Commercial Building Technology Assignment Sample

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Introduction to Commercial Building Technology Assignment

This report presents an in-depth technical evaluation of key structural, environmental, and operational considerations essential for the successful planning, design, and construction of a modern multi-storey building. It covers critical aspects such as site investigation, structural frame design, cladding installation, deep foundation construction, waterproofing for basement works, heat loss and gain assessment, and sustainable energy solutions. By integrating engineering calculations, construction method statements, and sustainability strategies, this report ensures a holistic understanding of how complex building projects are executed efficiently and safely. Additionally, the content has been refined to maintain academic relevance for students seeking Online Assignment Help in UK while supporting industry best practices.

Commercial Building Technology Assignment Sample

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Richard White 8 Years | PhD

Element 1: Site Investigation

Site Properties to be determined

Soil Composition and Strength

The ground that the site is composed of consist of made ground, silty sand, clay, gravel, and weathered sandstone to different extent. The decisions on the design of foundations can only be made possible after determining the bearing capacity, the shear strength and the compressibility of the soil.

Contamination Levels

The made ground is characterised by contamination. These further require chemical scrutiny in order to decide the best ways to restore the environment so as to minimise impact.

Groundwater Conditions

Because of the closeness of the River Lagan, knowledge pertaining to the variations in the groundwater table and hydrostatic pressures plays an important role in the selection of waterproofing systems of structures and techniques of excavation.

Geotechnical Stability

Estimate settlement threats and possible interactions between the soil and structure including the stability of the site’s slopes in relation to basement excavation and retaining structures.

Foundation Remnants

Foundations below ground previously constructed could hamper on the site, the new construction plans. Its location, material and condition require that such buildings be documented so as to determine the extent of deterioration.

Topography and Hydrology

Integrate proper levelling and drainage plans to cheque for excess water around the project during and after construction.

Such characteristics will influence the structural and the substructural building designs with the view to providing a firm building (Antonopoulos et al. 2022). Thorough examination of the sites of development will help in minimising the risks and in meeting the project specifications.

Element 2: Building Frame

Estimation of Component size

Data

Number of storey = 10

Floor height = 3.7 m

Usable floor height = 2.5 m

Floor area = 7 m x 7m

Load

Slab weight = 25 kN/m²

Beam & column weight = 5 kN/m²

Cladding & finishing weight = 10 kN/m²

Total D.L = 40 kN/m²

L.L for office space = 3 kN/m²

L.L for retail space = 5 kN/m²

Considering the worst condition and hence L.L = 5 kN/m²

Total Load = Total D.L + Total L.L = 40 + 5 = 45 kN/m²

Concrete grade = C25/30

Steel grade = B500B

Slab Design

Considering one-way slab.

Hence,

Depth = span/20

Considering a span of 5m (10 m one-way slab)

Depth = 5/20 = 0.25 m = 250 mm

Considering a thickness of 200 mm maintaining a range of slab depth of 150 to 250 mm

Maximum moment developed (M) = wl²/8

M = 45 x 5³/8

M = 703.125 kN

Considering rectangular section.

M = 0.138 f_ck bd²

A_s = M/(0.138 f_ck Z)

f_ck = 25 N/mm²

Z = 0.95 d

d = 200 – cover = 200 – 20 = 180 mm

A_s = (703125 x 10⁶)/(0.138 x 25 x 180)

A_s = 1.132 x 10⁶ mm²

Providing T12 bars @200 mm c/c.

Beam Design

Considering beam,

Width = 300 mm

Effective depth = 500 mm

Maximum moment = wl²/8

M = 4(5 x 3 x 5²)/8

M = 421.875 kN

M = A_s x f_y x Z

f_y = 500 N/mm²

Z = 0.95 d = 0.95 x 500 = 475 mm

A_s = (421875 x 10⁶)/(500 x 475)

A_s = 1.776 x 10³ mm²

Providing 6 nos 20 dia bars = 6 x 314 = 1884 mm²

Shear force (V) = wL/2 = 135 x 5/2 = 337.5 kN

Providing 10 dia bars @150 mm c/c.

