratories and

there is an urgent need to compare their performance on some common basis. In addition, commercial models of

various collectors are now available and the procedures

provide an equitable basis for competition among

manufacturers and an essential basis for design and

selection of equipment. So far, under this project,

standardized testing procedures for solar collectors have

been proposed and adopted. Test facilities incorporating

three test stands for conducting indoor and outdoor tests of solar collectors have been constructed at CBT. The

procedures will be investigated, verified, and modified.

Passive Solar Data Requirements

William Ducas

(301) 921-3620

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Although passive systems exist and are growing in number, quantitative thermal performance data are

lacking, and a quantitative comparison with another

passively or actively heated and cooled building is difficult. The first step in this project has been to write a reference document that identifies a systematic

classification, recommends measurements, performance

reporting, and data analysis techniques to be used in experimental invesitgations of passive solar heated

buildings. To assess the validity and usefulness of the

reference document it will be applied to the evaluation of

instrumented passive buildings. Since there is a lack of

instrumented passive solar buildings in regions other than

the South and West, one building will be built at the

NBS site in Gaithersburg, and will consist of four two- room test units that incorporate the major passive

concepts described in the reference document.

25
Economic Evaluation of Passive Solar

Designs for Urban Environments

Jeanne Powell

(301) 921-2330

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

This project is aimed at increasing the application of

solar designs in cities by developing evaluation methods,

cataloging systems and materials, conceptualizing

prototype solar applications, developing guidelines for

their use, and estimating the energy benefits and life- cycle costs of the prototypes. The method will focus on

the costs of purchase, installation, maintenance, repairs,

replacement, and energy and will include a number of more difficult-to-measure benefits and costs, such as the

effects of passive solar design on resale value of the

building, lighting, building income, and space availability

and use for agriculture and other commercial activities. A final report will be published in 1980.

Installation of Solar Components on

Roofs

Robert G. Mathey

(301) 921-2629

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Solar components have been installed on

commercial/industrial type buildings without regard to

their effect on the roofing systems. Improper applications

have led to ponding of water on the roof, leakage,

moisture build-up, deterioration of the roofing system,

and inadequate slope to drain. In this project, technical

data will be developed on the proper installation of solar components. This will include the investigation of

roofing problems attributed to solar components installed on roofs and the definition of problems, determination of

their causes, and recommended solutions. Guidelines will be prepared for proper solar component installation with

regard to roof maintenance, repair, retrofitting, and

replacement. Consideration eration will be given to building collector panels into roof systems instead of

placing them on elevated supports.

Solar Evaluation of the Norris Cotton

Building

William B. May

(301) 921-3754

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

A solar energy system has been integrated into the

heating and cooling systems of a Federal office building

in Manchester, N.H. This building was specifically

constructed to demonstrate energy conservation features

for commercial buildings. Under this project, tests of

individual solar panels in this system will be made to compare collector performance with the requirements in the original contract specifications. Performance data

will be gathered on a long- and short-term basis by an automated data system. The contribution of the solar system toward reducing fossil fuel requirements will be

determined. Quarterly reports on the performance of the

system as measured at the building will be produced.

26
Monitoring Methods for Low-Cost

Residential Solar Systems

Elmer R. Streed

(301) 921-3285

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

The successful large-scale use of solar energy for

residential space or domestic hot water heating is predicated on proper operation of the solar system,

without the use of sophisticated monitoring apparatus.

Experience obtained by HUD in the Solar

Demonstration Program and by others has indicated the

performance of noninstrumented installations can vary

significantly from one unit to another because of

undetected operational problems. One method of

minimizing the effect of these problems is to provide the

operator with a set of systems capable of detecting

improper operation. Under this project, three levels of

instrumentation, ranging from meters to onsite

minicomputers, will be installed in the CBT solar townhouse. This instrumentation will be evaluated for ease of installation, operation, range, accuracy, cost, and

appropriateness.

Commercial Solar Energy

Demonstration

Robert D. Dikkers

(301) 921-3285

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

CBT staff members have participated in the preparation

of draft standards and performance criteria and have

participated in the evaluation of commercial solar system

performance. Experience gained from the evaluation of

system performance will be fed back into the

development of improved criteria. During FY80, CBT

staff will seek comments and suggestions on existing

performance criteria (NBSIR 76-1187, Interim

Performance Criteria for Solar Heating and Cooling

Systems in Commercial Buildings) from industry,

designers, and other members of the building community.

In regard to standards development, CBT staff will work

with appropriate ANSI, ASME, ASHRAE, and ASTM

committees. CBT will also assist DoE in the evaluation

of flat-plate collector test results obtained in a DoE

Interim Collector Testing Program.

Solar Energy Program for Housing

Systems

Robert D. Dikkers

(301) 921-3285

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

Under this project, an interdisciplinary team of CBT staff members has participated in the preparation of

intermediate solar standards and performance criteria and

is participating in the evaluation of residential demonstration solar system performance. Experience

gained from the evaluation of system performance will be fed back into the development of improved criteria. The evaluation process during the demonstration

program will involve comparisons of actual with

predicted system and component thermal performance,

and the evaluation of operational problems (materials

degradation, equipment failures, etc.).

27
Dimensional Considerations in Solar

Installation

Hans J. Milton

(301) 921-2720

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

The sizing of collectors, reticulation networks, and

storage units in active solar systems—including their dimensional relationships and tolerances—has not so far been subject to any standardization except for domestic

hot water tanks. An awareness of dimensional and sizing

considerations is important to the development of

preferred unit and connection sizes. In addition, the

implications of the likely change to metric units and

dimensional coordination in building during the 1980's represents a challenge to the solar industry, since many

of the system components are derived from the building

materials supply sector. The major thrust of this study will be to identify

dimensional considerations and to illustrate their impact on solar systems, especially external components. The

determination of preferred sizes will allow greater

interchangeability, standardization, and performance

comparison of dimensionally similar units. A report will

detail existing dimensions in the industry and provide a

starting point for the development of preferred

dimensions. It will also indicate areas requiring further study or development.

Solar Federal Buildings Program

Robert D. Dikkers

(301) 921-3285

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Under this task, CBT will provide consulting and

advisory services to support the DoE Solar Federal

Buildings Program. These services will include the

following: active participation in DoE and SERI

conferences to discuss performance criteria and

standards; assistance in the development of plans to collect various data (i.e., maintenance and operational

data); and assistance, as in establishing a computer data

base to process and evaluate informaton collected from

Federal agencies participating in the DoE program.

Federal Procurement Specifications for

Solar Heating and Cooling

Charles T. Mahaffey

(301) 921-3285

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

A large-scale effort is scheduled for using solar energy

systems in new and existing Federal buildings. The

efficient implementation tation of the program by the

many Federal agencies involved can be greatly aided by

the development and use of model performance oriented

specifications for the systems to be purchased.

CBT will compile specifications now being used by

Federal agencies for purchasing solar heating and

cooling systems. The analyzed data, augmented by recent

solar research findings, will be used to develop a model

set of purchase specifications for each system category.

Drafts of these models will be reviewed by technical

representatives of designers, manufacturers, and Federal

agencies. The resulting model purchase specifications,

revised in line with the review committee comments, will be published in a final report.

28
Economic Optimization Guide for Solar

Systems in Federal Buildings

Rosalie T. Ruegg

(301) 921-2330

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

To obtain cost-effective solar systems, it is important that economic evaluations be used in their early planning,

design, and sizing. Although a number of computer

programs are currently available containing economic

evaluation subroutines, they are generally "black-box"

algorithms that are part of larger thermal analysis

programs. These programs afford the user little understanding of the optimization procedure.

Furthermore, there is often wide variation in the

economic results obtained by using such programs.

Under this project, a solar optimization guidebook will be developed that will explain the optimization

procedure, provide a model and accompanying

interactive computer program, give examples illustrating

the use of the program, and be accompanied by a computer software package consisting of both computer

cards and magnetic tape.

Technical Evaluation Method for Solar

Retrofit of Federal Buildings

James H. Pielert (301) 921-3146

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

It is clear that those groups involved with building

rehabilitation lack the information on matters required to make the best technical decisions. This is especially true

in the area of solar retrofit since most building systems

(structure, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) would be

affected. This project will attempt to fill this informational gap by developing a methodology and

body of technical data for evaluating the condition of

existing building systems.

International Cooperation in Solar

Energy

Elmer R. Streed

(301) 921-3285

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

CBT has a major role in the preparation of performance

criteria and test methods for the use of solar energy in the United States. DoE has requested that this expertise

be used to contribute to the formulation and evaluation

of solar collector testing procedures being developed by

various countries participating in an International Energy

Agency (IEA) Working Group. This project will foster the development of IEA-recommended test procedures

by participating in international critiques of U.S. and

foreign standards and proposed test procedures and by

taking part in round-robin thermal performance and

durability tests of various collectors.

