Building Science 

About: Building Science is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Energy consumption & Thermal comfort. It has an ISSN identifier of 0007-3628. Over the lifetime, 942 publications have been published receiving 3971 citations.

Acceptable wind speeds in towns

Abstract: This paper reviews the effects of wind on people, with the object of establishing limits to wind speeds which are acceptable or unacceptable. Such limits are needed for assessing conditions in towns, where tall buildings can cause troublesome winds in pedestrian areas. Observed effects of wind force are tabulated, using the Beaufort scale as a basis. These observations are supported by calculations of wind force on the human body, the unbalancing effect of this force and the effort required to progress against the wind. Existing information on thermal comfort out of doors is found to be inadequate for the present purpose, and the subject is therefore approached by considering the heat balance of the human body. From this the conditions leading to comfort can be calculated in terms of the environmental variables, air temperature, sunshine, and windspeed, and personal factors, activity and clothing. Graphs show the inter-relationship of these variables for conditions appropriate to people in shopping areas, and demonstrate the large cooling effect of the high windspeeds and shade associated with high buildings. The analysis of mechanical effects indicates that a mean speed of 5 m/sec represents the onset of discomfort, speeds greater than 10 m/sec are definitely unpleasant, and speeds greater than 20 m/sec can be dangerous. The study draws attention to several inadequacies in the available information and makes some suggestions for further work.

The function of windows— A reappraisal

Abstract: Traditional criteria for window design relate to daylight and ventilation requirements. Some criteria deriving from sunlight studies are also used. In the light of rapidly developing technology, rising standards of environment and changes in the depth of buildings, these criteria are beginning to lose their force. This paper examines current knowledge on the contribution of windows to sunshine awareness and desire and to the provision of a visual link with the outside world. It also describe working hypotheses and current experimental work concerning interference ‘meshes’, such as woven or slatted blinds which to a greater or lesser degree obscure external views. Some data in summary form is given on a survey in a new office block and critical points on which further research is needed are given.

Methods for predicting the lateral stiffness and strength of multi-storey infilled frames

Abstract: The behaviour of multi-storey infilled frames with rectangular infills and different beam and column sections is examined for the case of lateral loading. The members of the frame are rigidly connected together, and the infills, which are not bonded to the frame, are of a homogeneous, isotropic material. Approximate theoretical methods, based on an equivalent strut concept, are developed to predict the lateral stiffness and strength, and are substantially verified and partly modified by the results of four series of experiments. It is shown that the lateral stiffness and ultimate strength are dependent on the relative stiffness of the column and infill, but practically independent of the beam stiffness.

The thermal properties of concrete

Abstract: The thermal properties of concrete are reviewed. The influence of factors such as age, water/cement ratio, temperature and moisture content on specific heat, thermal expansion and diffusivity of cement paste, aggregates and concrete are discussed.