Column Design

Considering the dimension of the column as 400 x 400 mm.

Load from one floor = 45 x 7 x 7 = 2250 kN

Total load from all the floors (N) = 2205 x 10 = 22050 kN

Axial load capacity (N_Rd) = φ x A_g x f_cd

Φ = 0.65

f_cd = f_ck/¥_c = 25/1.5 = 16.67 N/mm²

A_g = 400 x 400 = 160000 mm²

N_Rd = 0.65 x 160000 x 16.67 = 1733.68 kN

Considering 14 columns are present in the building shearing this load.

Total column capacity = 27 x 1733.68 = 46809.36 kN > 22050 kN (hence safe)

Reinforcement details

Slab = T12 bars @200 mm c/c

Beam = 6, 20 dia bars @150 mm c/c, stirrup = 10 dia bars @ 150 c/c

Column = 25 dia bars as reinforcement and 12 dia stirrups @ 200 mm c/c.

Construction Method Statement

Preparation

Take a survey and draw a gridline and the position of column to be constructed. Guarantee formwork and scaffolding fulfil national safety requirements and the building’s design requirements.

Foundation Interface

Introduce columns starter bars and dowels from the foundation or pile caps to connect to RC frame.

Formwork and Reinforcement

In order to cast the columns, beams and slabs; construction of form work with very sturdy and recyclable material with steel or plywood should be made. Place the steel reinforcement in compliance to the design drawings and plan with correct spacing, alignment and cover.

Concrete Placement

Place concrete into column formwork first and let it to cure for appropriate time as prescribed. The same series is to be continued while providing beams and one way slabs. Use of vibrations will help avoid voids formation and compaction.

Curing and Striking

Rust concrete by leaving the surface exposed to the air or apply curing agents for 7 days. Strip form works after it has gained the recommended strength as recommended by engineers.

Floor-by-Floor Construction

The same is done for other floors with proper continuity and load path through the vertical elements.

Quality and Safety Assurance

It is recommended that inspections are conducted before and after jobs and at any point in time that design specifications are not followed (Nikbakht et al. 2023). All workers should adhere to laid down safety measures and standards in relation to the activity in the constructions site throughout the process.

Element 3: Cladding

Construction Method Statement

Preparation

The site survey and the establishment should also be surveyed again to determine the actual measurement and alignment of the structure. Stay sure that all other structural members which are most likely to contribute to the structure are provided and surfaces ready for putting on the cladding.

Material Delivery and Storage

Transport precast concrete cladding panels to the building site in a condition that they do not need any further protection. Stack panels flat and level so as not to be affected by movement from activities such as equipment movements and rain.

Installation Sequence

Equipment such as crane or other lifting equipment should be used in lifting panels to the right installation level. Instal position panels according the layout and design on the façade per the guideline beginning at the bottom and moving upwards.

Connection and Fixing

Fasten panels to the RC frame by utilising anchor bolts, brackets or inserts fixing as per the designs available. Some tips on operations are as follows: proper alignment and levelness should always be checked with help of temporary supports before fixing (Xiang et al. 2022). Use certain types of sealants or gaskets when joining panels for weather proofing and expansion.

Finishing

Cheque whether there are any gaps or maladjustment of the various parts, or any abnormalities of the working surface, and then adjust it. Again, for the cladding panels, it is recommended that the panels be cleaned after fixing to remove dirt, smears of cement, or other intruding materials.

Quality and Safety

Internal inspections: to periodically sustain a cheque on design and safety standards. This should be accompanied by the establishment of fall protection measures and that everyone involved in installation must wear the right PPE.

Element 4: Deep Foundation

Construction Method Statement

Preparation

A site investigation must be carried out to ensure an accurate determination of the soil stratification and groundwater condition for the site. Mark pile positions on the site according to the layout plan and use surveying instrument to ensure accurately (Ho et al. 2021). Provide for access to piling rigs and removal of any impediments to same.

