How Buildings Work

Huw Evans

• Publisher: RIBA Publishing
• Year: 2019
• ISBN:
  9781000701579
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Architecture
• Subtopic: Architecture General

An understanding of building physics is fundamental for the design and construction of safe, functional, energy efficient buildings. Without it, occupants' health and comfort is compromised, energy bills become unmanageable, or the building fabric itself can fail. But it's not just about providing a heating source or stopping the cold coming in; at the heart of building physics is a fine balancing act: how much ventilation will be required for the occupants and how can that be provided without compromising the thermal performance? How will the layout and fenestration affect light levels and cooling demand?

How Buildings Work provides construction professionals with a clear understanding of the basic mechanisms of physics and how they affect the performance and operation of buildings. Heat, air, moisture, sound, light and radioactivity are explained in turn, yet all the while reminding the reader that none of these phenomena can be considered in isolation when designing a building. Whether you're a student trying to get your head round the basics, or a seasoned practitioner looking for a quick refresher course.

Index

Page numbers in italics denote figures and in bold denote tables.

absorption

light 121

radiation 6

sound 108–9, 109, 111

absorptivity 6

ach see air changes per hour (ach)

acoustic performance of buildings 105–6

acoustic vents 68, 113

active radon protection measures 58–60, 59

ADF see average daylight factor (ADF)

admittance 28, 28, 29

advection 6

Aerogel 10, 11

air changes per hour (ach) 50, 54

air conditioning 47, 82

air infiltration 8, 14, 24, 48–51, 49

assessing 50, 50

and energy efficiency 48, 50, 50

minimising 18, 23, 24, 51

and moisture 52, 53, 78

air permeability 50, 50

air spaces

and air infiltration 51

beneficial air currents in 52

heat transfer 7–8, 8, 19, 19

moisture in 52, 53

thermal resistance 8, 8, 19, 19

air supply

for combustion 56

for health and comfort 53–6, 54, 60

for moderating temperature 57

for radon protection 57–60, 59

see also ventilation

air temperature 3

airborne sound transmission 104, 104

measuring 107

reducing 110, 111, 112, 112, 113

aircrete blocks 3, 5, 27

aluminium 5

ambient noise 110

argon-filled glazing 20, 21

artificial lighting 129–31

atmosphere 43

atmospheric ...