cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215926
title: Daylighting and glare: case study in multi-storey residential buildings

description: Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate sky obstruction in the urban fabric and its impact on daylighting and glare. Rooms in a multi-storey residential building were analysed using data from a hot and humid climate. The daylighting performance and glare levels inside the analysed rooms were accessed through climate-based simulations, using Daysim and Evalglare. A total of 120 room variations were studied, resulting from the combination of the following variables: (a) urban fabric scenarios, (b) reflection coefficient on the buildings, (c) horizontal sun shading on neighbouring facades and windows, d) floor height, and finally e) geographic orientation. The daylighting and glare performance parameters used were: useful illuminance (UDI), excessive illuminance (eUDI) and daylight glare probability (DGP). The main results highlighted in this study are: (a) a reduction of aUDI by 21.5% with the maximum obstruction scenario and by 40% in rooms located on the ground floor; (b) a higher reflection coefficient increased the illuminated area by 8.5%, with less effect on the ground floor, at only 3%; (c) a lower probability of glare was observed with higher sky obstruction; d) reduction of excessive illuminance and glare with the shading caused by the insertion of horizontal sun shading on neighbouring facades; (e) glare chance and a high reflection coefficient on the buildings are directly proportional variables.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215926.v1
title: Daylighting and glare: case study in multi-storey residential buildings

description: Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate sky obstruction in the urban fabric and its impact on daylighting and glare. Rooms in a multi-storey residential building were analysed using data from a hot and humid climate. The daylighting performance and glare levels inside the analysed rooms were accessed through climate-based simulations, using Daysim and Evalglare. A total of 120 room variations were studied, resulting from the combination of the following variables: (a) urban fabric scenarios, (b) reflection coefficient on the buildings, (c) horizontal sun shading on neighbouring facades and windows, d) floor height, and finally e) geographic orientation. The daylighting and glare performance parameters used were: useful illuminance (UDI), excessive illuminance (eUDI) and daylight glare probability (DGP). The main results highlighted in this study are: (a) a reduction of aUDI by 21.5% with the maximum obstruction scenario and by 40% in rooms located on the ground floor; (b) a higher reflection coefficient increased the illuminated area by 8.5%, with less effect on the ground floor, at only 3%; (c) a lower probability of glare was observed with higher sky obstruction; d) reduction of excessive illuminance and glare with the shading caused by the insertion of horizontal sun shading on neighbouring facades; (e) glare chance and a high reflection coefficient on the buildings are directly proportional variables.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215764.v1
title: RTQ-R’s shadings devices evaluation from a thermal and luminous point of view

description: Abstract Currently, the Brazilian Energy Labelling System for Residential Buildings, RTQ-R (BRASIL, 2012) values non-venetian shading devices with a maximum weight of 50% of the venetians performance, even though those shading devices show more effective thermal and daylighting performance. This study investigated the energy savings potential as well as the thermal and luminous performance of different shading devices in order to propose an adequacy of the current RTQ-R shading device rating system. Moreover, computational simulations were performed for four orientations in seven Brazilian bioclimatic zones and with seven different shading devices. From the computational simulations performed, a single rating system was proposed. The results indicated a considerable distortion between the simulations and the RTQ-R scores. Bioclimatic zones and solar orientation were noted to have a significant impact on the simulation scores, and, therefore, the study proposes a method that integrates both topics in the shading device rating system.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215764
title: RTQ-R’s shadings devices evaluation from a thermal and luminous point of view

description: Abstract Currently, the Brazilian Energy Labelling System for Residential Buildings, RTQ-R (BRASIL, 2012) values non-venetian shading devices with a maximum weight of 50% of the venetians performance, even though those shading devices show more effective thermal and daylighting performance. This study investigated the energy savings potential as well as the thermal and luminous performance of different shading devices in order to propose an adequacy of the current RTQ-R shading device rating system. Moreover, computational simulations were performed for four orientations in seven Brazilian bioclimatic zones and with seven different shading devices. From the computational simulations performed, a single rating system was proposed. The results indicated a considerable distortion between the simulations and the RTQ-R scores. Bioclimatic zones and solar orientation were noted to have a significant impact on the simulation scores, and, therefore, the study proposes a method that integrates both topics in the shading device rating system.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7216082
title: Urban morpho-material parameters in cities and their correlation with summer air temperatures