Mobilization

Take equipment in pile like rig, auger and concrete pump to the site. Some of the preparation include; ensure that the equipments you are going to use are placed in such a way that they are steady with no sign of tilting at the centre of the compounds where the lamps are to be mounted.

Boring Operations

Make necessary deep rotary auger borehole with vertical alignment in order to reach the predetermined depth. Cheque for end-users borehole depth and diameter so as to conform to the designed size (Li et al. 2022). In cases where casing is required in the borehole the use of temporary casing should be made in order to avoid collapse of the wall of the bore hole.

Reinforcement and Concreting

Place and fix pre-assembled reinforcement cages lower into the borehole. Tremie method to be used when pumping concrete at the bottom of the borehole to avoid segregation. Step by step remove casing if used in the course of concreting until none is left with the work.

Curing and Quality Control

Give adequate time for concrete to set to the strength that it is supposed to withstand. The sonic or dynamic load testing of piles should also be conducted for pile integrity cheques.

Safety and Documentation

Check PPE as well as work equipment to enforce safety levels at the workplace. Some of the records that have to be made for the pile include the depth of the pile, the reinforcement used and volume of concrete used.

Element 5: Basement Cofferdam

Waterproofing Requirements

To prevent water infiltration into the basement some methods important to note are water-proofing this is very important for a building near the River Lagan with high ground water table. The following requirements must be considered:

Waterproof Membrane

These needs to be fulfilled by a durable and versatile material such as High Density Polythene (HDPE) or polymer modified bitumen (Zhong et al. 2021). The membrane should be used on exterior face of the retaining walls and under the basement slab to afford a protective cover against water.

Sealants and Joints

In addition, all construction joints and expansion joints as well as pipe penetrations should be sealed with suitable water resistant sealants. Cold joints in the concrete structure should be sealed by hydrophilic or hydrophobic waterstops.

Drainage System

Instal perimeters drains or French drains to divert water possible to reach basement. A cavity drain system along with the sump pump has to be installed to the wall to drain any water that may penetrate through the outer layer.

Concrete Mix Design

Utilise normal concrete with a low permeability of water and proper additives (such as crystalline admixtures). Forbit voids or cracks to reduce it. Proper compaction and curing.

Inspection and Maintenance

Perform annual surveys on construction to warrant consistency of the waterproof layers consistently. Schedule for adjustments in case where some wears or damages the tool over a given period of time.

It then takes measures that guarantee these to last longer and prevent water leakage in the basement.

Element 6: Heat Loss/Gain

Data

Floor dimension = 36 x 21 m

Floor height = 3.7 m

Total floor = 10

U-Values

External Wall (U_wall) = 0.25 W/m² K

Roof (U_roof) = 0.2 W/m² K

Floor (U_floor) = 0.15 W/m² K

Window (U_window) = 1.60 W/m² K

Considering a glazing ratio of 40% of the area of walls.

