VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Grant, Elizabeth J."

Browsing by Author "Grant, Elizabeth J."

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Adventures in Radon and Moisture Mitigation
Grant, Elizabeth J. (2014-07-01)
The Application of CFD to Building Analysis and Design: A Combined Approach of an Immersive Case Study and Wind Tunnel Testing
Kim, Daeung (Virginia Tech, 2014-01-23)
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can play an important role in building design. For all aspects and stages of building design, CFD can be used to provide more accurate and rapid predictions of building performance with regard to air flow, pressure, temperature, and similar parameters. Generally, the process involved in conducting CFD analyses is relatively complex and requires a good understanding of how best to utilize computational numerical methods. Moreover, the level of skill required to perform an accurate CFD analysis remains a challenge for many professionals particularly architects. In addition, the user needs to input a number of different items of information and parameters into the CFD program in order to obtain a successful and credible solution. This research seeks to improve the general understanding of how CFD can best be used as a design assistance tool. While there have been a number of quantitative studies suggesting CFD may be a useful tool for building related airflow assessment, few researchers have explored the more qualitative aspects of CFD, in particular developing a better understanding of the procedures required for the proper application of CFD to whole building analysis. This study therefore adopted a combined qualitative and quantitative methodology, with the researcher immersing himself into a case study approach and defining several lessons-learned that are documented and shared. This research will assist practicing architects and architecture students to better understand the application of CFD to building analysis and design.
Architecture as Connector to Nature
Tomaselli, Devon Hannah (Virginia Tech, 2019-07-11)
How can architecture connect us to our environments? Is architecture responsible for connecting its user to their surrounding context? Can our spaces inform us about the world around us? There are numerous ways that humans can feel a connection to nature. But, what ways are more universal than others? What aspects of the natural world cross geographical and cultural boundaries? Perhaps, architecture can connect us to our environments by revealing the universal passing of time through natural daylighting by way of structure, materiality, and texture. As the primary instrument, daylighting will be used in this body of work to explore time on an hourly and seasonal basis. It will do this by housing two light-sensitive programs, a painting conservatory and gallery space. By pairing these programs together, the architecture will investigate time by comparing and contrasting two user types and their corresponding needs from each program. Finally, by setting the architecture in the center of a urban block, the thesis can draw upon this high contrast to reinforce the connections it has constructed and made between the user and the natural environment.
An Art-Light Mosaic Light Distraction for the Pediatric Healthcare Environment
Dutro, Anna R. (Virginia Tech, 2016-12-01)
In his classic book, Experiencing Architecture, Rasmussen (1959) noted that architects inspired by addressing problems in built environments created buildings with a special spirit: a distinctive stamp. Recent problems in healthcare facilities, specifically those related to reducing stress and anxiety, have inspired designers to create positive, uplifting distractions to redirect a patient's attention from a sterile environment and/or noxious event. In doing so, healthcare facilities have become special environments with a caring spirit. This study examined a specific aspect of creating a caring environment: determining whether or not a positive distraction, a child's art-light mosaic movie developed by the researcher, would lower pain and distress in children 4, 5, and 6 years old during an immunization procedure. The researcher conducted a randomized controlled study in two locations using a child's self-report pain scale, heart rate, parent/guardian report, and nurse report measures. After collecting and analyzing data from 76 well-participants receiving one to five immunizations, the researcher found no statistically significant difference between the conditions for any of the measures. Thus, the null hypothesis, the art-light mosaic image would not assist in lowering pain and distress in pediatric patients, 4 to 6 years old, during an immunization procedure, was not rejected. From these results, the researcher recommended future studies incorporate training the parent and child on how to use the distraction, combine the distraction with a topical analgesic, provide a clear understanding of pain and distress from the child's point of view, and develop more sensitive self-report measures of pain for children.