description: Abstract In order to determine and compare the efficiency of different urban cooling strategies in two Latin American cities (Mendoza, Argentina and Campinas, Brazil), 18 scenarios that modified their percentage of vegetation and albedo level in urban envelopment materials were analysed. The scenarios were simulated using a high-resolution microclimatic model -ENVI-met 3.1. The possible associations between variables were evaluated through Principal Components Analysis. The result showed that the percentage of vegetation and the average albedo of the urban opaque surfaces explain 71.5 % of the behaviours within the urban canyons in both cities. The increase in vegetation could decrease the average temperature in Mendoza by up to 2.0 ºC, while in Campinas by up to 5.0 ºC. Increasing the albedo level in the urban envelopment raises the air temperatures in high-density scenarios of Mendoza and Campinas by up to 1.0 ºC. However, in the case of high albedo scenarios in horizontal surfaces and low albedo in verticals, there were reductions of 2.0 ºC in the city of Mendoza and 3.0 ºC in Campinas.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7216082.v1
title: Urban morpho-material parameters in cities and their correlation with summer air temperatures

description: Abstract In order to determine and compare the efficiency of different urban cooling strategies in two Latin American cities (Mendoza, Argentina and Campinas, Brazil), 18 scenarios that modified their percentage of vegetation and albedo level in urban envelopment materials were analysed. The scenarios were simulated using a high-resolution microclimatic model -ENVI-met 3.1. The possible associations between variables were evaluated through Principal Components Analysis. The result showed that the percentage of vegetation and the average albedo of the urban opaque surfaces explain 71.5 % of the behaviours within the urban canyons in both cities. The increase in vegetation could decrease the average temperature in Mendoza by up to 2.0 ºC, while in Campinas by up to 5.0 ºC. Increasing the albedo level in the urban envelopment raises the air temperatures in high-density scenarios of Mendoza and Campinas by up to 1.0 ºC. However, in the case of high albedo scenarios in horizontal surfaces and low albedo in verticals, there were reductions of 2.0 ºC in the city of Mendoza and 3.0 ºC in Campinas.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215593
title: Mapping humidity plume over local climate zones in a high-altitude tropical climate city, Brazil

description: Abstract The aim of this research is to detect the cooling effects of water body evaporation in different Local Climate Zones (LCZs) in a tropical area. We attempted to register the humidity action over the urban environment caused by the evaporation of an urban lake according to the typical regional winds. The method was developed on the basis of three steps: the physical characterization of the LCZ conditions, the definition of data collection procedures with the mesoclimate analysis; and the interpretation of data by mapping the local measured variables. The study also included a microclimate data collection campaign aimed to evaluate more specifically the typical behaviour of the air temperature and absolute humidity in areas near the water body and in environments of the urban centre of São Jose do Rio Preto in Brazil. The air temperature range in areas near the water surface presented values lower than the denser areas, reaching differences close to 4 °C, and as the environment becomes drier and impermeable, the air temperature tended to be higher. This fact highlights the need to being outlined urban occupation strategies for improving the thermal quality of the built environment, mainly in cities located in regions with a predominantly high altitude tropical climate.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215593.v1
title: Mapping humidity plume over local climate zones in a high-altitude tropical climate city, Brazil

description: Abstract The aim of this research is to detect the cooling effects of water body evaporation in different Local Climate Zones (LCZs) in a tropical area. We attempted to register the humidity action over the urban environment caused by the evaporation of an urban lake according to the typical regional winds. The method was developed on the basis of three steps: the physical characterization of the LCZ conditions, the definition of data collection procedures with the mesoclimate analysis; and the interpretation of data by mapping the local measured variables. The study also included a microclimate data collection campaign aimed to evaluate more specifically the typical behaviour of the air temperature and absolute humidity in areas near the water body and in environments of the urban centre of São Jose do Rio Preto in Brazil. The air temperature range in areas near the water surface presented values lower than the denser areas, reaching differences close to 4 °C, and as the environment becomes drier and impermeable, the air temperature tended to be higher. This fact highlights the need to being outlined urban occupation strategies for improving the thermal quality of the built environment, mainly in cities located in regions with a predominantly high altitude tropical climate.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7216052
title: Energy performance of a social dwelling in Argentina and its retrofitting based on thermal simulation