Residential Solar Data Center

Patricia Christopher

(301) 921-3285

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

The National Program for Solar Heating and Cooling is aimed at helping alleviate a critical shortage in the

Nation's available fossil fuel resources by promoting

- widespread commercialization and accelerated use of

solar heating and cooling. The raw (noninstrumental)

data that is collected from the HUD residential demonstration program is stored, processed, and

transmitted to appropriate users and contractors for additional study, evaluation, and dissemination. Such a system is currently in operation, and feedback from the

29
users has indicated a need for a more complex design. In

1979, the new design was implemented, new user documentation written, and training sessions given. Two

reports describing the data center and available computer

reports were published in 1979 (NBSIR 79-1762 and

NBSIR 79-1923) Residential Solar Data Center Data

Resources and Reports and Residential Solar Data Center Grant Reports. InFY80, emphasis will be placed on

developing special reports of summary data to be used

for analysis of trends and problem areas.

Development of Solar Regulatory

Provisions

Joseph Greenberg

(301) 921-2758

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

To make solar energy a viable and maturing energy

source for the Nation, the regulatory system must not impede technical development. Under NBS leadership, a

solar regulatory study was conducted and published in 1978. Using the NBS study as a base, this project is currently assisting DoE in the development of model

solar building regulatory provisions in a consensus mode

under the sponsorship of the Council of American

Building Officials, using the ANSI-accredited

organization approach.

Code Analysis of Thermal Energy

Storage

Joseph Greenberg

(301) 921-2758

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Thermal energy storage systems may possess

characteristics which are inherently hazardous to health

and safety unless proper precautions are exercised. Local

building officials, charged with the responsibility for overseeing and enforcing the health and safety provisions

of the various building codes, must be satisfied that solar components and systems proposed for installation comply

with accepted guidelines established for their jurisdictions.

CBT will study the thermal energy storage/code and

standards interface. Thermal energy storage systems and

components will be reviewed and potential hazards to health and safety identified and discussed with the

hardware and system developers. These potential hazards

will be assessed in relation to existing code provisions

and a determination made regarding the potential

acceptance of this equipment by code enforcement

officials. The code changes needed to allow installation of equipment in an unmodified configuration will be

identified and a course of action suggested.

The four nationally recognized model codes (Basic,

Standard, Uniform, and National), their associated

plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and life safety codes,

and other applicable documents will be reviewed to determine those provisions which would restrict or

prohibit the installation and use of thermal energy

storage devices.

30
Solar Utilization in Cities and Towns Heating buildings accounts for about one-sixth of the

Nation's energy consumption. Solar energy is S. Robert Hastings acknowledged as a logical source for this heat and its use

(301) 921-2107 is increasingly common in rural and suburban areas. Environmental Design Research Division More widespread use of solar energy in urban settings

has not occurred because of physical, social, political,

Sponsor: Department of Energy and economic barriers. This project will analyze these

barriers and recommend technical options for enlarging

the use of solar energy in cities. Current evaluation

techniques are largely inadequate for assessing the solar and thermal performance of the large-scale passive solar designs that show greatest promise for reducing energy

consumption in such urban surroundings. Without

adequate prediction ability, it will be impossible to confidently install demonstration projects or evaluate the nature of their effectiveness. There is, therefore, a need

for an evaluation procedure that assesses the thermal and

economic performance of large-scale and multi-building

passive solar applications. At the same time, there is a need for thermal and economic results calculated by such

a procedure on a selected range of prototype retrofit techniques.

Combined Photovoltaic/Thermal Solar

Systems

Elmer R. Streed

(301) 921-3285

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Solar Energy Research Institute

In conjunction with the Center for Electronics and

Electrical Engineering, CBT is providing consulting and

review support to the Solar Energy Research Institute for the development of performance criteria and test methods for the use of photovoltaic and combined

photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems in buildings and

other applications. CBT staff participates in group

meetings related to the development of performance

criteria and standards. Indepth reviews of draft documents are made and new requirements for test methods are identified. Proposals for the development of new test methods or studies are prepared.

31

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Earthquake Hazard

Reduction

R-H

Jl a V/-CO

33
Characterization of Structural During the development of tentative design provisions

Response to Earthquakes for buildings, information on strength-based design

criteria for structures, particularly reinforced mansonry,

Edgar V. Leyendecker was found to be incomplete. New analytical approaches,

(301) 921-3471 confirmed by laboratory test data, are required. This

Structures and Materials Division project will investigate the dynamic behavior of

structures and components to determine performance

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards characteristics up to the ultimate limit state and provide a

basis for the formulation and validation of methods of

analysis and design.

Analytical and laboratory work will be directed initially

towards developing masonry shearwall design guidelines.

These guidelines will be based on research conducted at various research laboratories, including NBS. Laboratory

research will include cyclic testing on masonry

shearwalls, primarily lightly reinforced, with some

heavily reinforced for correlation with research

conducted elsewhere.

Seismic Provisions for Buildings

Edgar V. Leyendecker

(301) 921-3471

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Federal Emergency

Management Agency

In 1974 the National Science Foundation and the

National Bureau of Standards initiated a program to develop improved seismic design provisions for buildings. As a consequence, the "Tentative Provisions

for the Development of Seismic Regulations for Buildings" were developed by the Applied Technology

Council in an effort that included a wide range of experts

in the actual drafting of the provisions. Two external review drafts were circulated to a large portion of the

interested and informed community of eventual users. However, because the Tentative Provisions are quite

innovative, serious doubts about them may exist. Prior to undertaking an expensive assessment of the Tentative

Provisions through trial designs, an attempt will be made

to investigate these doubts and to improve the provisions

where possible. It is likely that many issues exist that will not be resolved by this activity; some will require the

information that will be developed in the conduct of the

trial designs and subsequent impact assessment before

resolution can be expected.

This project will improve the agreement among

concerned parties on the technical details of the

Tentative Provisions. This will be done through a series of technical committees that will be assembled to resolve

comments on the structural design requirements and

design procedures, resolve comments on the material

requirements, resolve comments on architectural,

mechanical, and electrical components and systems, and

resolve comments on the regulatory use of the

provisions. In order to assure the future implementation

of the refined provisions, NBS will work closely with the Building Seismic Safety Council on each phase of the

refinement of the provisions as well as the development

34
of a plan for assessing the economic impact of the

provisions.

The Interagency Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction established by the President's Earthquake

Hazard Reduction Program, will develop improved

uniform standards for Federal construction by 1980. The

American National Standards Institute Committee has a

similar timetable for developing a revised version of

ANSI Standard A58 dealing with design loads for

buildings. These two groups will be involved with this project and the results will impact future editions of their standards.

Characterization of Soil and Foundation

Response to Earthquakes

Felix Y. Yokel

(301) 921-2648

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Relative density is currently used as the single most

important parameter in preparing laboratory specimens

of sand to model in-situ liquefaction potential. Research

now indicates that many other characteristics of the soil are important, such as the manner of deposition, history

of preconsolidation, and history of vibration.

A series of pilot tests performed by NBS indicate that the

in-situ shear modulus is a major parameter in predicting

liquefaction potential. The shear modulus of sand can in turn be measured in-situ by shear wave propagation. This

project will test the stiffness hypothesis, provide the

information needed for its application in earthquake

engineering, and conduct the laboratory test necessary to characterize the parameters which affect the in-situ dynamic response.

Romania Earthquake Rehabilitation Following the March 4, 1977, earthquake in Romania, a team of NBS and USGS engineers visited Romania to Randolph Williams inspect earthquake damage and identify ways in which

(301) 921-2196 U.S. technology capabilities could be used to aid in post- Structures and Materials Division earthquake recovery. Specific recommendations were made to the Romanian Government concerning

Sponsor: U.S. Geological Survey structural rehabilitation, earthquake monitoring, and

earthquake engineering. The USGS has requested that CBT provide guidance to select, purchase, and evaluate

instrumentation needed for earthquake engineering

research. The project will include a survey of earthquake

engineering laboratories in the United States. A list of

earthquake engineering equipment will be compiled and

submitted to representatives of the Government of

Romania for their approval. NBS will assist USGS with

contract documents for the selection, purchase, and

acceptance of the instrumentation for earthquake

engineering research.

35

Structures

and Foundations

Performance

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Us

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37
Loading Criteria for Structural Design

Bruce R. Ellingwood

(301) 921-2170

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Current structural design standards rely on different philosophies and criteria for design, depending on the

material or construction technology used. This tends to complicate design when different technologies are employed in the same structure and differences in philosophy cause a lack of consistency in the reliability levels of different buildings. In recognition of these

problems, the trend in Europe and Canada has been

toward the development of a common basis for design

that would be applicable to all buildings regardless of

their material or construction technology. To ensure adequate performance, the unifying concept of limit states has been used, along with a probabilistic treatment of the uncertainties invariably found in engineering

design. This project is concerned with the development

of design criteria, specifically applicable to building

standards in the United States, that will ensure adequate

reliability against structural failure and unserviceability.

This will lead to reduced building costs by simplifying

the design process and stimulating market competition

between construction technologies.

Development of Revisions to American

National Standards Institute A58

Bruce R. Ellingwood

(301) 921-2170

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

ANSI mandates that its standards be reaffirmed or

revised periodically to assure that they reflect the latest

in engineering knowledge. The state of knowledge

regarding loads on buildings has evolved and improved

considerably since the current standard was issued in 1973, making its revision necessary. This work will

satisfy the clear need on the part of code authorities and

design professionals for a design load reference standard

which incorporates the latest information on building

technology and loads research.