Basement Whodunit
Grant, Elizabeth J. (2015-07-01)
A BIM Interoperable Web-Based DSS for Vegetated Roofing System Selection
Charoenvisal, Kongkun (Virginia Tech, 2013-11-06)
There is a body of evidence indicating that the implementation of current Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry business models and practices have caused negative impacts on global energy supply, ecosystems, and local or regional economies. In order to eliminate such negative impacts, AEC practitioners are seeking new business models in which the Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology can be considered an important technology driver. Despite the fact that the majority of AEC practitioners have used BIM tools for construction-level modeling purposes, some early adopters of BIM technology began to use BIM tools to better inform their design decisions. Corresponding to the increasing demand for decision support functionality, a number of studies showed that a part of BIM technology will be developed toward decision support and artificial intelligence domains. The use of computer-based systems to support decision making processes can usually be found in the business management field. In this field, decision support and business intelligence systems are widely used for improving the quality of managerial decisions. Because of its theories and principles, Decision Support Systems (DSS) can be considered as one of the potential information technologies that can be applied to enhance the quality of design decisions. The DSS also has the potential to be constructed as a system platform for implementing building information contained in BIM models associated with other databases, analytical models, and expert knowledge used by AEC practitioners. This study explores an opportunity to extend the capability of BIM technology toward the decision support and artificial intelligence domains by applying the theories and principles of DSS. This research comprises the development of a prototype BIM interoperable web-based DSS for vegetated roofing system selection. The prototype development can be considered a part of an ongoing research agenda focusing on the development of the integrated web-based DSS for holistic building design conducted within the College of Architecture and Urban Studies (CAUS), Virginia Tech. Through a post-use interview study, the developed prototype is used as a tool for evaluating the possibility for the DSS development and the usefulness of DSS in improving the quality of vegetated roofing system design decisions. The understanding gained from the post-use study is used to create a guideline for developing a fully functional DSS for holistic building design that will be developed in the future.
Catawba Sustainability Center and Catawba Hospital Renewable Energy Site Planning Process Study
Meyers, Ron; Carstensen, Laurence W.; Ford, W. Mark; Grant, Elizabeth J.; Klopfer, Scott D.; Schenk, Todd; Taylor, Adam (Virginia Tech, 2020-09-29)
The transdisciplinary Renewable Energy Facilities Siting Project produced a white paper outlining their proof-of-concept using a case study from the Catawba Valley.
Chicago City Hall
Grant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)
An architectural case study of Chicago City Hall in Chicago, IL.
Counteracting high winds with low pressure: Development and testing of a new roof vent system
Grant, Elizabeth J.; Jones, James R. (College Publishing, 2011-01-01)
Roof system failures are common during high wind events. In locations subject to high wind conditions, membrane roofing systems must typically be either physically attached or fully adhered to the substrate or ballast may be added to weigh down the membrane. An alternative to these installation approaches could be to use aerodynamics principles such as the Bernoulli and Venturi effects to create a low-pressure region beneath the membrane roof that is lower than the ambient pressure and thus counteracts the uplifting force. A new omnidirectional vent has been designed and tested that takes advantage of these aerodynamics principles to induce low pressure under the membrane layer. This new vent operates with no moving parts and was tested in the high-speed stability wind tunnel at Virginia Tech to wind speeds up to 233 km/h. The results demonstrate that this new vent generates pressures lower than the ambient when subjected to high wind conditions. This paper presents the design principles and performance test results for this new roof vent system and other applications for roof vent technologies.
A Crypt within a Dystopia
Dreher, Matthew David (Virginia Tech, 2012-05-27)
This project is about our social denial of death, the questioning of rationality and utopian ideals, and our fears of modernity. The intimate connection once associated with death has been hidden. In this project the remains of the dead are sacred. Death is brought to the forefront. By acknowledging a finite existence and exposing our fear of death, life can be given meaning. The activities of daily life are integrally linked to the crypt.
A Decision-Making Framework for Vegetated Roofing System Selection
Grant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech, 2007-10-30)
Design frequently involves a series of trade-offs to obtain the "optimal" solution to a design problem. Green roofs have many different characteristics based on a variety of variables. Designers typically weigh the impacts of these characteristics in an implicit process based on intuition or past experience. But since vegetated roofing is a relatively complex and comparatively new technology to many practitioners, a rational, explicit method to help organize and rank the trade-offs made during the design process is useful. This research comprises the creation of a framework diagramming the decision process involved in the selection of vegetated roofing systems. Through a series of expert interviews and case studies, the available knowledge is captured and organized to determine the critical parameters affecting design decisions. A set of six case study projects in North America is analyzed and six critically important evaluative categories are identified: storm water management, energy consumption, acoustics, structure, compliance with regulatory guidelines and governmental incentives, and cost. These six factors are key decision-making parameters in the selection of vegetated roofing systems and they form the basis of this study. They are addressed in the context of a decision support system for green roof designers. A summation of the total importance of the advantages represented by each alternative is used to determine the most feasible green roof system for a particular project. The decision-making framework developed in this dissertation will ultimately be adaptable to digital processing and a computer-based design assistance tool.
