by Tan, Xiangyang, M.A.Sc., Concordia University (Canada), 2008, 174 pages; AAT MR40871

Abstract (Summary)

Automating the checking of building envelope design according to design regulations is a complex process because design regulations consist of complicated logic statements covering multiple functions. Existing mechanisms of building code computer-aided checking have some limitations dealing with design regulations. This thesis presents a new approach to automate code compliance checking for building envelope design based on simulation results and the building codes. In this approach, building codes and building performance simulation results are independent from the compliance checking software.

During the process, a hierarchical object-based representation of simulation results called EBIM (Extended Building Information Model) is proposed to describe the attributes of a building and its sub-systems. A new representation of building codes based on decision tables called EBC (Extended Building Codes) is also proposed so that users can check the building envelope design against building codes based on the standardized simulation results. A rules engine is applied for matching the data of the EBIM against the rules derived from the EBC.

This new approach integrates building information modeling, simulation applications, building codes, and decision tables together for automated code compliance checking in designing building envelopes. A prototype implementation system is developed based on the proposed approach. The case study gives two examples: the first one is the procedure of evaluating the hygrothermal performance of an exterior wall of a house using this system, and the second one is an energy analysis comparison when an energy-efficient wall system is installed in a small building as a replacement.