Application of Reliability Analysis

Concepts to Building Components

Jonathan Martin

(301) 921-3208

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

A recent article in Plastics Engineering indicated that, if the construction industry continues to use plastics at the

present rate, polymers could emerge as the major class of

building components of the 21st century. While this statement reflects the growing optimism for the future

role of polymers in construction, there are technical

barriers which slow the rate of growth. In particular, the

potential thermal and nonthermal degradation of , polymers presents a technical barrier. The purpose of this research is to address the degradation/durability barrier

by modeling the thermal and nonthermal degradation of

polymeric building components using a reliability physics

approach. A major part of this work will focus upon

extending research which has demonstrated that solar transmittance decreases over time when selected polymers are subjected to thermal and nonthermal

(ultraviolet radiation) stresses.

38
Construction Load Evaluation

Hai S. Lew

(301) 921-2647

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Design load requirements in existing standards for falsework are not adequate and are often identified as a major contributing factor in construction failures. This is due primarily to a lack of documented construction load

data. To remedy this problem, a methodology for a field survey of construction loads will be developed. Using

specially instrumented shores, live loads on the

formwork system will be monitored at actual construction sites, and a set of guidelines will be prepared

for submittal to ANSI and other code-generating groups.

Concrete Construction Technology

Hai S. Lew

(301) 921-2647

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Concrete construction is responsible for 25 percent of all construction-related deaths and injuries. Many

construction accidents are related to erection and

removal of formwork, which is based largely on rule-of- thumb procedures rather than on sound engineering

principles. The lack of rational and effective construction

methodology has a direct and significant bearing on

safety and economy of concrete construction. Improved

construction methodology will provide cost savings and

considerably reduce construction accidents. Guided by

the field survey data on erection imperfections of singlepost shores, a parametric study of variables that affect the strength of shores will be carried out using a computer-based model. The results of the study will be

used in the development of a computer model for

analysis of construction load distribution between the

structure and the formwork.

Mechanical Properties of Maturing

Concrete

Hai S. Lew

(301) 921-2647

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Removal of concrete forms and supports and the use of

concrete structures before the concrete has gained

sufficient strength has resulted in collapses of structures under construction. Such construction disasters can be

prevented if the strength and stiffness characteristics of

concrete at early ages can be determined accurately.

Under this project, cylinder specimens cast and cured at various temperatures will be tested. Compressive and

tensile strengths and elastic moduli determined from

these cylinders will be used to establish strength and

stiffness characteristics. The results of this work will be

used in the development of guidelines for safe formwork

removal.

Snow Loads on Nuclear Power Plant

Structures

Bruce R. Ellingwood

(301) 921-2170

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Current design standards specify snow loads on roofs by

multiplying the ground snow load by a snow load

coefficient Cs. In ANSI Standard A58. 1-1972, Cs

depends on roof exposure and geometry. Except in valleys of sloped roofs and locations of elevation change,

the load is assumed to be uniformly distributed. However, snow seldom accumulates evenly because of

drifting and sliding and the loads may not actually be

39
uniform, even on flat roofs. Thermal effects are not

included in Cs, despite the evidence that the roof load

may be significantly higher for unheated buildings or where the roof is heavily insulated. Finally, the

coefficients in A58. 1-1972 are based on Canadian studies of ordinary structures: the extent to which these data can be used to represent the different roof geometries in nuclear power plant structures is not clear.

Under this project, technical assistance to NRC to

identify roof snow loads and develop loading criteria will proceed in two phases: 1) snow loads on power plant

structures will be measured and correlated to ground snow loads for several facilities in the NE quadrant of

the United States, and 2) data gathered in phase 1 will be

integrated with existing data from similar studies for the

purpose of recommending tentative snow load

coefficients for design. A report will be prepared for the

NRC giving the survey results and recommending snow

load coefficients.

Criteria for Design of Cladding

Subjected to Wind Loads

Emil Simiu

(301) 921-2346

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Current design criteria for cladding subjected to wind

loads are generally recognized to be seriously deficient. The lack of consistency in present criteria results in major economic losses and in safety hazards due to damage to cladding under strong winds. In contrast,

uneconomical design of cladding occurs in a large

number of design situations. Modern analytical and

experimental tools have not yet been applied and/or

synthesized in investigating the reliability of cladding

subjected to wind loads. Tools from the fields of wind

engineering (aerodynamics of bluff bodies in turbulent

boundary layer flows), nonlinear mechanics of plates, structural reliability and materials testing will be used in this project with a view to developing rational criteria for cladding design. Data from fullscale and wind tunnel

investigations of wind loads on cladding will be reviewed

and studies will be conducted to determine additional

research needs.

Criteria for Wind Tunnel Modeling The testing of structural models in a wind tunnel is a very effective method, and often the only available

Richard D. Marshall method for establishing pressure, lift, and drag

(301) 921-3471 coefficients for the design based entirely on the minimum

Structures and Materials Division load requirements specified in codes and standards. In recognition of this, the next edition of American National

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards Standards Institute A58. 1 (Minimum Design Loads) will allow wind tunnel test data to be substituted for the usual wind load provisions. Therefore, it is essential to

establish a set of requirements that will ensure the

validity of wind tunnel test results. Existing information on wind tunnel simulation of atmospheric surface flows

will be reviewed. The sensitivity of load and response

40
measurements to the various dimensionless scaling

parameters in wind tunnel modeling will also be

investigated. The development of minimum requirements

for wind tunnel testing of structures covered by the

A58.1 Standard will lead to better load definition and,

therefore, improved reliability and economy.

Measurement of Forces on Trench

Bracing

Felix Y. Yokel

(301) 921-2648

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Institutes of

Occupational Safety and Health and the

Occupational Safety and Health

Administration

Many deaths and injuries result from the cave-in of

trenches and excavations (over 200 fatal injuries and

many more nonfatal accidents annually). Lack of

knowledge of transient forces on trench bracings hamper

the engineering profession and hinder the development of

effective standards. Data on forces on shallow trench

bracing are urgently needed so that analytical methods to calculate forces can be developed. Hydraulic shores will be installed as struts in trenches and forces will be

measured via hydraulic pressures. The results will be

studied and published in a report on the test methods and

results. Conclusions of this work will be used to update

the OSHA standard for excavation safety.

Construction Practice in Excavation

Felix Y. Yokel

(301) 921-2648

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Occupational Safety and Health

Administration

More than 200 lives are lost annually in trenching

accidents. Excavation practice has been evaluated by

NBS and reports prepared on soil classification,

trenching timber, and field practices in excavation. A

recommended practice for sloping and shoring of

trenches and excavation has been prepared and will be

published. A number of national workshops will be held

under the joint sponsorship of AGC, AFL-CIO, and

ASFE, where the NBS recommendations will be

discussed. The recommendations will form the basis for new safety standards.

Standards for Foundations and

Excavations

Felix Y. Yokel

(301) 921-2648

Structures and Materials Division

Draft standards in five areas have been prepared in cooperation with ASCE: Piles, piers, excavation,

exploration, and shallow foundations. The standards are now being balloted by the ASCE Committee on

Foundation and Excavation Standards to become ASCE

standards.

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

and the Department of Housing and Urban

Development

41
In-Situ Geotechnical Measurements

William D. Kovacs

(301) 921-2885

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

The first phase of this project deals with the Standard

Penetration Test (SPT). A portable field instrument has

been built to measure fall height, hammer velocity, and

force in a drill stem and present these quantities in the

form of energy immediately following a test. To ensure

reliability of measurement, the instrument uses two

systems: an optical system, measuring hammer velocity

and energy above the striker plate; and a mechanical

system measuring the stress wave traveling through the

rod to measure the energy in the rod below the striker

plate. Field tests and calibration of a first generation

system have been completed. Another study has been

done to evaluate the delivered energy, both above and

below the striker plate, to show the variation of energy, some of which may be due to hammer configuration, and

to measure the energy actually delivered to the sampler.

Construction of the NBS Geotechnical

Test Lab

Riley M. Chung

(301) 921-2127

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

This new research laboratory will provide the capability

for performing tests to determine static and dynamic

stress-strain properties, shear strength, and liquefaction

potential of soils. The design was based on

recommendations received from a panel of NBS and U.S. geotechnical experts hosted by NBS in December 1979. The initial emphasis is on a soil dynamics capability

which will be used to address the liquefaction problem.

Mobile Home Anchoring Against Flood

and Windloads

Felix Y. Yokel

(301) 921-2648

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

The objective of this research is to study the loads,

improve the state-of-the-art in mobile home anchoring,

and develop criteria. As part of this study, CBT

measured windloads and made an analytical study of

wind and floodloads. A state-of-the-art study on

anchoring technology was also completed and published.

A test program on soil anchors is now in progress and a report on the initial results of these tests was presented in the Third Mobile Home/Manufactured Housing

Conference. The results of this research will lead to the development of design criteria and standards for mobile

home foundations.

