Building Enclosure Science and Design

Catalog description

The building enclosure: nature, importance, loadings; building science: control of heat, moisture, air, hygrothermal analysis; design: walls, windows, roofs, joints. A E 542 A E (C E ) 542 Building Enclosure Science and Design (3) The building enclosure, or envelope, is the environmental separator in any building and is, like the superstructure and the service systems, one of the major physical components of the building. The primary objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the nature, importance, functions, and performance of the building envelope in general. The necessary building science--concerning primarily heat, moisture, and air--is covered, and hygrothermal analysis procedures are developed. A generalized categorization system for enclosure elements, i.e., walls (both above- and below-grade), roofs, and other enclosure sub-assemblies is proposed. General design strategies are developed. The design of specific wall systems (both above- and below-grade), roof systems, base floors, windows, and their joints is then addressed in some detail. The integration of structures (composite action, restraints, etc.), service systems (especially energy consumption), and finish (exterior and interior) is considered in sonic detail. Evaluation is based on an equal combination of assignments (6) and examinations (2). This course complements courses in architecture, civil engineering, architectural engineering, and mechanical engineering.