Roofs are the protective covering that
protects or forms the top of the buildings. However at present, roofs
equipped with the latest technologies in building materials offer
advantages which are cost effective, efficient and aesthetically
pleasing, while offering considerable savings in terms of energy cost.
Numerous roofing systems used in building structures can be summarized
briefly as below.
Photovoltaic (PV) roofs1 (which
converts sunlight into electricity) with PV modules integrated into
roofing materials produce free electricity from sunlight that when
attached to the appliances or lighting systems can supply much of the
homes energy needs. It requires a portion of the roof to be exposed to
direct sunlight.
The wide variety of roofing materials
available can be categorized into metal roofing and non-metal roofing
materials. The metal roofing shingles, depending upon the surface
finish, can provide enhanced efficiency with solar reflectance and
infrared emittance properties.
Non-metal roofing includes roofing shingles
made out of asphalt, clay, slate, etc., available in different shades
and configurations, and are best suited for residential requirements.
Figure 2: Wood roofing
Wood roofing2 is used to protect
homes and give it a rustic, natural look which ages beautifully. Its
visual appeal and natural protection from weather has made it popular
among the other roofing options.
Figure 3: Green roof
Roof tops3 covered with
vegetated green layers are also an attractive alternative to traditional
roofing practices. They serve the dual purpose of offering a protective
covering to the building, in addition to retaining drain water. Other
benefits include: reducing roofing membrane temperature, providing
substantial noise insulation, absorb air-borne toxins, and providing
additional land area.
A typical composite material4 is a system of materials
composing of two or more materials (mixed and bonded) on a macroscopic
scale. For example, concrete is made up of cement, sand, stones, and
water. If the composition occurs on a microscopic scale (molecular
level), the new material is then called an alloy for metals or a polymer
for plastics.
Fiber Reinforced Plastics5 (FRP) can be made into constant
cross-sectional structural shapes, such as W-sections and tube sections,
through the pultrusion process of manufacturing. FRP can be used to
create structural systems that have enough strength to resist service
loads and can decrease life-cycle costs as compared with traditional
materials. The benefits include: low weight, high strength, ease of
erection, and corrosion resistance. These factors combined lead to lower
installation costs and lower maintenance costs. As improvements in the
manufacturing process occur, it is expected the initial costs of these
material will decrease as well. All of these factors could lead to lower
life-cycle costs than using traditional materials.
Civil engineers use steel, fiberglass and other similar materials to
increase concrete's strength and toughness, but using those materials
often requires costly construction techniques. Advances in short-wire
reinforced concrete is making use of this technology increasingly more
accessible, since the process is compatible with standard construction
processes and the steel used for the bone-shaped fibers is relatively
cheap.
Figure 2: Composite
structural applications
Composite
materials are widely used in various construction practices including
bridges, sky-scrapers, highways, beams, columns, and other structural
components as an alternative to conventional metals like steel and
aluminum.
Figure 3: Composite material insight
Generally, a composite material is composed of reinforcement (fibers,
particles, flakes, and/or fillers) embedded in a matrix (polymers,
metals, or ceramics). The matrix holds the reinforcement to form the
desired shape while the reinforcement improves the overall mechanical
properties of the matrix. When designed properly, the new combined
material exhibits better strength than would each individual material.
Depending upon its configuration and orientation of fibers inside the
matrix, the application of a composite is affected.
Integrated ceilings6
(Figure 1) with cable support reduce the building costs and offer a wide
range of new opportunities. Ventilation systems, tubing, structural
elements as well as power, telephone and data cables can be embedded
inside the ceiling to create the right atmosphere, ambience and acoustic
environment.
Fireguard ceilings7
proposed by Armstrong ceiling systems are specially formulated to
provide enhanced resistance against structural failure. These ceiling
materials are in compliance with a UL approved rating system for flame
spreading and fire-resistant material properties, and offer a wide
variety of textured ceilings.
Ceilings with anti-bacterial
treatment called the “anti-microbial ceilings”8 include an
intersept coating that destabilizes the cellular membrane of certain
microorganisms preventing them from multiplying and surviving. The
coating inhibits the growth of odor and stain-causing bacteria on the
treated surface of the ceiling tile. Armstrong ceiling systems also
provide a key component of in-building wireless networks called the
“wireless” and “i-ceilings” network. I-ceilings panels are ceiling tiles
with wireless antennas for WLAN networks, mobile phone systems and flat
panel speakers embedded inside. The antennas are “hidden”, so they are
invisible from below and hence, maximize the communication options
without compromising the aesthetics.