Anchoring Mechanics for Mobile Homes Next to fire, wind is the leading cause of deaths and

injuries to mobile home occupants and damage to mobile

Felix Y. Yokel home property. Approximately 5,000 units are heavily

(301) 921-2648 damaged or destroyed by wind storms each year. This

Structures and Materials Division project involves the collection of existing test data and

information on theories and design procedures related to Sponsor: Department of Housing and soil anchors. Available data from geotechnical field and

Urban Development laboratory investigations, including direct pull-out tests, standard penetration, cone penetration, and "Soil Test Probe" studies, were assessed. The pull-out resistance of

various commercially available ground anchors are being

determined experimentally for several loading and soil

42
conditions. The field test data will be correlated with the

basic properties of the soils—as determined by standard

field and laboratory techniques—to provide a basis for establishing analytical models for predicting pull-out

resistance and for performance criteria and a performance test method for foundation and anchor

systems. The recommendations and criteria developed in this project will form the basis for provisions to be

incorporated in the Federal Mobile Home Construction

and Safety Standards.

Review of Design Criteria for Energy

Transport Systems

Richard Marshall

(301) 921-3471

Structural and Materials Division

Sponsor: Office of Pipeline Safety

Regulation

The Trans-Alaska Crude Oil Pipeline System is the first long pipeline transporting hot crude oil through areas

consisting of continuous permafrost. The design of the

elevated support system and particularly the vertical support members (VSM) has been under review and

discussion for some time because this type of system has not previously been used extensively in permafrost

regions. In addition, portions of the pipeline are located

in regions of high seismicity. Because of the unusual

design and the implications of a loss of integrity, CBT

will review the system, with particular attention to earthquake loading, metallurgical properties, lowtemperature effects, and in situ load testing, among other

studies.

Organic Coatings

Paul G. Campbell

(301) 921-3114

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Tri-Services Committee

The annual costs of organic coatings in the United States exceed $8 billion. Maintenance costs alone would be

significantly reduced if better systems, including surface

preparation, were available. In developing test methods

and specifications, this project contributes directly to the

improvement of the coatings technology used by the

military and also contributes to improvement of the

Nation's coatings technology through publications,

specifications, and participation in ASTM activities. The

performance and other characteristics of new organic

coating systems will be investigated and test methods

developed or modified to assay the performance of these

materials. Research will be performed to develop

improved field tests for coatings evaluation, study the

degradation mechanisms of coatings on galvanized steel, and identify methods for overcoming the problems

associated with efflorescence. Also, advisory and

consultative services based upon laboratory and field

tests will be performed.

43
Short-Term Evaluation of Steel

Coatings

Paul G. Campbell

(301) 921-3114

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Federal Highway

Administration

The Federal Highway Administration wants to reduce

the costs of painting steel structures by increasing the

painting cycles through the use of improved coating

systems. Effective short-term evaluation procedures for evaluating the durability and protective qualities of these coating systems are essential for the success of this goal.

Under this project, CBT will evaluate the validity and

usefulness of short-term testing used for coatings on steel. Short-term evaluation procedures will be developed for coatings that will provide maximum reproducibility and

correlation with service conditions. A users' guide for evaluating and selecting coatings will also be written.

Stone Consolidating Materials

James R. Clifton

(301) 921-2630

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Park Service

Building stone, once removed from the quarry, is subjected to natural weathering processes. However, the

rate of degradation of building stone in urban areas has

greatly increased during the past century because of the

effects of industrial air pollutants such as S02 and C02 gases and acidic rainfall. Certain stones, such as many

sandstones, used in historic buildings are especially

susceptible to weathering.

Consolidating materials are being extensively used to strengthen the deteriorated stone of historic buildings,

with varying degrees of success. In most cases, the

evaluation of consolidating materials has been performed

by using them on actual buildings, but the results have

not usually been well documented. To date, there is no

technical basis for selecting stone consolidating materials. This project is aimed at developing these performance

criteria. The results will help the National Park Service

select stone for future construction and to learn how to better protect existing buildings.

Evaluation of Joint Sealants for the Effective, durable joint sealants are required in the new

Dirksen Building Dirksen Building for weatherproofing the numerous

joints between the various substrates of the structure. Arthur Hockman Under this project, two samples of joint sealants will be

(301) 921-2993 tested in accordance with Federal specifications, with

Structures and Materials Division adjustments to these specifications made by the Architect

of the Capitol. Substrates, including dark anodized and

Sponsor: Architect of the Capitol stainless steel with primers, will be used in conjunction

with the sealants.

44
Nondestructive Evaluation of Building

Materials

James R. Clifton

(301) 921-2630

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

The maturity concept for the curing time of concrete

offers one promising method for improving formwork

decision-making. The maturity concept relates compressive strength to the combined effect of

temperature and curing time. Empirical relations between

strength and maturity have been developed with

acceptable correlations. However, the validity of these

relationships needs to be theoretically tested before they

will gain wide acceptance in the construction industry.

Based on the conceptual and mathematical relationships

developed for the hydration of tricalcium silicate, by

Pommersheim and Clifton, relationships will be derived

that express the effects of water-to-cement ratios, time,

and curing temperature on strength development. The

theoretically derived relationships will be tested using

available data, and compared to empirically derived

equations.

Elastomeric Roofing Membranes

Robert G. Mathey

(301) 921-2629

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Department of Defense

A recently completed study, NBS TN972, Elastomeric

Roofing: A Survey, revealed that data are not available on the properties of elastomeric membranes with regard

to exposure conditions and aging. It is believed that some

elastomeric roofing membranes will exhibit a change in properties when subjected to various exposure conditions

and with age. As an example, the level of performance of

the weather resistance of elastomeric membranes has not been established. Some factors included in weather

resistance are accelerated aging, natural aging,

brittleness, dimensional stability, heat aging, ozone

resistance, pollutants, volatile loss, loss of plasticizer, and

the effects of moisture and temperature. Some

membranes may become brittle under cold conditions

and have less resistance to tension, impact, and punching

shear forces. Aging may appreciably reduce some

properties of membranes, particularly when combined

with cold environmental conditions. Sustained stress may

also reduce the membrane's ability to perform

satisfactorily over its intended service life. Because of

economic conditions and materials availability the use of

elastomeric roofing systems has increased considerably over the last few years. This project will develop

information that can be used as a basis for standards and

specifications to predict the performance of these

systems.

Roofing and Coatings Research for the

Army

Robert G. Mathey

(301) 921-2629

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: U.S. Army

U.S. Army buildings vary widely in construction type

and are located in many geographic and climatic areas. Since roofing and coatings have been the source of many

of the Army's maintenance problems, this project offers an opportunity to apply laboratory research studies and

practical field experience to the solution of special

problems. Recommendations will be made for the

selection of materials and application methods.

45
Blistering of Built-Up Roofing over

Polyurethane Insulation

Walter J. Rossiter

(301) 921-3109

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Tri-Services Committee

Polyurethane foam insulation has the highest resistance- per-unit thickness of insulation boards used in the

construction of built-up roofing systems. It has been

reported that there is a higher incidence of blistering of

built-up roofing constructed over polyurethane foam

insulation than other insulations. Preliminary tests at CBT have indicated that small voids form in the asphalt

layer between the membrane and insulation. These voids

are attributed to the bubbling and frothing (degassing) of

the hot asphalt when applied to the polyurethane foam.

The bubbling and frothing may be caused by the

degradation of the insulation resulting in degassing, the

release of the blowing agent, or the volatization of

moisture in the insulation. Under this project, laboratory

studies will be conducted to investigate the effect of

moisture content in the insulation on the degassing; the

effect of hot asphalt on the cell structure of the

insulation; and, the effect of temperature on the

degassing and decomposition of the insulation cells. Analytical techniques such as thermal gravimetric

analysis, gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, and

photomicroscopy will be used.

Tri-Services Technical and Scientific

Support

Robert G. Mathey

(301) 921-2629

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Tri-Services Committee

This project will provide technical and scientific support

and consultative services on building materials and

systems as required by the Tri-Services. The work will include carrying out laboratory tests and evaluations in the solution of building problems as well as field investigations. Recommendations will be made on the

selection of materials and systems and their application

and performance. In the past, problem areas have

covered plumbing, masonry, roofing, corrosion,

mechanical systems, insulation, materials, and

underground piping.

Improvement of Honeycomb Sandwich

Panels

Jonathan Martin

(301) 921-3208

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: U.S. Army

All branches of the military use lightweight, air- transportable, rigid structures that serve as combination

shipping containers and shelters for many types of

tactical and life-supporting services. The use of these

shelters has increased rapidly in recent years and life- cycle costs have become a major consideration. The

shelters are fabricated from either paper honeycomb core

or foam plastic sandwich panels. While honeycomb

panels have several potential advantages, field experience

has shown many problems. Poor performance has been

attributed to one or more of: improper panel fabrication

procedures (adhesive bonding), inadequate performance

of the honeycomb core, poor choice of materials, and

inadequate design. Under this project, four draft standards will be prepared: for paper honeycomb cores, surface treatment of aluminum for adhesive bonding,

selection of adhesives, and the adhesive bonding process.