description: Abstract This study is concerned with the thermal- energy behaviour of a social dwelling in the central region of Argentina. The aim is to evaluate the energy consumption of the dwelling during the historical period between 1960 and 2011 and to obtain the thermo-physical model through simulation with ECOTECT and SIMEDIF. The availability of real data on energy consumption allowed the calibration through simulation and the design of the model. The retrofitting guidelines aimed at energy conservation and solar collection through the incorporation of thermal insulation in the envelope and an increase from 10.8% to 20.3% of the north facing solar glazing area were applied. The results showed that, in addition to meetingthe recommendations of the regulations in force, energy retrofitting leads to the achievement of the objective of this study, improvingthe level of energy labelling with thermally comfortable environments. From an energy intervention perspective, the contained energy increases by 4.3 and 7.1%, reaching Level B and A of the IRAM Standard, respectively, with heating energy savings of 53.7 and 85.6%. The annual consumption per square meter of usable area is 34.9 kWh/m2, which is an interesting value, even though it does not yet reach that of the passive house level.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7216052.v1
title: Energy performance of a social dwelling in Argentina and its retrofitting based on thermal simulation

description: Abstract This study is concerned with the thermal- energy behaviour of a social dwelling in the central region of Argentina. The aim is to evaluate the energy consumption of the dwelling during the historical period between 1960 and 2011 and to obtain the thermo-physical model through simulation with ECOTECT and SIMEDIF. The availability of real data on energy consumption allowed the calibration through simulation and the design of the model. The retrofitting guidelines aimed at energy conservation and solar collection through the incorporation of thermal insulation in the envelope and an increase from 10.8% to 20.3% of the north facing solar glazing area were applied. The results showed that, in addition to meetingthe recommendations of the regulations in force, energy retrofitting leads to the achievement of the objective of this study, improvingthe level of energy labelling with thermally comfortable environments. From an energy intervention perspective, the contained energy increases by 4.3 and 7.1%, reaching Level B and A of the IRAM Standard, respectively, with heating energy savings of 53.7 and 85.6%. The annual consumption per square meter of usable area is 34.9 kWh/m2, which is an interesting value, even though it does not yet reach that of the passive house level.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7216091.v1
title: The use of Earned Value as a management tool in construction: a quantitative analysis

description: Abstract The monitoring of project performance through indicators is a highly important management tool for organizations, and Earned Value Management (EVM) is widely used for that purpose. However, few studies have been undertaken comparing the theoretical value-added model with its practical use in the civil construction industry in Brazil. In addition, some authors argue that the theoretical foundation of EVM is misused in civil construction. The main objective of this article is to verify whether users identify any benefits from the use of EVM and to analyse the critical success factors, limitations and their use according to the profile of users, through quantitative research. The research was carried out through the application of a survey-type questionnaire, made available through the Internet, with 106 respondents (managers and construction planning technicians). The data obtained in the research was satisfactory and validated, having obtained adequate statistics from Cronbach's Alpha and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin factor analysis tests. The results showed that the users identified benefits from using EVM, even though they still use partial EVM.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7216091
title: The use of Earned Value as a management tool in construction: a quantitative analysis

description: Abstract The monitoring of project performance through indicators is a highly important management tool for organizations, and Earned Value Management (EVM) is widely used for that purpose. However, few studies have been undertaken comparing the theoretical value-added model with its practical use in the civil construction industry in Brazil. In addition, some authors argue that the theoretical foundation of EVM is misused in civil construction. The main objective of this article is to verify whether users identify any benefits from the use of EVM and to analyse the critical success factors, limitations and their use according to the profile of users, through quantitative research. The research was carried out through the application of a survey-type questionnaire, made available through the Internet, with 106 respondents (managers and construction planning technicians). The data obtained in the research was satisfactory and validated, having obtained adequate statistics from Cronbach's Alpha and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin factor analysis tests. The results showed that the users identified benefits from using EVM, even though they still use partial EVM.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215827
title: Method for automated requirement checking in social housing projects

