sustainable energy modelling for high rise buildings

Need to focus on sustainable energy modelling for high rise buildings

Dubai, 25 December 2007

Dubai needs to focus more on sustainable energy modeling for better performance in high rise buildings with special emphasis on the weather condition of Middle East, a renowned international expert on wind engineering has opined.
Dr. Anton Davies, senior vice president of RWDI Canada and renowned scientist in the field of wind engineering and environmental sciences, was addressing a seminar organised by Dubai Municipality recently on "Wind Tunnel Testing & Sustainable Building Design". The seminar was attended by a large number of engineers, architects, and staff from consultants and contracting companies.
Khalid Mohammed Saleh, Director of Building Department at Dubai Municipality said the seminar forms part of the civic body's initiative to offer a continuous learning environment for the local architects and consultant engineers.
He noted that a recent report revealed that value of real estate projects has increased from US$ 90 billion to US$ 143 in the Middle East for the period of 2005-2006.
"Dubai leads by far in this phenomenal growth. The Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015, rolled out by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, places significant emphasis on wise utilisation of resources to build a firm foundation of qualitative and quantitative achievements, forming a fertile environment for sustained growth in the era of globalisation. This should be considered as the dawn of green revolution in the construction sector," he said.
Delivering his lecture, Dr. Davies opined that the region is characterized by availability of abundant sunlight and utilization of the sunlight using photovoltaic and solar hot water systems is crucial. He also listed the benefits of energy efficient measures such as Double facade, Under floor air system, Radiant slab, Thermal mass, Shading, Noise, Acoustics, Vibration, Fire safety and High performance mechanical systems. Case studies for Energy, Thermal and Daylight simulation by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and its confirmation by wind tunnel test were also discussed in the seminar.
"Presently, wind tunnel studies offer the best estimate of the wind loading on a building for cladding as well as structural frame design. The wind tunnel test also confirms the accuracy of CFD simulations. In general, Code analytical methods are helpful for preliminary design and for simple situations. Even Codes recommend wind tunnel testing for complex or tall buildings," Dr. Davies said, discussing the advantages and shortcomings of each of these three techniques.