46

Criteria for Signs in Workplaces

Robert A. Glass

(301) 921-2246

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: Occupational Safety and Health

Administration

OSHA has asked CBT to conduct experimental research

to improve criteria for new standards for signs in the

workplace. Federal agencies now use over 12 different color/legend standards, while private industry is confronted with 20 existing and 5 proposed standards. The adoption of a single, unified system would allow more rapid and more certain recognizability of the

meanings of visual displays. This project will address

these problems to bring OSHA's current standards on

signs into agreement with the latest research findings and

with national and international agreements, moving

toward a universal set of conventions for visual displays.

Chromaticity Specifications for Color

Weather Radar Displays

Robert A. Glass

(301) 921-2246

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA is concerned about "nonstandard" color

applications being used in advanced technology displays.

Many different manufacturers are supplying a variety of

color codes in their display. There is little consistency in the use of color in these displays, especially between

those used in aircraft and those used in ground controller

operations. Confusion or misinterpretation of

communications could occur between the controller and

the pilot in interpreting the color display. This project

will contribute to a standard color-coding system for all- weather radars.

Symbols Criteria and Standardization

Neil Lerner

(301) 921-2337

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

In this project, the research literature on detection,

recognition, and perception will be reviewed. Based

upon this review and previous research on symbols, a study will assess the effects of variations in visibility

upon the detectability and identification of fire-safety

symbols. These results can be compared with research

conducted on fire-safety symbols under normal viewing

conditions during FY79. Other methods for determining

the effectiveness of symbols will also be explored.

Researchers will share results and exchange views with

the NFPA Committee on Fire-Safety Symbols and with

ISO TC 21 and 80. In addition, CBT will continue to chair the ANSI Z535 Subcommittee on Symbols.

Modeling Circulation System Safety

Fred I. Stahl

(301) 921-2627

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

The design of occupant circulation systems for buildings

is often complex and multifaceted, involving both

environmental and human behavioral factors. Circulation

problems may occur not only during a building's normal

use, but whenever such emergencies as fires arise as well.

It is often difficult to predict building performance with

respect to circulation safety, since the needed tools do

not now exist. The BFIRES simulation program,

developed earlier under this project, is a new tool intended to aid in the prediction of emergency egress response during fires. This is an example of the type of

occupant circulation model which could usefully be

48
applied to building design and regulation. The purpose of

this project is to continue the process of validating the

BFIRES program and modeling approach. This general

approach to studying occupant circulation is based on an

information processing model of human behavior and on

the premise that humans acquire and store various

response subprograms (each of which yields a different

form of behavior), which are called by a higher level "executive" controller. Thus, not only is the program a

potentially valuable design and regulatory tool, it also permits the direct evaluation of an important theory of

human behavior.

Security Barriers

James R. Clifton

(301) 921-2630

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Defense Nuclear Agency

Previous work at CBT has demonstrated that manpassage openings could be produced in security barriers

in surprisingly short times using readily available

portable equipment. In many instances, these penetrations were produced in working times which have been short

enough to require a reappraisal of the use of these

barriers for specific physical security applications. These

applications include storage of nuclear and conventional

weapons, radioactive material, secret documents, and

precious metals. Furthermore, the deterrent capabilities

of many barriers which are currently accepted for security applications may provide little resistance to penetration by newly developed attack equipment such

as the rotohammer, ring saw, Jet-Ax, and burning bar. CBT will identify and determine the effectiveness of

materials and methods which can be used to upgrade the

penetration resistance of existing security barriers. In

addition, materials which can be used in constructing new security barriers having high resistance to penetration will be evaluated.

49

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Building Rehabilitation

Technology

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51
Construction Productivity for New and Rehabilitated Buildings

Robert Chapman

(301) 921-3385

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Rapidly rising housing prices and the desire to be

centrally located have prompted more and more

prospective homeowners to turn toward housing

rehabilitation to satisfy their housing needs. One of the

crucial issues is the cost of rehabilitation compared to the

cost of its alternative—new housing. To a large degree,

the cost differential between new and rehabilitation construction is a reflection of differences in productivity

between the two construction activities. However, an

analysis of productivity and its determinants relates to more than the cost question. More specifically, it relates to a better understanding of the demands for key factors

(labor, materials, and equipment) in the renovation

process. A better knowledge of productivity and the

associated "factor demand curves" for the rehabilitation process will lead to better cost-estimation procedures as well as provide valuable input to programs designed to mitigate some of the inner city's social problems.

Methods for Evaluating the Strength

and Stability of Existing Buildings

Frank H. Lerchen

(301) 921-2776

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

This project addresses the need for technical evaluation

procedures to support rehabilitation decisions. A draft recommended practice on strength and stability was

developed in FY79 which included methods for assessment of existing construction, including test methods, methods of analysis, and data on archaic

construction. It is necessary to broaden the regulatory

acceptance of this document by processing it as a consensus Recommended Practice Standard. That

achievement will be the goal of this project.

Regulatory Provisions for Existing

Buildings

Patrick W. Cooke

(301) 921-2776

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

This project involves technical support in the

development of regulatory provisions for existing

buildings. CBT conducted a major national conference on building rehabilitation to provide a forum for those

involved to share technical expertise and identify

research needs. Technical issues included code

development, energy conservation, seismic design, legal,

and economic concerns. The Center also provided

support to regulatory organizations through consultation on NBS technical output to further application of

research results and identify needs. The fifth Annual

NBS/NCSBCS Joint Conference on Research and

Innovation in the Building Regulatory Process was held

in support of this activity.

52
Performance Levels for Existing

Buildings

James H. Pielert (301) 921-3146

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

As increased emphasis is placed on the reuse of existing

buildings, it becomes more important that new

approaches be used to assist in making decisions in regard to rehabilitation. The application of performance

criteria provides flexibility in the use and acceptance of

design alternatives in lieu of prescriptive provisions. It is important that the technical base and rationale of code

provisions be well established so that there is logic and

flexibility for technical decisionmaking. Under this project, a methodology will be developed for assessing

the technical bases of building code provisions and

developing performance levels for existing buildings.

Ventilation Criteria for Existing

Buildings

Tamami Kusuda

(301) 921-3501

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Increasing use of energy conservation measures has

aroused concern that many indoor pollutants can reach

dangerously high levels. Levels of aerosols from

cigarette smoke and cooking, N02 and CO from

combustion, radioactivity due to radon daughters

originating in radon emitted by building materials, soil, water and natural gas, insecticides, and organic vapors

from cleaning materials can all rise in tightened buildings.

Increased humidity can cause discomfort and increased

growth of molds, bacteria, and viruses, which could lead

to increased infectious disease and allergies. Under this project, the technical basis of energy conservation and

ventilation requirements in codes and standards for

existing buildings will be evaluated and revisions

recommended where necessary to reflect existing

epidemiological and other medical data. They will take

into account natural air leakage, energy consumption for heating and cooling, and health requirements in a unified,

consistent manner.

Guidelines for Venting Single-Stack

Drainage Systems

Paul Kopetka

(301) 921-2136

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Current plumbing criteria require venting to prevent trap

seal failure. Systems without separate venting have

performed satisfactorily as demonstrated in Philadelphia,

throughout Europe, and in special single-stack systems.

However, acceptability in the United States is relatively

low because of traditionally conservative plumbing codes

and difficulties in gaining acceptance of innovations.

Permissible safe installations with limited venting are required for economic rehabilitation. Additional drainage

stack piping bypass "loops" performing the functions of

the splitter in a single stack design have the potential of

providing safety for prevention of trap seal failures. Fabrication from continuous piping, particularly plastics, can be a very economical retrofit measure. Where

minimal venting (under current codes) in existing

buildings can be tied into relief network circulation

loops, the trap seal retention appears promising. The

feasibility of this approach applied to existing buildings

will be evaluated under this project.

53
Restoration Standards for Porcelain

Finishes

Paul G. Campbell

(301) 921-3114

Structures and Materials Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

The maintenance of porcelain enamelled fixtures has

been a major concern to HUD. Restoration of fixtures by

application of organic coatings to the damaged porcelain

surfaces may cost one quarter as much as replacement.

The evaluation of the performance of commercially

available finishes, recommendations for performance

criteria for their selection, and standards for applications are essential for the successful use of these restoration

finishes. To fill this gap, CBT will evaluate the

performance of restoration finishes by laboratory test methods. The end result will be a set of performance

criteria for these materials.

Metric Conversion Scheduling in the

U.S. Building Community

Sandra A. Berry

(301) 921-2689

Building Economic and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Over the past 5 years, the ANMC Construction

Industries Coordinating Committee (CICC) has

developed a comprehensive metric conversion plan and a schedule of the processes and times involved to convert

the entire construction sector to using SI units. For

metrication of the construction industry to proceed, there

is need to obtain industrywide agreement on a plan for metric conversion which represents a commitment on the part of the U.S. construction community.

CBT will participate with the National Institute of

Building Sciences (NIBS), ANMC, the U.S. Metric

Board, and industry in planning and conducting a national conference which will consider the opportunities

and problems related to metric conversion of the construction community, and determine whether or not

the construction industry should convert to the metric

system of measurement. CBT will develop a report

giving background on the needs for and impacts of

metric conversions. The schedule for metric conversion

will be described and significant milestones in the process

identified.