description: Abstract One of the possible strategies for improving the quality of construction projects is the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which involves innovations in information technology and changes in critical processes. In the social housing sector in Brazil, the need to evaluate a large number of projects proposed for funding in a very short time frame is a major challenge. Automated design checking has been pointed out as one of the main opportunities for the use of BIM in the building industry. The evaluation of social housing projects by governmental bodies is often based mainly on the experience of construction professionals, which may result in lack of uniformity in the criteria adopted, and in a time consuming and costly process. The aim of this research study is to propose a method for automated checking of requirements for the design of social housing projects by using BIM. This method was tested in two housing projects funded by the Minha Casa, Minha Vida programme, and compared to the manual process. This investigation also makes contributions related to the understanding of the nature of the requirements involved in this type of project, and discusses the process changes needed to introduce automated design checking.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215827.v1
title: Method for automated requirement checking in social housing projects

description: Abstract One of the possible strategies for improving the quality of construction projects is the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which involves innovations in information technology and changes in critical processes. In the social housing sector in Brazil, the need to evaluate a large number of projects proposed for funding in a very short time frame is a major challenge. Automated design checking has been pointed out as one of the main opportunities for the use of BIM in the building industry. The evaluation of social housing projects by governmental bodies is often based mainly on the experience of construction professionals, which may result in lack of uniformity in the criteria adopted, and in a time consuming and costly process. The aim of this research study is to propose a method for automated checking of requirements for the design of social housing projects by using BIM. This method was tested in two housing projects funded by the Minha Casa, Minha Vida programme, and compared to the manual process. This investigation also makes contributions related to the understanding of the nature of the requirements involved in this type of project, and discusses the process changes needed to introduce automated design checking.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215428
title: Method for elaborating operational Bill of quantities through BIM authoring software

description: Abstract The operational bill of quantities is an effective tool in cost management, since activities are segregated according to the production process. However, this feature may generate a long bill of quantities structure. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows budget information to be inserted into the models, allowing automatic quantity takeoff and understanding of the budget considerations through 3D visualisation. The objective of this study is to develop a method to prepare the operational bill of quantities through BIM that allows clarification of the calculation considerations and automation of the takeoff process. The development of the studies allowed the preparation of a proposal of a BIM modelling method. The evaluation of the proposed method indicated: (a) a lack of classes of objects able to represent the activities of the operational bill of quantities. The objects have no relationship with each other, leading design changes to require manual adjustments; (b) although the modelling using custom parameters did not permit 3D visualization, it proved to be a simple alternative for applying operational approach to quantities takeoff. The proposed method did not adequately support the choice of the best way of modelling (using objects or parameters). This deficiency demanded adjustments to the proposed method, incorporating guidelines to support the choice.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215428.v1
title: Method for elaborating operational Bill of quantities through BIM authoring software

description: Abstract The operational bill of quantities is an effective tool in cost management, since activities are segregated according to the production process. However, this feature may generate a long bill of quantities structure. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows budget information to be inserted into the models, allowing automatic quantity takeoff and understanding of the budget considerations through 3D visualisation. The objective of this study is to develop a method to prepare the operational bill of quantities through BIM that allows clarification of the calculation considerations and automation of the takeoff process. The development of the studies allowed the preparation of a proposal of a BIM modelling method. The evaluation of the proposed method indicated: (a) a lack of classes of objects able to represent the activities of the operational bill of quantities. The objects have no relationship with each other, leading design changes to require manual adjustments; (b) although the modelling using custom parameters did not permit 3D visualization, it proved to be a simple alternative for applying operational approach to quantities takeoff. The proposed method did not adequately support the choice of the best way of modelling (using objects or parameters). This deficiency demanded adjustments to the proposed method, incorporating guidelines to support the choice.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7215707
title: Infiltration detection in internal areas of buildings using infrared thermography: case study

description: Abstract Infrared thermography is a non-destructive inspection technique with increasing use in construction works. Its specific application in detecting infiltrations is still in development. The main objective of this study is to verify the applicability of infrared thermography in the detection of humidity in internal areas that present this pathological manifestation or minimal signs related to this problem. Internal inspections were carried out in case studies located in areas vulnerable areas to infiltration. The study was conducted passively during the rainy season. The results show that detection is possible during the day, without difficulties, where the areas affected by the infiltration present lower temperatures than the areas without humidity. The researchers observed that the larger the temperature difference, the greater the clarity of the thermal imaging. However, the coating of the inspected surfaces may interrupt the formation of the thermal contrasts, reducing the quality of the results. Infrared thermography is a useful tool for detecting non-visible or early-stage infiltrations because it provides location and affected area information, but certain factors must be considered for effective inspection as the external environmental conditions of the study site, camera specifications and infiltration characteristics.