A Decision-Making Framework for Vegetated Roofing System Selection
Grant, Elizabeth J.; Jones, James R. (2008-04-01)
Design frequently involves making tradeoffs to obtain the “optimal” solution to a design problem, often using intuition or past experience as a guide. Since vegetated roofing is a relatively complex and comparatively new technology to many practitioners, a rational, explicit method to help organize and rank the tradeoffs made during the design process is needed. This research comprises the creation of a framework diagramming the decision process involved in the selection of vegetated roofing systems. Through literature review, case studies and interviews with experts, the available knowledge is captured and organized to determine the critical parameters affecting design decisions. Six important evaluative categories are identified and parameters within these categories are addressed in the context of a decision support system for green roof designers. A summation of the total importance of the advantages represented by each alternative is used to determine the most feasible green roof system for a particular project. The framework is demonstrated and compared with green roof designers’ decisionmaking processes and conclusions are drawn regarding its effectiveness.
A Decision-Support Framework for Design of Non-Residential Net-Zero Energy Buildings
Tiwari, Railesha (Virginia Tech, 2015-04-28)
Designing Net-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) is a complex and collaborative team process involving knowledge sharing of experts leading to the common goal of meeting the Net-Zero Energy (NZE) project objectives. The decisions made in the early stages of design drastically affect the final outcome of design and energy goals. The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is pursuing ways to improve the current building design process and project delivery methods for NZEBs. To enable the building industry to improve the building design process, it is important to identify the gaps, ways of improvement and potential opportunities to structure the decision-making process for the purpose of NZE performance outcome. It is essential to identify the iterative phases of design decisions between the integrated team of experts for the design processes conducted in these early stages to facilitate the decision-making of NZEB design. The lack of a structured approach to help the AEC industry in making informed decisions for the NZEB context establishes the need to evaluate the argumentation of the NZEB design decision process. The first step in understanding the NZEB design decision process is to map the current processes in practice that have been successful in achieving the NZE goal. Since the energy use performance goal drives the design process, this research emphasizes first the need to document, in detail, and investigate the current NZEB design process with knowledge mapping techniques to develop an improved process specific to NZEB context. In order to meet this first objective, this research qualitatively analyzed four NZEB case studies that informed decision-making in the early design phases. The four components that were studied in the early design phases included (1) key stakeholders involved (roles played), (2) phases of assessments (design approach, (3) processes (key processes, sub-processes and design activities affecting performance) and (4) technology (knowledge type and flow). A series of semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with the key decision-makers and decision facilitators to identify their roles in the early design processes, the design approach adopted, rationale for decision-making, types of evaluations performed, and tools used for analysis. The qualitative data analysis was performed through content analysis and cognitive mapping techniques. Through this process, the key phases of decision-making were identified that resulted in understanding of the path to achieving NZE design goal and performance outcome. The second objective of this research was to identify the NZE decision nodes through a comparative investigation of the case studies. This research also explored the key issues specific to each stakeholder group. The inter-relationships between the project objectives, decision context, occupants usage patterns, strategies and integrated systems, building operation and renewable energy production was identified through a series of knowledge maps and visual process models leading to the identification of the key performance indicators. This research reviewed the similarities and differences in the processes to identify significant opportunities that can improve the early building design process for NZEBs. This research identifies the key decision phases used by the integrated teams and describes the underlying structure that can change the order of key phases. A process mapping technique was adapted to capture the practice-based complex NZEB design approach and draw insights of the teamwork and interdisciplinary communication to enable more comprehensive understanding of linkages between processes, sub-processes and design activities, knowledge exchange, and decision rationale. Ket performance indicators identified for early design of NZEBs resulted in developing a decision-support process model that can help the AEC industry in making informed decisions. This dissertation helps improve understanding of linkages between processes, decision nodes and decision rationale to enable industry-wide NZEB design process assessment and improvement. This dissertation discusses the benefits the proposed NZEB design process model brings to the AEC industry and explores future development efforts.
A Decision-Support Framework for the Design and Application of Radiant Cooling Systems
Ma'bdeh, Shouib Nouh (Virginia Tech, 2011-10-31)
Creating a sense of place through a comfortable indoor condition is a goal of the architectural design process. Thermal comfort is an important component of this condition. To achieve thermally comfortable environments mechanical systems such as Radiant Cooling (RC) could be used. RC systems have potential benefit of lower energy consumption when compared to other common cooling, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. Decisions related to the use of mechanical systems such as these should be considered in the early stages of design to maximize the building performance through systems integration and minimize redesign as part of the design process. RC systems have several special demands and related variables. Architects, HVAC system engineers, and decision-makers have to understand these issues and variables and their impact on the other building performance mandates. Through this understanding, these professionals can better evaluate tradeoffs to reach the desired solution of the design problem. Unfortunately, in the United States few architects and engineers have experience with RC systems which in turn limits the application of these systems. Through systematic literature review, a series of case studies, and interviews with experienced professionals, this research captures and structures knowledge related to how decisions are made concerning RC systems. Through this knowledge capturing procedure, the relevant design performance mandates, barriers and constraints, and potential advantages and benefits of radiant cooling systems are determined and mapped to a decision-support framework. This framework is graphically presented which may later be translated to a decision-support software package which could then be developed as a radiant cooling system design assistance tool for architects and HVAC engineers.
