Journal of Architectural Engineering

The use of mass timber structural products (such as glulam and cross-laminated timber) in commercial buildings is increasing in prevalence around the world. Whereas moisture management during the construction process is important for all building types, it is especially important for buildings with wood structural members. The exposure of mass timber products to the environment during construction can result in wetting of the wood, and mass timber products may take longer to dry than lightweight wood-frame construction. To better understand the moisture conditions to which mass timber framing systems are subjected, a monitoring study was initiated on an 8-story, mass timber framed building located in Portland, Oregon. The study used wireless sensors to continuously monitor moisture content in the wood components over the transportation, construction, and operation of the building for a 1-year period. This study witnessed record levels of rainfall during construction, representing very adverse conditions for mass timber projects. However, the data showed consistent drying of all mass timber products after the completion of the building, with glulam and light framed wood products drying at a faster rate than cross-laminated timber. The method to install the instrumentation was also examined carefully for potential bias, which provided valuable lessons to future on-site moisture monitoring projects.

Studies have shown that occupant satisfaction is a compelling factor affecting building energy consumption. Occupants' behavior has a direct relationship to their satisfaction, and it is clear that occupants' satisfaction is highly impacted by the indoor environmental quality. To identify the best design, parameters influencing occupants' perception as well as other competing objectives should be contemplated. In recent years, various multiobjective optimization algorithms have been developed to determine the best design strategies. However, occupants' satisfaction and the effect of different strategies on it comprise the missing component of these studies. Therefore, this study aims to identify the parameters influencing occupant satisfaction and develop a weighting system that can reflect these requirements in addition to the constructors' perception. To attain this objective, a survey study was conducted to identify the parameters affecting end users' satisfaction. To evaluate the construction experts' perspective regarding the identified parameters, an experts' utility function was calculated for the determined parameters. Furthermore, using the single-attribute utility and multiattribute utility, a weighting system was developed and assigned to each satisfactory requirement.

Biodeterioration of building materials due to poor hygrothermal conditions is a major concern for the sustainability of buildings and the health and safety of occupants. The risks of biodeterioration are accentuated in high-efficiency buildings, requiring further design considerations. Researchers across the world have tried to characterize this issue through a combination of field experience, modeling, and controlled laboratory investigations. However, integration of these research outputs in building enclosure design analysis is an unfinished agenda, partly due to the lack of coordination between engineering researchers, building enclosure designers, and biologists. This paper critically reviews the research to date on biodeterioration models of building materials (e.g., wood) from the perspective of a building scientist and identifies the needs for further research initiatives that will facilitate the integration of biodeterioration models in building enclosure design analysis through national and international building code regulations and standards.

This paper presents research being conducted to develop sustainable and affordable housing that leverages population health strategies for smart cities. We are currently developing a multifamily prototype housing unit that demonstrates best practices in aging-in-place strategies and telehealth technology. We are also investigating prefabricated construction methodologies that will be used to bring plug-and-play technology infrastructure to the exploding senior housing demographic. Gigabit networks allow smart cites to collect and analyze vast amounts of data. Sensors embedded in the built environment are able to collect information on topics such as human vital signs (heart rate, breathing, body temperature, weight, blood pressure, hydration), physical activity (activities of daily living, falls, gait, sleep), environmental factors (temperature, humidity, air quality, water quality, weather), and pharmaceutical regimens (overdosing, missing doses). Population health strategies utilize the collection and analysis of such data to deliver health care more affordably and effectively, sometimes before we know we need it. Some of the more advanced technologies will include motion sensors/fall detection, gait analysis (determination of early onset Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), automated light-emitting diode (LED) smart-spectrum lighting (optimizing circadian rhythms), smart mirrors, smart toilets (hydration monitoring/diuretic dosage), sleep sensors (ballistocardiography), and automated medicine dispensers (coupled with smart toilets for heart medication).