Considering winter season,

Taking the outside temperature as 5⁰ C

Inside temperature as 21⁰ C

Difference in temperature ΔT = 16⁰ C

Heat gain coefficient G_solar = 0.7

Solar Irradiance = 600 W/m²

External wall heat loss

Wall area = Perimeter x height – window area

Perimeter = 2 x (36 + 21) = 114 m

Wall area = 114 x 3.7 x 0.6 = 252.72 m²

Heat loss = U_wall x area x ΔT.Q_wall

Heat loss = 0.25 x 252.72 x 16 = 1010.88 W

Window heat loss

Window area = wall area x 0.4 = 168.48 m²

Heat loss = U_roof x area x ΔT.Q_window

Heat loss = 1.6 x 168.48 x 16 = 4312.77 W

Roof heat loss

Roof area = 36 x 21 = 756 m²

Heat loss = U_roof x area x ΔT.Q_{roof =} 2419.20 W

Floor heat loss

Floor area = 36 x 21 = 756 m²

Heat loss = U_floor x area ΔT.Q_floor = 0.15 x 756 x 16 = 1814.40 W

Total loss of heat in winter = Q_wall + Q_window + Q_roof + Q_floor

Q_{total, winter} = 1010.88 + 4312.77 + 2419.20 + 1814.40 = 9557.25 W

Summer Season

Heat gain via window

Solar heat gain = area x G_solar x solar irradiance

Window area = 42.12

Q_solar = 42.12 x 0.7 x 600 = 17690.40 W

Internal heat gain

Heat gain = 15 W/m²

Floor area = 36 x 21 = 756 m²

Q_internal = 15 x 756 = 11340 W

Total loss of heat in summer = Q_solar + Q_internal

Q_{total, summer} = 17690.40 + 11340 = 29030.40 W

Element 7: Energy Provision

Solutions to reduce energy use

Improved Building Envelope

High-performance insulation material relies on the walls, roof and floors, whereby heat transfer is limited. Replace windows with double or triple-glazing and with low-emissivity coatings to minimise heat losses in winter or heat gains in the summer (Yau et al. 2024). Eliminate gaps and joints to avoid free, convection of air over the exterior surface of the cladding.

Energy-Efficient Systems

Retrofit buildings with efficient heating / cooling systems that can zone control the environment instead of continuously heating / cooling the surrounding areas. Subdivide exhausted air, and use it again if possible, through heat recovery ventilation systems.

Renewable Energy Integration

You should utilise the rooftop to power solar systems for the generation of clean power. One can also think about the possibilities of geothermal methodologies for heating-cooling.

Smart Technologies

Sequenced control of lights, HVAC, and other systems by using building management systems (BMS). Optimise the use of lighting, heating, and cooling with help of installing smart thermostats and occupancy sensors.

Daylighting and Natural Ventilation

Window and skylight placement to allow the most light into the house while minimising direct sunlight. For optimal natural ventilation avoid using operable windows and appliances that include ventilations systems in order to minimise the use of mechanical cooling.

Low-Energy Appliances

Eliminate lighting that is not essential, replace bulbs with LED lighting and appliances should be energy Star rated. Together, these measures minimise the energy consumption in operations, cuts cost while pushing the sustainability agenda.

Reference List

Journals

• Antonopoulos, C., Miller, C., Mayhorn, E., Irshad, N., Klenner, R. and Biswas, S., 2022. Decarbonizing the Building Sector: A Human-Centered Study Focused on Small/Light Commercial Building Energy Equity.
• Ho, M.Y., Lai, J.H., Hou, H. and Zhang, D., 2021. Key performance indicators for evaluation of commercial building retrofits: Shortlisting via an industry survey. Energies, 14(21), p.7327.
• Li, K., Ma, M., Xiang, X., Feng, W., Ma, Z., Cai, W. and Ma, X., 2022. Carbon reduction in commercial building operations: A provincial retrospection in China. Applied Energy, 306, p.118098.
• Nikbakht Naserabad, S., Akbari Vakilabadi, M. and Ahmadi, M.H., 2023. Commercial building integrated energy system: sizing and energy-economic assessment. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 18, pp.714-726.
• Xiang, X., Ma, M., Ma, X., Chen, L., Cai, W., Feng, W. and Ma, Z., 2022. Historical decarbonization of global commercial building operations in the 21st century. Applied Energy, 322, p.119401.
• Yau, Y.H., Rajput, U.A. and Badarudin, A., 2024. A comprehensive review of variable refrigerant flow (vrf) and ventilation designs for thermal comfort in commercial buildings. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 149(5), pp.1935-1961.
• Zhong, X., Hu, M., Deetman, S., Steubing, B., Lin, H.X., Hernandez, G.A., Harpprecht, C., Zhang, C., Tukker, A. and Behrens, P., 2021. Global greenhouse gas emissions from residential and commercial building materials and mitigation strategies to 2060. Nature Communications, 12(1), p.6126.