Design and Construction Technology

Application Program

Porter Driscoll

(301) 921-3106

Center for Building Technology

Headquarters

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

The objective of this program is to improve building

practices by identifying researchable problems in cooperation with the design and construction

communities directly and through their professional and

trade organizations. Design and construction community

input is provided to research project leaders for the

precise definition of the problems to be answered and as a continuing resource during the research. Research

findings and other technical information are converted as necessary into forms usable by the design and

construction communities. Projects include studies of the

architect's access to information and ways of making

information useful to architects, noise control and

corrosion control for designers, color rendition under

high-efficiency lighting, innovative rehabilitation regulations, window design for energy conservation, and

simplified economics for energy analysis. These and

54
other subjects are reported in CBT publications and

audiovisuals designed for architects, engineers, planners,

and builders.

55

Building and

CommunityAcoustics

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57
Building Acoustics Technology This project will develop design criteria for noise

isolation of building spaces: acoustic parameters

Simone L. Yaniv affecting user responses will be identified through field (301) 921-3646 sampling of selected outdoor environments and building

Environmental Design Research Division types. Using physical data obtained in the field and

simulation of isolation characteristics of actual and

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards modified building structures, psychoacoustic studies will be conducted under laboratory control to provide

technical bases for standards on the noise isolation of

building shells and party walls. To develop standardized

measurement methods for outdoor-to-indoor noise

isolation, sound fields in and around buildings will be

characterized by land use, location and orientation of

building relative to noise sources and building stereology

(i.e., height, length, shape). With this characterization, it will be possible to standardize the locations for measuring spatial and temporal variation in sound

pressure levels. This work also includes building sites.

Highway Noise Criteria Noise from highways and urban traffic has been shown

to be a serious source of annoyance to the public. Many

Simone L. Yaniv Government agencies, including the Federal Highway

(301) 921-2263 Administration, are trying to solve the problem. The

Environmental Design Research Division FHWA is responsible for highway projects. FHWA

seeks to reevaluate its interim noise standards and

Sponsor: Federal Highway procedures, incorporating considerations of human

Administration response to time-varying rather than steady-state noise. CBT has been contracted to provide FHWA with a data

base on the human response to time-varying traffic noise

necessary for this reevaluation.

CBT has analyzed the time histories and spectra of traffic noise from different traffic situations and has data on how traffic sounds are received in a building. Laboratory

investigations are planned on the human response to the

time-varying noises. From analysis of these experiments

and in conjunction with the analysis done on the physical

data base, it will be possible to evaluate existing rating

schemes and, if necessary, develop an improved rating

procedure. A questionnaire and measurement plan will be

developed to assess occupant reactions to highway noise

based on the key parameters.

Transmission Line Audible Noise The most economical means for long-distance transport

Measurement of electric energy is the overhead, high-voltage electric transmission line. Increases in transmission efficiency are John A. Molino achieved by increases in operating voltages. However,

(301) 921-3783 one of the major factors limiting the development of new

Environmental Design Research Division ultra-high-voltage technologies is the audible (corona)

noise produced by these lines under certain conditions.

Sponsor: Department of Energy To manage this noise and to avoid costly retrofit measures, the project will obtain psychoacoustic data for

58
land-use planning in the vicinity of power lines, and for construction planning for nearby building sites.

Corona noise samples for different weather conditions

and from different transmission lines will be recorded

with a remote tape recording system. In the laboratory

these recordings will be processed along with recordings

of other environmental sounds into stimulus tapes. These

tapes will then be evaluated by listeners under realistic conditions approximating natural built environments. The

effect of the building shell on the listener's response to corona noise will also be determined. On the basis of

people's responses, criteria will be developed for characterizing the acoustic environment near

transmission lines in terms that are relevant to human

response, so that decisions about land use planning,

building design, and construction may be based on users' needs.

The major source of impact noise in multi-family

buildings, office buildings, and institutional buildings is that produced by the impact of human footfalls, falling

objects, and furniture dragging on floor-ceiling

assemblies. The present standard test method for assessing floor-ceiling assemblies uses the ISO "tapping

machine." But this method yields results that are misleading.

Under this project, the time domain characteristics of

footfalls will be determined using the force-measuring

platform. That is, the rise time and duration of the impact

signature will be determined as a function of shoe size, style, weight, height, rate of footfalls and various

walkers. The results of this work will be used for more

reliable theoretical predictions of sound through floor- ceiling assemblies.

Impact Noise Measurement

Peter H. Huang

(301) 921-3383

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Sound Absorption Measurement

Thomas W. Bartel

(301) 921-3783

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

For many building spaces the intelligibility of speech and

music is as important as the control of unwanted noise. Optimal acoustics within an enclosed space are achieved

by control of reverberation time, which is related to the

amount of sound absorption contained in the enclosure.

In addition, the total sound absorption within a room is one of the parameters that controls noise level within the room and determines occupant acceptance and

productivity. At present, the sound absorption of

acoustical materials is inferred from measurements of

reverberation time (sound decay) conducted in a reverberation chamber. This uncertainty in the

measurement of sound absorption and the lack of

knowledge about most materials results in costly

overdesign and excessive reliance on special expensive

absorbent materials. This project will result in improved

59
procedures for measuring sound absorption in the reverberation chamber and for predicting reverberation

times. A tool for measuring the acoustical absorption in the field will be developed as will the data base, required

by architects and designers, on the absorption of nonproprietary materials.

Method for Assessing Costs of a Model To encourage adequate noise control in building design

Noise-Control Code and construction, the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) has prepared a Model Noise Control Code

Stephen F. Weber (MNCC) for residential and educational buildings as well

(301) 921-2308 as an accompanying implementation manual. In addition

Building Economics and Regulatory to reducing noise intrusion in buildings, the application of

Technology Division provisions of this MNCC could lead to increased

construction costs, and possibly to operating-cost

Sponsor: Environmental Protection reductions to the form of energy savings.

Agency ^he objective of this effort is a consistent method for assessing the costs of applying provisions of the MNCC

to the two building types they address: multi-family

residential and educational. The cost categories covered

by the method are construction costs and energy

consumption costs. The first step in developing the

method is to determine which components of the two

building types would be most directly affected by the

MNCC. Next, a set of typical construction methods will be established for each affected component. For each

construction method, existing standard practice will be

established to provide a benchmark against which the

impacts of MNCC can be measured. Then construction

cost estimating guides will be used to determine the unit cost for each component and construction method.

60

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61
Plumbing Systems Performance

Lawrence Galowin

(301) 921-3293

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

The plumbing community has identified the need for revision of storm drainage systems design criteria as a

result of new weather load data information. Present storm drainage systems are thought to be oversized,

resulting in wasteful use of piping materials. Likewise,

code acceptance of reduced size venting (RSV) for hospital plumbing systems with head/pipe network

circulation requires validated modeling techniques for design predictions. Currently, gaps in sound theoretical

formulations for the fluid dynamics of pressure relief to prevent trap failures are based on empirical factors from

inadequate data sources. Similarly, three-phase flow in plumbing systems is characterized by transient, random,

unsteady, partially filled pipes with three phase (air- water, solids) dynamic interactions. The capability for developing mathematical solutions is required for such

complex phenomena within interconnected pipes.

Research in all three of these areas will continue during

FY80.

Performance of Water-Conserving

Devices

Lawrence S. Galowin

(301) 921-3293

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

The research in the residential water conservation

program is directed primarily at laboratory-based

investigations to develop data, test procedures, predictive

modeling for design applications and to provide

recommendations for plumbing standards, codes, and

rating systems for performance of low-water-usage

devices. Human factors and economic studies are included to evaluate incentives and motivations for water

savings. The requirements developed also establish a uniform basis of water savings criteria for HUD

Minimum Property Standards. Incentives for manufacturers in supplying plumbing products which

meet low water usage can be provided under uniform

requirements, expressed in performance terms, which

will be common across the United States. Research at CBT and at Stevens Institute of Technology (under

contract to CBT) includes the total building plumbing

water system; i.e., water supply distribution, devices,

fixtures and appurtenances, waste drainage branches, soil stacks and connections to sewers/on-site treatment

facilities.

Human Factors and Water

Conservation

Jacqueline Elder

(301) 921-2246

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

A recently completed literature review indicates that

reliable quantified data have not been established from

field research in the area of occupant response to specific

water conservation devices. The laboratory-based

hydraulic parameters associated with showerheads have

been established. However, it is not known how to relate those parameters to consumer requirements. Showerhead

manufacturers and HUD officials have indicated the need

for data relating the physical characteristics of

showerheads to user response. This project will conduct

a pilot study to evaluate user response to specific

62
showerheads. Showerheads instrumented to measure

water pressure and temperature will be distributed to volunteers. The data records will include the instrument

readings and a record of the duration of each shower and

also provide specific responses and open-ended

commentary.

