Building Sciences

Thermal Calculations and FEA

Thermal Calculations

The thermal performance of elements of the building fabric is assessed by way of the U Value which is a measure of the thermal transmittance through plane areas of the walls, roof, floor, etc. Calculations may be undertaken in accordance with the BS EN ISO 6947: 2007 combined method to assess the U Values and interstitial condensation risk for a wide range of construction types.

Where the building fabric elements comprise complex non-uniform geometry or non-repeating thermal bridges, then assessment by way of a Numerical Modelling tool may be required.

FEA Numerical Modelling

Building Sciences has gained extensive experience in the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to determine the thermal performance of building fabric components and interfaces for a wide variety of construction types and systems. Thermal FEA modelling is undertaken in accordance with BS EN ISO 10211: 2001, subject to BS EN 13370: 1998, BS EN ISO 6947: 2007, and the guidance in BRE publications BR443 and BR 497 (accepted conventions for thermal calculations) and BRE IP 1/07.

FEA is undertaken within the Strand 7ô environment to assess the thermal transmittance through designed components and interfaces and may be used to determine resultant U Values (Area thermal transmittances), ? Values (Linear thermal transmittances ñ thermal bridging) and É factors (Minimum internal temperature factors).

The results of such analysis may be used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations for a thermally efficient building via the NCM tools. Further, the output may be interrogated to identify potential problems such as internal surface condensation and mould growth. Designs may then be amended and remodelled to minimise such risks.

FEA of components and interfaces may also be undertaken alongside our building fabric Defect Investigation Services to assess the difference in thermal performance between as-designed and as-built conditions. Such analysis/diagnosis may prove invaluable in dispute resolution circumstances.

Acoustic Consultancy Services

Part E Compliance

In addition to Acoustic Testing Services, we offer consultancy to enhance performance and compliance with Approved Document E of the Building Regulations (England & Wales, 2004) and the Code for Sustainable Homes (2009).

Even though standardised details exist to improve compliance rates, all projects have unique characteristics and may well benefit from additional sound advice to avoid any post-occupation issues.

BB93 School and Colleges Compliance

Calculations are undertaken in line with the guidance given in BB93, for partition walls and floors, generating design advice on sound insulation between classrooms and other sensitive areas. Reverberation calculations for classrooms are made to determine required sound absorption characteristics.

We can also perform environmental noise surveys and calculations to determine required facade insulation performance in order to comply with ambient indoor noise levels.

PPG24 Noise Surveys

We complete 24hr noise surveys to determine categories of noise for residential developments. This prompts guidance on facade insulation requirements, dependent upon noise category.

Noise surveys and consultancy for BS8233 and BS4142 area also provided for mixed industrial and residential projects. We can also conduct surveys of externally mounted ventilation equipment and other plant serving late night facilities, e.g. nightclubs, for break out noise.

Air Leakage Consultancy

Part L Compliance

Part L of the Building Regulations (England and Wales, 2006) sets minimum performance standards with regard to building fabric in all new and substantially refurbished buildings (or a sample thereof). Our primary remit will include fabric airtightness and, where appropriate, insulation continuity.

The Approved Documents ADL1A and ADL2A currently state that a maximum air permeability rate of 10m³/(h.m²), at a test pressure of 50 pascals, is allowable in new dwellings and non-dwellings, respectively. However, this is likely to become more onerous over time and increasingly tight leakage rates are already being specified to achieve reductions building CO₂ emission rates in accordance with Carbon Calculations.

Where Air Pressure Testing is required, our team of experienced consultants will be on hand to help get you through, first time. The full consultancy package features a design review process – including meeting attendances and, where relevant, the development of a project specific compliance strategy – Construction Supervision in the form of site inspections, and a pre-test inspection to ensure effective building preparation.

Competent Person Scheme

On large and complex projects, where whole building testing may be deemed impractical, compliance may be achieved through a combination of design verification, sample testing, and an intensive site inspection regime (see ATTMA TS1). Building Control bodies are authorised to accept self-certification by a Competent Person, such as a Building Sciences consultant, once the compliance strategy has been approved.

BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes

BREEAM

BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building’s environmental performance.

Several BREEAM assessment methods are available to cover different building types:

Building Sciences is licensed in all the above methods assisting clients’ developments from conceptual design through to the completed building, with the following services:

BREEAM Clients include: Skanska, Bovis Lend Lease, Forestry Commission, Bouygues, Allenbuild, EC Harris, Makin Architecture, DPP, Couch Perry & Wilkes.

Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code is an environmental assessment method for new homes based upon BRE Global’s Ecohomes. It is the leading and most widely used holistic environmental assessment method for domestic buildings. The Code aims to protect the environment by providing guidance on the construction of high performance homes built with sustainability in mind and contains mandatory performance levels in 7 key areas.

Again, Building Sciences is licensed in all the above methods assisting clients’ developments from conceptual design through to the completed building.

Code Clients include: Taylor Wimpey, David Miller Homes, Crest Nicholson, Bellway, Cruden Construction, ROK, GML Architects, Farrell Design Studio

Technical Support Services

An extended range of BREEAM and Code compliant technical support services are available, in-house, in addition to those already described, and these include:

Energy Modelling

SBEM, SAP, EPCs and DSM

New and existing non-domestic buildings will need to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, Approved Document L2A (new build) and L2B (existing). Building Sciences has extensive experience in producing whole-building CO₂ emission calculations.

Using the approved software for Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) or Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) as appropriate, we will assess the building(s) and produce the necessary compliance documentation and report for submission to Building Control. In the case of non-compliance with Part L, we will work with the client/design team to consider the most appropriate, cost-effective solutions to ensure that the project meets the CO₂ target.

All new dwellings need to comply with Approved Document L1A of the Building Regulation; Part L, which requires whole-building CO₂ emissions calculations to be provided using the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure, SAP 2005. Building Sciences can quickly calculate the dwellings energy rating and produce the documentation for both Building Regulations submissions and the energy outputs for the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Building Sciences is a member of the CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants Scheme for non-domestic buildings and the National Home Energy Rating (NHER) Scheme. Under these schemes, all calculations produced are by the relevant scheme UKAS Personnel Certification. Building Control Bodies are authorised to accept our assessments without the need for further checking and giving our client greater confidence.

Lighting Design

Daylight Analysis

Building Sciences undertake advanced 3D computer modelling of natural daylighting in buildings in order to inform the design process and show compliance with relevant standards.

Detailed reports are produced to show compliance with a range of standards including BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes and Building Bulletin (BB90) regulations for Schools.

These reports include recommendations for improvements to designs in order to improve natural daylighting to rooms for the benefit of occupants and to achieve higher levels of compliance with relevant standards, such as BREEAM.

Artificial Lighting

Our in house lighting engineers provide a full lighting design service, using advanced 3D computer modelling, thereby providing designs with optimum lighting levels, efficiencies and aesthetics.

Working closely with architects and the design team, we can provide a full bespoke lighting design on any building type, from homes to schools to leisure centres to offices.