Design and Implementation of a Pressure-Equalizing Vent System for Low-Slope Roofs
Grant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech, 2003-08-21)
Winds create forces on buildings, sometimes with disastrous results. Low-slope roofs are subjected to potentially high levels of suction pressure, especially when winds strike the corner of a building, creating vortices. Traditional methods of attaching roof membranes to substrates are prone to failure when the low pressure on the roof surface instigates a transfer of forces to the roof membrane. Existing pressure-equalized roof systems use the power of the wind to transmit low pressure to the space immediately beneath the roof membrane, pulling the membrane down to the roof surface. The object of this study is the design of a wind vent which, when coupled with a single-ply roof membrane in a complete roof assembly, will successfully equalize low pressure throughout the entire field of the roof. The proposed wind vent differs from existing equalizer valves in its use of the Bernoulli effect to create low pressure. Optimized for ease of manufacturing and installation, the vent is omni-directional and contains no moving parts. After the wind vent prototype is developed, future study will be required to determine the tributary area of each vent, the interaction with the insulation beneath the membrane, the response time of the system when subjected to dynamic wind loading, the effect on the vent of various weather conditions, and the permissible amount of infiltration into the roof system. Associated research will also investigate the benefits of incorporating the heat evacuating capacity of the pressure-equalizing roof vent system into a roof membrane containing an amorphous photovoltaic array.
Design Tool for a Ground-Coupled Ventilation System
Alfadil, Mohammad Omar (Virginia Tech, 2019-04-26)
Ground-coupled ventilation (GCV) is a system that exchanges heat with the soil. Because ground temperatures are relatively higher during the cold season and lower during the hot season, the system takes advantage of this natural phenomenon. This research focused on designing a ground-coupled ventilation system evaluation tool of many factors that affect system performance. The tool predicts the performance of GCV system design based on the GCV system design parameters including the location of the system, pipe length, pipe depth, pipe diameter, soil type, number of pipes, volume flow rate, and bypass system. The tool uses regression equations created from many GCV system design simulation data using Autodesk Computational Fluid Dynamics software. As a result, this tool helps users choose the most suitable GCV system design by comparing multiple GCV systems' design performances and allows them to save time, money, and effort.
Designing for the periphery / Learning + Community Center in a Post Covid-19 Era in Tirana, Albania
Hoxha, Sara (Virginia Tech, 2021-08-16)
Last year, the whole world shuttered in a response to COVID -19. While the world population was impacted, significant socio-economical damage resulted in particular regions. In many transition countries comprised of disproportional density of population and services between urban and rural areas, socioeconomic problems were pervasive. In this framework, major importance should be given to services that are needed in these ar-eas. In suburban zones a sizable percentage of the land is not used, and there is a lack of services, educational buildings, and recreational spaces. My main objective is to consider inclusive design in these peri-urban areas, to aid future development while providing a critical facility. In this context, designing a Learning Center that also provides services offers a possible solution to this prob-lem. Considering the larger scale of educational buildings, students will be able to learn, and apply that learn-ing as an offering to the community. Several functions are combined in the same facility: learning, creating, and practical application. The proposed design provides a 3-floor building with an inner courtyard and outside pavilions that are con-nected to the underground floor of the building. Serving as both a boundary that offers services to the com-munity and separates it from the school building itself, the building is distributed in three levels for each group of students. While several group ages are combined 10 – 18 years old, they still maintain their independence in two different floors. On the main floor are the learning spaces are classrooms, reading areas, library, and meeting rooms. The un-derground floor is comprised of workshops where students engage in strategies for creating and making. On the edges of the site facing the city are a series of pavilions serving as an interface between the school and the urban context. Here, students offer services of what they learn to the community. Additionally, a community center, a cafe, an inner courtyard, a library, a gym, and meeting rooms are open to the public as spaces for the entire community. The building is accessible by the community and learners into two different schedules (8 am – 5 pm for students, 6 pm – 12 pm for community) and turns into an opportuni-ty for the rehabilitation of peripheral urban areas. The Learning center takes into consideration 5 relationships (a symbol to the community; relationship home/ institution; relationship student/community; relationship indoor/ outdoor; relationship human/ nature) by creating a sustainable building that is connected to nature and serves the community.