Economically Efficient Water

Conservation Standards

Stephen F. Weber

(301) 921-2308

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Housing and

Urban Development

HUD has recognized the need for a technology data base

to gain objective water conservation standards in residential buildings. However, the need to conserve water depends on local conditions such as the scarcity of

water in the area, the capacity of the local water supply

and wastewater treatment systems, the local utility cost

structure and availability of capital funds, and the

relative growth/decline of the local population. The use of water-efficient fixtures, fittings, and appliances is only one of several ways to conserve water. Metering and

pricing policies, leakage control, water pressure control,

education programs, and industrial water conservation

are other important ways to conserve. The output of this research will be a report to HUD that describes the

economic framework for water conservation. The report

will be distributed to local water utilities, the Water

Resources Council, the Office of Water Resources

Research and Technology (Department of Interior), the

Environmental Protection Agency, selected water

resource researchers, and to plumbing standards and

code organizations.

Electrical Distribution Systems

Protection

Robert W. Beausoliel

(301) 921-3454

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

NFPA fire statistics indicate that electrical failures cause

the largest number of building fires. Annually, about

100,000 fires are attributed to building electrical systems,

and 60,000 additional result from motors and appliances.

CBT laboratory results demonstrate that common

overcurrent protection devices do not provide adequate

protection against fire during short-circuits. This project

will approach this problem through a computer program

for predicting temperatures of electrical wiring and

overcurrent protection devices. Work will also be done

on conducting leakage current and dielectric breakdown

limits as a function of temperature. Researchers will develop functional performance requirements and criteria for over-current and ground fault protection devices.

63


Lighting Design Evaluation

Arthur I. Rubin

(301) 921-2117

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

The improvement of current lighting practices depends

on: a better technical understanding of the effectiveness

of lighting systems under actual use conditions;

identifying the gaps in available knowledge to determine

what lighting research is needed; performing the research

to close the gaps; and validating, under field conditions,

research recommendations. This project focuses on

determining lighting requirements from the standpoints

of the end-user, architect, lighting designer, and visual researcher. Laboratory and field measurement

requirements to evaluate lighting systems will also be

conducted.

Task Lighting Criteria

Gary T. Yonemura

(301) 921-2680

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Laboratory research at CBT, first using grating patterns,

and then employing printed matter (realistic tasks)

indicates that when visual performance is measured by

apparent equal contrast contours, the function is different from that obtained when the visual task is detection—the

procedure used to obtain presently used levels of

illumination. An experimental methodology is being

developed for recommending "goodness of task

visibility" for sustained performance of office type tasks,

under conditions simulating real-world conditions. The

research findings obtained to date will serve as the basis for a paper describing how the laboratory approach can

be applied to lighting design practices.

Measurement of Illumination Systems

Effectiveness

A. Ted Hattenburg

(301) 921-3454

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Under this project, an interim set of criteria for energy- conserving building illumination systems will be

delivered to an ANSI committee for development and

processing as a voluntary consensus standard.

Reproducible standard tasks and portable luminance

spotmeters, developed and characterized under an

associated CBT project, will be used to measure the

effectiveness (quantity of illumination versus energy

consumption) of installed lighting systems in operating

buildings. A field measurement method will be developed

to enable untrained personnel to determine lighting

system effectiveness.

Laboratory and Field Illumination

Measurements

A. Ted Hattenburg

(301) 921-3454

Building Thermal and Service Systems

Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Building illumination practice has relied upon simplistic

measurements of illumination levels, poorly defined

reflectance values, and complex calculation schemes

based upon inadequate data. The new requirements for more cost-effective, energy conserving illumination

systems are creating a demand for more precise, valid

physical measurement techniques to guide systems

design, evaluate the effectiveness of prototype and

installed lighting systems, and contribute to the physical

basis of vision research. The development of precise

physical-measurement techniques in illumination under

66
this project will directly support voluntary standards and

advances in vision and illumination (artificial and natural)

research.

Applied Color and Vision

Gerald L. Howett

(301) 921-2670

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Since lighting energy costs are an important component

of office-building life cycle costs, improvements in lighting efficiency are sought. However, adverse user

reaction to poor color rendition can reduce the

effectiveness of a workforce. More important, it is known

from research on both humans and lower animals that long-lasting changes in vision can result from exposure to strong white light or moderately intense colored light. A

series of experiments will be carried out in which

observers are exposed to various durations of several

different types of lights. Immediately thereafter, the

observers will be tested for changes in visual sensitivity over a period of time. These studies will be repeated at several luminance levels of preadapting light, all within

the range currently regarded as not harmful to humans.

Visual Environment

Gary T. Yonemura

(301) 921-2680

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Current lighting design practices are questioned by

architects and lighting designers—especially in view of

the current needs for energy conservation. The project

deals with recommended practices, standards, and energy

conservation in building illumination such as recommended levels of illumination, and assessment of

lighting system effectiveness. This project is examining

the basic concepts involved in assessment and

predictions, with emphasis on determining the

applicability of findings for human observers under

illumination conditions existing in the everyday work

environment.

Visual Techniques in NDE

Gary T. Yonemura

(301) 921-2263

Environmental Design Research Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Much is known about visual processes, per se, but the

visual conditions, techniques, and information capacity

required of the observer, as specifically related to NDE,

are not firmly established. Field observations and

interviews with NDE experts to identify the visual

information parameters associated with typical NDE sites and tasks will be conducted. In this project for NBS's

National Measurement Laboratory, microphotometric

and microdensitometric measurements will be made of

NDE tasks encountered in practice. The quantitative

descriptions of defect parameters will serve as the base

from which visual standards and methodology to assess and calibrate the "eye" will be derived.

67

Building Economics

D

D

D dffiow

69
Economic Methods for Building

Standards

Harold E. Marshall

(301) 921-3701

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Improved methods and guidelines are needed to help the

building community produce buildings that meet

performance requirements but that are still affordable. Here, research will be conducted on the savings-toinvestment ratio, the internal rate of return, discounted

payback, and other life-cycle or benefit-cost analysis

types of economic evaluation. Existing methods will be

investigated, and where appropriate, they will be adapted

or revised to provide the best methods for buildings and

building components. Definitions of economic terms,

illustrative case examples using the methods, and

computational aids in applying the methods will also be

provided. Outputs of this research will be provided to ASTM in a form that will help them implement

economic standards. Related research will also be

undertaken on how to measure the economic impacts of

building code requirements. Hypothetical case studies

will be added to earlier work on ground circuit fault interrupters to illustrate the application of economic

analysis in several types of code situations.

Economic Impact of Electronics

Research

Carol Chapman Rawie

(301) 921-2278

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards

Because of the scarcity of funds available for research,

there is increasing need for Government agencies,

including scientific agencies such as NBS, to be aware of

the economic impact of their activities. But measuring

the value of Government scientific research is difficult,

partly because the information that results is usually

distributed freely rather than being bought and sold like ordinary goods. Thus, NBS managers need a workable

method for measuring the economic impacts of their research projects. The purpose of this study is to develop

and apply a method of estimating such economic impact.

It will do so through a case study of the economic

impacts of research performed at the NBS Center for Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

Quantitative Optimization Techniques Under this project, a computer model for predicting

renovation costs of institutional buildings will be

Robert Chapman transmitted to HEW and to the VA for their immediate

(301) 921-3385 use in making renovation decisions for health care Building Economics and Regulatory facilities. Statistical information collected in a survey of

Technology Division health care facilities will be used to construct cost functions for different types of health care facilities. New

Sponsor: National Bureau of Standards cost functions will be used to find more cost-effective approaches to comply with existing building codes.

70
Economics Participation in Conferences, Workshops, and

Seminars

Rosalie T. Ruegg

(301) 921-2330

Building Economics and Regulatory

Technology Division

Sponsor: Department of Energy

Under this project, CBT will develop technical material on solar economics for the Solar Design Workshop and

participate in a series of three training workshops on

solar energy in Federal buildings.

71

Building

Community Index

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73
BUILDING COMMUNITY INDEX

The following listing presents the CBT projects organized by their interest to segments of the building

community. The projects are listed under the appropriate building community groups as noted below.

1: Owners, Occupants, Users

2: Developers and Contractors

3: Designers

4: Labor

5: Financial Organizations

6: Manufacturers and Suppliers

7: Regulators and Standards

8: Testing Laboratories

9: Educational Institutions and Research Organizations

ENERGY CONSERVATION IN BUILDINGS

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Energy Analysis: Norris Cotton Building, p. 2 X X X X X X

Energy Analysis Procedures, p. 2 X X X X X

Energy Audit Procedures for Commercial Buildings, p. 3 X X X X X X

Dynamic Performance of HVAC Systems and Controls, p. 3 X X X X X

EMCS Reliability Study, p.3 X X X X X

EMCS Computer Modeling, p.3 X X X X

Energy Analysis of Control Strategies, p.