The Humiguard Plus9 and
Humiguard Max ceilings provides validated performance required for all
high humidity applications - just short of standing water, direct
contact with water or exteriors where condensation is likely. These
products can be installed earlier in the construction process (before
the building is enclosed), wherever HVAC systems might be shut down, or
in all high humidity applications other than outdoors or in the areas
that are subjected to standing water.
Figure 2: High Light
Reflectance Ceilings
High Light Reflectance ceilings10 as shown in Figure 2,
provide substantially brighter spaces with reduced energy costs and
consumption and provide an exceptionally balanced light diffusion and
reduces light loss factor.
The type of wall materials available today is practically unlimited.
They can range from wood, brick and block, tilt up panels to metal
panels. From the viewpoint of building construction, walls are divided
into two major groups: load-bearing wall and skeleton-frame
construction. Tilt-up wall systems include load-bearing panels, non-load
bearing panels and wainscoting.
Stay-in-place-form-wall11 is an energy efficient wall system
proposed by All wall systems. The Concrete Forms with Insulation (CFI)
are basically forms for poured concrete walls that stay in place as a
permanent part of the wall assembly. They not only provide continuous
insulation and sound barrier, but also replace drywall on the inside and
also replace the first two steps of the stucco application process on
the outside. The All wall system can be considered as a “Post and Beam”
system which has gained popularity due to its energy efficient
characteristics and because of its masonry-based wall system that is not
structurally vulnerable to termites.
Exhibit wall systems12 (Figure 2) used extensively for
displays and exhibitions in museums and galleries comprise of multiple
frames, pop-up curves or fabric panels.
Multiple Frame
Pop-up Curves
Fabric Panel
Figure 2:
Exhibit wall
Rewards iForm13 is an
innovative, universal flat wall form that is horizontally and vertically
reversible. It is used to build highly insulated, steel-reinforced
concrete walls in all types of residential, light commercial and large
and high-rise commercial constructions.
Figure 3: Reward iForm
“All-around” ledge form, in addition to
serving as a ledge for the application of brick and stone exterior
finishes, can serve many other functions, such as supporting slabs,
floors, and in some cases, roofs.
Choosing an
insulated garage door14 means increased energy efficiency,
soundproofing, and quieter operation. The insulation is obtained using
the polyurethane insulation which is blown between the door's steel
skins and expanded to fill 100% of the door's interior space. To help
keep out wind and rain, all Raynor garage doors feature a vinyl bottom
weather seal attached to a sturdy aluminum retainer.
Figure 2: Fire
resistant accordion door system
Fire resistant accordion door systems15 provide physical
security along with fire security. Fireguard is a revolutionary ceiling
tracked, horizontally sliding, motorized, steel, accordion type door
system that is stored in a recessed pocket until it is activated by a
fire alarm system or manually commanded to close with companion Advanced
Synchronized Locking (ASL) software. The Fireguard is designed to
provide 20, 60, 90 or 180 minute fire protection and comes in single or
Bi-parting door segments.
Figure 3: Automatic Platform Gate door
Curtis door systems16, Automatic Platform Gate (APG) door
utilizes the service proven rolling stock technology to provide an
alternative to full height Platform Screen Door Systems. (PSDS). Unlike
PSDS, APG does not interfere with the station air conditioning and
heating systems providing the same safety and consistency of operation
as PSDS.
Figure 4: Storm door
Like other components of the shell, doors are subject to several types
of heat loss: conduction, infiltration, and radiant losses. A wooden
door can be made more energy efficient by adding a storm door. Like a
storm window, a storm door works by creating an insulating air space
between the storm and primary doors. A tight-fitting storm door can also
help reduce air leakage or infiltration.
Valzon17 flame resistant fabrics are blends of 60% FR Acrylic
fiber and 40% Cotton. Each lot of fabric is tested by Westex rigorous
quality control standards to certify both the initial and wash durable
flame resistance characteristic. The blend level established for these
fabrics is important to permit classification of the fabric as
"inherently" flame resistant. The flame retardant chemical is an
integral part of the acrylic fiber put into it at the fiber-forming
stage. The blended cotton component is not treated for flame retardancy
but derives its self-extinguishing characteristics from the presence of
the FR acrylic fiber.