Examining the Status and Future of Design for Sustainable Behavior in Interior Design Education
Hakky, Danya (Virginia Tech, 2016-11-23)
Despite the building industry's commendable efforts for creating sustainable environments, numerous studies have shown buildings are not achieving the environmental goals designers and architects are predicting during the design phase. This has been attributed to a number of factors including occupants' unsustainable behavior patterns which affect the amount of energy and resources a building consumes. The effect of human behavior on sustainability has been studied by experts in various fields, it has not however, been sufficiently analyzed by interior designers. Although interior design authors have argued the field has transformed itself to an area concerned with human behavior, there currently are no established design processes or knowledge domains that can help interior designers understand and design to encourage sustainable behaviors. On the other hand, industrial designers have advanced Design for Sustainable Behavior DfSB, an area of research that intentionally uses design solutions to encourage sustainable behaviors. This research argued DfSB can help overcome the gap identified in interior design (ID) by providing ID with design strategies, design processes and precedent. As such this research focused on analyzing the current state of designing with the intention of changing behavior within ID education in order to reach recommendations for the integration of DfSB into ID. The first phase of the study involved a nationwide questionnaire distributed to ID faculty members to gauge the current state of DfSB within ID, including faculty members' attitudes towards it, barriers to integrating it, recommendations for content and teaching methods along with any ethical concerns that may arise from intentionally changing behavior through design. Concurrently, a review of top ID programs online material was conducted to identify the presence of DfSB within existing courses. This phase demonstrated faculty members hold positive attitudes towards DfSB despite their limited familiarity and knowledge of the field which was identified as one of the major barriers to its integration. Additionally, despite none of the programs indicating students are taught how to encourage sustainable behavior through design, it was apparent a foundation for DfSB exists within ID due to the presence of sustainable design courses, human factors, and some social science courses. Findings from the questionnaire spurred a group of questions that required a nuanced investigation through interviews with a sample of ID faculty. These interviews painted a clearer image of the current educational terrain and general directions within ID education. They also allowed the researcher to collate ideas for overcoming barriers to DfSB integration along with establishing recommendations for disseminating DfSB into ID education and practice in a manner that capitalizes on the resources currently available in ID and removes identified hindrances.
Experimental and Simulation Evaluation of Alternative Interior and Exterior Lighting Solution for Virginia Tech
Anand, Annu (Virginia Tech, 2008-02-04)
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the energy consumption for lighting is estimated to be about 22% of the total electricity generated in the U.S for the year 2001. With the very poor conversion of electrical energy to visible radiation there is an immediate need to adopt new and efficient lighting solutions. Virginia Tech with its own commitment to reduce energy consumption is continuously looking and experimenting with the latest and most efficient lighting solutions for the interiors and exteriors of buildings on its campus. This study seeks to evaluate the performance of selected exterior and interior lighting solutions through experimental and simulation means. A proposed exterior lighting solution, for the "Hokie" light, the most common outdoor lamp fixture on campus, was monitored and evaluated under control settings in the Environmental Systems Laboratory at Virginia Tech. Options for improving the performance of the Hokie light and reducing the uplight were experimentally tested and analyzed. Use of a non-perforated aluminum LiteLid® was selected as the most promising and cost effective solution after analyzing the performance of a variety of options. For general interior lighting, the feasibility of using advanced lighting methods such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) was explored and analyzed. The performance of LEDs was experimentally compared with the existing fluorescent lamps. Performances of the fluorescent and LED lamps were analyzed for selected parameters such as the quality, color and quantity of the light. The annual energy consumption and utility cost of a representative building on the Virginia Tech campus with existing fluorescent lamps and the proposed LED lamps was estimated using E-Quest simulation software. The building chosen for this purpose was the newly constructed Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS). Low lumen output of the LED lamps and burnout due to heat dissipation and poor color rendition index (CRI) of the LED lamps makes them unviable for interior applications at this time.
Finding Intersection Between School and Community
Sugati, Alsaleh (Virginia Tech, 2018-11-01)
This thesis seeks to create an architectural response for learning spaces that gathers community. A school and community center are explored through the interaction at public and private zones, and day and night operation. The thesis develops a propositional response to the dualities through material, light, and scale. A particular focus within the study of light is the effort to minimize solar gains while improving daylight and view to the outside that is challenging in hot climates, such as in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Browsing by Author "Grant, Elizabeth J."

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