4

X X X X

Retrofit Instrumentation Technology/EMCS Sensors, p. 4 X X X X

Thermostat Test Standard, p. 4 X X X X X

Evaluating the Performance of Heat Pumps, p. 5 X X X X X X

Heat Pump Studies, p. 5 X X X X X X

Part-Load Performance of HVAC Equipment, p. 5 X X X X X

Furnace Studies, p. 6 X X X X X X

Central Air Conditioner Studies, p. 6 X X X X X X

Central Air Conditioner Test Procedures, p. 6 X X X X X X

Technical Evaluation Manual for Energy Conservation, p.7 X X X X X X

Building Energy Performance Criteria, p. 7 X X X X X X

Retrofit Training Criteria, p. 8 X X X X

Revision of Bioclimatic Chart, p. 8 X X X

Daylighting Studies, p. 8 X X X X X X X

Daylighting Prediction Methodology, p. 9 X X X X X X X

NFC Research Associate Program (Daylighting), p. 9 X X X X X X

Life-Cycle Cost Methodology, p. 10 X X X X X X X

Cost-Effectiveness of Infrared Heat-Loss Surveys (Ground-Based), p. 10 X X X

Infrared Aerial Survey Evaluation, p. 10 X X X

Weatherization Demonstration, p. 1

1

X X X X X X X X X

Building Infiltration Evaluation, p. 1

1

X X X X X X X

Guidelines for Controlling Attic Condensation, p. 12 X X X X X X X

Modeling Cooling with Whole-House Fans, p. 12 X X X X X X X

Underground Heat Distribution Systems, p. 12 X X X X X

Energy Conservation Through Waste Use in Cement and Concrete, p. 13 X X X X

BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE SYSTEMS AND INSULATING MATERIALS

Thermal Insulation Standard Reference Material, p. 16 X X X X X X X X

Thermal Insulation Analysis, p. 16 X X X X X

Thermal Insulation Test Series, p. 16 X X X X X

Thermal Performance of Materials and Elements, p. 16 X X X X X X X

74
Modeling Mass Effects with Outside Insulation, p. 17 X X X X

Experimental Evaluation of Thermal Mass, p. 17 X X X X

MIMA Research Associate Program, p. 18 X X X X X X

Guarded Hot-Plate Tester for Thick Insulation, p. 18 X X X X X

Calibrated Hot Box Construction, p. 18 X X X X X

Corrosion Avoidance in Encapsulated Wiring, p. 18 X X X X X X X X X

Retrofit Criteria: Insulation and Wiring, p. 19 X X X X X X X X X

BUILDING SOLAR SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

Collector Durability and Keliability I est xerogram, p. ZZ YA A A AV AY

Standards for Rubber Hose and Connections, p. 22 A AY AY AY AY

Standards for Solar Cover Plates, p. 23 A AY AY AY AY

Standards for Nonmetallic Containment Materials, p. 23 Av Av AY YA AY

Standards for Solar Absorptive Coatings, p. 24 A YA AY YA AY

Evaluation of IPC Corrosion Test Methodology, p. 24 Av YA AY YA YA

Solar Hot Water System Test Program, p. 24 Av AY AY AY AY

Structural Performance of Solar Collectors, p. 25 A A VA A A

Thermal Test Methods for Solar Collectors, p. 25 Av Av YA YA YA

Passive Solar Data Requirements, p. 25 Av Av AY AY

Economic Evaluation of Passive Solar Designs for Urban Environments, p. 26 vA A A A

Installation of Solar Components on Roofs, p. 26 X X X X X

Solar Evaluation of the Norris Cotton Building, p. 26 X X X X X X X X

Monitoring Methods for Low-Cost Residential Solar Systems, p. 27 X X X X

Commercial Solar Energy Demonstration, p. 27 X X X X

Solar Energy Program for Housing Systems, p. 27 X X X X X X

Dimensional Considerations in Solar Installation, p. 28 X X X X X

Solar Federal Buildings Program, p. 28 X X X X

Federal Procurement Specifications for Solar Heating and Cooling, p. 28 X X X X

Economic Optimization Guide for Solar Systems in Federal Buildings, p. 29 X X X X

Technical Evaluation Manual for Solar Retrofit of Federal Buildings, p. 29 x x x x

International Cooperation in Solar Energy, p. 29 X X X X

Residential Solar Data Center, p. 29 X X X X X

Development of Solar Regulatory Provisions, p. 30 X X X X

Code Analysis of Thermal Energy Storage, p. 30 X X X X

Solar Utilization in Cities and Towns, p. 31 X X X X X X

Combined Photovoltaic/Thermal Solar Systems, p. 31 X X X X

EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION

Characterization of Structural Response to Earthquakes, p. 34 X X X X X

Seismic Provisions for Buildings, p. 34 X X X X

Characterization of Soil and Foundation Response to Earthquakes, p. 35 X X X X

Romania Earthquake Rehabilitation, p. 35 X X X X

STRUCTURES AND FOUNDATIONS PERFORMANCE

Loading Criteria for Structural Design, p. 38 X X X X X

Development of Revisions to American National Standards Institute A58, p. 38 X X X X

Application of Reliability Analysis Concepts to Building Components, p. 38 X X X X

Construction Load Evaluation, p. 39 X X X X X

Concrete Construction Technology, p. 39 X X X X X X

Mechanical Properties of Maturing Concrete, p. 39 X X X X X

Snow Loads on Nuclear Power Plant Structures, p. 39 X X X X X

Criteria for Design of Cladding Subjected to Wind Loads, p. 40 X X X X X

Criteria for Wind Tunnel Modeling, p. 40 X X X

75
Measurement of Forces on Trench Bracing, p. 4

1

X X X X X

Construction Practice in Excavation, p. 41 X X x x x X

Standards for Foundations and Excavations, p. 41 X X X X X X

In-Situ Geotechnical Measurements, p. 42 X X X X

Construction of the NBS Geotechnical Test Lab, p. 42 X X

Mobile Home Anchoring Against Flood and Windloads, p. 42 X X X X X X

Anchoring Mechanics for Mobile Homes, p. 42 YA V A. YA AY A.Y

Review of Design Criteria for Energy Transport Systems, p. 43 YA. YA YA A YA

Organic Coatings, p. 43 YA Av AY YA AY

Short-Term Evaluation of Steel Coatings, p. 44 A Y YA YA AY

Stone Consolidating Materials, p. 44 X X X X

Evaluation of Joint Sealants for the Dirksen Building, p. 44 X X X X

Nondestructive Evaluation of Building Materials, p. 45 X X X X X X

Elastomeric Roofing Membranes, p. 45 X X X X X X X

Roofing and Coatings Research for the Army, p. 45 X X X X

Blistering of Built-Up Roofing Over Polyurethane Insulation, p. 46 X X X X X X X

Tri-Services Technical and Scientific Support, p. 46 X X X X

Improvement of Honeycomb Sandwich Panels, p. 46 X X X X X

BUILDING SAFETY

Criteria for Signs in Workplaces, p. 48 X X X X X X X X

Chromaticity Specifications for Color Weather Radar Displays, p. 48 X X X X

Symbols Criteria and Standardization, p. 48 X X X X X X X X

Modeling Circulation System Safety, p. 48 X X X X X X X

Security Barriers, p. 49 X X X X X X X

BUILDING REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY

Construction Productivity for New and Rehabilitated Buildings, p. 52 X X X X X X X

Methods for Evaluating the Strength and Stability of Existing Buildings, p. 52 X X X X

Regulatory Provisions for Existing Buildings, p. 52 X X X X X

Performance Levels for Existing Buildings, p. 53 X X X X X

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Guidelines for Venting Single-Stack Drainage Systems, p. 53 X X X x X

Restoration Standards for Porcelain Finishes, p. 54 X X X X X X

Metric Conversion Scheduling in the U.S. Building Community, p. 54 X X X X X X X X

Design and Construction Technology Application Program, p. 54 X X X X X

BUILDING AND COMMUNITY ACOUSTICS

Building Acoustics Technology, p. 58 X X X X X X X

Highway Noise Criteria, p. 58 X X X X X X X

Transmission Line Audible Noise Measurement, p. 58 X X X X X X X

Impact Noise Measurement, p. 59 X X X X X X X

Sound Absorption Measurement, p. 59 X X X X X X X

Method for Assessing Costs of a Model Noise-Control Code, p. 60 X X X

BUILDING SERVICE SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE

Plumbing Systems Performance, p. 62 X X X X X X X X X

Performance of Water- Conserving Devices, p. 62 X X X X X X X X X

Human Factors and Water Conservation, p. 62 X X X X X X

Economically Efficient Water Conservation Standards, p. 63 X X X X

Electrical Distribution Systems Protection, p. 63 X X X X X X

76
LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY

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Lighting Design Evaluation, p. 66 Task Lighting Criteria, p. 66 Measurement of Illumination Systems Effectiveness, p. 66

Laboratory and Field Illumination Measurements, p. 66

Applied Color and Vision, p. 67

Visual Environment, p. 67

Visual Techniques in NDE, p. 67

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

XXX

XXX

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

BUILDING ECONOMICS

Economic Methods for Building Standards, p. 70 Economic Impact of Electronics Research, p. 70

Quantitative Optimization Techniques, p. 70 Economics Participation in Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars, p. 7

1

X

X

X

XXX

XXX

X X XXX

77

•tr U.S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE , 1980 O—311-065 (152)




U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory Center for Building Technology