Designing timber-frame houses with enlarged glazing mostly placed on the south side of the building offers numerous possibilities of creating structures with a highly attractive shape. Nevertheless, some general design guidelines claim that a non-compact building shape usually results in the increased energy demand for heating [1]. The aim of the present research therefore is to demonstrate possible avoidance of the latter energy related problem. The research is based on a case study of a one-storey timber-frame house, taking into account the climate data for three different European cities, those of Ljubljana, Munich (Muenchen) and Helsinki, whose average annual temperature and solar potential differ significantly. Apart from the climate data, the main variable parameters are the building's shape factor (Fs) and the AGAW (glazing-to-wall area ratios) in the south façade of the building. With the ground floor area and the heated volume remaining constant, the parametric analysis is carried out for different building shapes, i.e. square, rectangular, L, T and U, with the three-layer insulating glass placed in the south façade only. The results point out that the total annual energy demand for heating and cooling depends on the increasing shape factor to a considerably higher extent in cold climate conditions with a lower solar potential (Helsinki). On the other hand, the analysis of the regions with a higher average annual temperature (Ljubljana) and solar potential in the heating period shows that the influence of highly attractive building shapes on the energy demand is evidently less important, especially when using the appropriate size and position of the insulating glazing.
COBISS.SI-ID: 18755094
The conservation of cultural heritage and the renovation of other historical buildings requires a whole and interdisciplinary approach, cooperation between experts and the use of modern computer-based instruments, appliances and tools with a single goal sustainable renovation. The sustainable approach also requires a high professional level of activity and time to study and do research on the buildings. The criteria for renovation are made-up of agreements and compromises between the interests of the local government and the common motives and interests of the individual owners and prospective investors. In order to achieve a sustainable renovation, certain supportive elements are needed such as financing, successful project management, and an adequate number of qualified craftsmen with special skills. This article tries to clarify what types of systems and subsystems need to be considered when renovating cultural heritages, when and why we come to deal with a probability stochastic system, and what would be needed to successfully re-establish a determined system. By analysing the different methodologies within the framework of a complete renovation, we are developing a methodology for introducing the determined system for renovation projects and a model for analysis and decision-making during the preliminary design with the use of modern IT.
COBISS.SI-ID: 17610518
This book presents a history of roundabouts, an introduction to their design, calculations of their capacity and traffic-safety features. It describes the key features of standard roundabouts and their limitations. Alternative types of roundabouts are a fairly recent development and have only been implemented in a few countries to date. The book illustrates a broad variety of these recent alternative types of roundabouts, as well as proposed types still in the development phase, explaining for each the specific needs it meets, its advantages and drawbacks. In closing, the book offers an outlook on the role of roundabouts in future street traffic.
COBISS.SI-ID: 18312470
the south-oriented external wall, it is of primary importance not only to take advantage of a high possible solar potential to heat the building, but also to assure a horizontal stability of such timber-glass structures. The paper presents the outcomes of a large experimental research on timber-glass wall elements where glass panes are directly bonded to the timber frame, which results in a load-bearing and visually interesting wall element suitable for lightweight timber structures. Three different types of adhesives (silicone, polyurethane and epoxy) were used with two different bonding line conditions to obtain an optimal type of connection which will be in praxis suitable for wall elements subjected to either monotonic or dynamic load impact. In the presented experimental research, strain measurements were supported by additional numerical FE analysis. Only such detailed studies and analyses could lead to the complete understanding of the specimen%s failure mechanism. The failure mechanism depends primarily on the type of adhesive and the type of bonded joints. These two parameters have a decisive impact on the element ductility and are important for further research. The analysis of the measured and calculated values confirmed the predictions that the stiffness and load-bearing capacity of timber-glass wall elements crucially depend on the interaction between the wooden frame and glass, which in turn is a function of the flexibility of the particular type of adhesive used.
COBISS.SI-ID: 18721046
The article describes a criterion based on functional, environmental and economic aspects for comparing conventional roundabouts with innovative one- or two-level roundabouts. We compared the performances of eight roundabout types, differing in geometric layout, number of lanes and traffic flow regulation from each other, with regard to vehicle delays and CO2, NOx, PM2.5 and PM10 pollutant emissions. Recently-designed roundabouts - target roundabouts and flyover roundabouts - have also been studied for their undoubted practical interest. By means of closed-form capacity models and CORINAIR methodology, several traffic simulations were carried out to examine a typical annual traffic demand curve in a suburban context, three different distribution test matrices for traffic flows (p1, p2, p3) and maximum annual traffic flow values Qmax ranging between 1300 and 3300 veh/h. Estimating vehicle delays and annual pollutant emissions, along with construction and management costs, allowed obtaining overall costs for each roundabout examined, in function of traffic demand and several other parameters. Thanks to these analyses, we identified the roundabout types which best suit to each traffic condition.
COBISS.SI-ID: 18404630