Figure 2: Dupont Fire
Resistant Material
The Dupont18 fire resistant materials are two layer
constructions with different weights and performance levels. The base
level is a blend of aramid and proprietary fibers that imparts
structural integrity, inhibits gas ingression and provides mattress
coverage. The outside layer consists of char-forming and flame
suppressing fibers that insulate the mattress and inhibit the spread of
flames on exterior fabric, and provides a white exterior aesthetic.
ULTEM®19 resin is an amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide
offering outstanding high heat resistance, high strength, modulus and
broad chemical resistance. Its balance of properties and processability
offers design engineers exceptional flexibility and freedom to innovate.
ULTEM® resins are inherently flame resistant with low smoke emission. In
fact, they are eco-conforming, which helps customers meet stringent
eco-label requirements.
Figure 3: ULTEM
Flame resistant plastic
Hydroweave20 technology improves the performance and
endurance of the wearer by reducing the amount of energy wasted cooling
the body and battling heat stress. Harnessing the power of evaporation,
Hydroweave actively cools the wearer while helping to maintain core body
temperature, provide comfort, enhance performance, and help eliminate
the hazards of working, playing, and competing in high heat
environments.
Fastenerless Steel Framing Clinching21
technology is used for attaching residential steel framing members.
Steel framing promises to be a synch with clinching. Clinching is a
method of joining two pieces of sheet metal by pressing them together
into a die that forms a connection similar to a rivet. Fasteners such as
rivet or self-tapping screw are not required with clinching.
Clinching reduces the amount of screws, rivets or welding needed.
Clinching connections are less susceptible to loosening over time than
other types of connections. It also facilitates the penalization
process. Again, the costs per clinch have been reported to be a fraction
of a screw connection. There are several types of clinching equipment.
The majority of clinched connections are made with pneumatic or
hydraulic tools.
A clincher makes a connection by driving a punch into a die through
overlapping material. When the material is forced to the bottom of the
die, the die begins to mushroom. The die expands to allow full
development of the connection. When the punch reaches its final
position, it is withdrawn and the die returns to its original shape. The
result is a connection very similar to that of a rivet.
Figure 2:
Clinching equipment
Engineered wood wall framing22 is used as a replacement of
traditional lumber, installed with same process, tools, and fasteners.
The framing is made from Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL). The strands are
coated with adhesive and compressed into large billets that are sawn
into standard lumber dimensions. Engineered wood framing uses
fast-growing, plentiful lumber species, reducing the amount of
old-growth timber that is harvested. It also uses logs more efficiently
than solid-sawn lumber. It also may result in less material and total
installed costs. For example, wider spacing of wall studs can be
implemented due to its superior strength, and it can be used for tall
walls, such as in open foyers.
Glazing materials23 include glass, acrylics, fiberglass, and
other materials. Although different glazing materials have very specific
applications, the use of glass has proven the most diverse. Single panes
have a high solar transmission, but have poor insulation - the R-value
is about 1.0. Single pane glass can be effective when used as storm
windows, in warm climate construction (unless air conditioning is being
used), for certain solar collectors, and in seasonal greenhouses.
Double pane glass is just that: two panes manufactured into one unit.
Isolated glass (thermo pane) incorporates a spacer bar (filled with a
moisture absorbing material called a desiccant) between the panes and is
typically sealed with silicone. The spacer creates a dead air space
between the panes. This air space increases the resistance to heat
transfer and provides a comfortable, illuminated ambience.
Lutron Electronics first introduced the Sivoia QED (Quiet Electronic
Drive) roller shade system24 that operate with ultra-quiet
precision (so shades always operate in unison) and offer numerous
options for shade fabrics and remote controls to coordinate with the
home's décor. QED banishes harsh glare and protects the home interiors
from the harmful effects of UV light. Controllable window treatment
systems are available in a variety of styles, including roller shades,
Roman shades and draperies.
Figure 2: Roller Shade System
Figure 3: Vinyl windows
Vinyl glass windows25 possess advanced coating technology,
insulating gas and a low-conductance spacer to deliver optimal heating
and cooling performance. This not only helps to save money, but can
limit condensation buildup on glass surfaces, and ensures locks blend
well with the sash and frame, while providing a water-tight seal.
