Journal of Architectural Engineering

Current standard test methods of ASTM and Underwriter's Laboratories for wind resistance of shingles subject a small test deck of shingles, that have been sealed under heated conditions, to a fan-induced airstream impinging at a continuous velocity of 97 km/h (60 mph) for 2 h. (ASTM D3161 and UL 997). Although these standard test methods have served a useful purpose in the past, it is generally accepted today that they are deficient in a number of respects. These deficiencies include the test deck not containing any protrusions or valleys, the shingles being sealed under “ideal” conditions, and turbulence of the impinging air stream not being taken into account. In order to improve shingle performance, a wind uplift prediction model was needed. A research program was initiated by ARMA to understand, quantitatively, the uplift mechanism and to develop a prediction methodology suitable for product development. This paper describes the research leading to a quantitative uplift model and presents the results of that research. The investigation included both wind-tunnel and full-scale tests. Uplift forces were found to be significantly lower than forces derived from cladding pressures specified by building codes and standards.

An experimental testing program was conducted to investigate the uplift capacity of various rafter to top plate connections. Rather than simply testing the fastener in an ideal test specimen configuration, attention is paid to more realistic test specimens that account for as-built conditions. Consideration is also given to repetitive systems of these connections such as would be found in roof systems. The results from this investigation provide basic data on failure modes and capacities. Comparisons are made between test values, calculated design values, and manufacturers' published values. In addition to metal straps, alternative connection methods such as adhesives are investigated, and consideration is given to both new construction and retrofit of existing structures. The results from this study are used to develop possible schedules for rafter to top plate connections considering different roof slopes, rafter lengths, wind speeds, exposures, and internal pressures.

Air leakage is generally the most significant factor in small-building energy consumption. This study determined if reducing air leakage in preengineered metal buildings would be cost-effective. The effects of air-retarder treatments on owning and operating costs were examined for two different sizes of buildings that were thermally modeled using a building energy analysis computer program, BLAST. The annual energy consumption and peak loads were then produced by BLAST to find the fuel consumption for each building and the system sizes needed for adequate climate control. A detailed cost estimate was done on the mechanical system based on the required equipment size for each air-retarder treatment used. Life-cycle costs were determined for two types of air retarder and one case without an air retarder at four locations in cold and hot climates, and for five air exchange rates. A payback analysis illustrated the cost-effectiveness of the air-retarder treatments. Both air-retarder treatments proved cost-effective for both buildings. They provide immediate savings in system first cost because of the reduction in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system size, as well as long-term energy and operation cost savings. Furthermore, even if the HVAC system size was not reduced, use of air retarders still had a short payback period in both warm and cold climates.

Project management functions in facility management groups include design, construction, and renovation of facilities. The organizational structure and processes of such project management group affect the cost, quality, and duration of any project. The group's functions directly add to the overhead of the parent organization and therefore only value-adding functions are needed. The focus of this paper is to describe a value-adding functional analysis model and its application to develop a strategic direction for a parent organization. The paper presents the foundation for the analysis model, describes its application process to define and support the value-adding functions, and concludes with recommendations for organizational improvement strategy. The paper shows that value-adding functions are usually related to working closely with customer needs while considering the parent organization's requirements in project planning and control. In addition, it was found that any form of closed-market reliance on the internal resources in design and construction constrained the various processes and induced a high level of process uncertainty, which reflected negatively on project delivery time and cost.

This paper describes an innovative wall system for use in residential and commercial construction projects that is reusable, uses less dimensional lumber, and is faster to assemble and install compared to traditional stud wall systems. The wall system is an engineered wall design composed of components fabricated from 5.08 × 5.08 cm (2 in.) (nominal dimensions) nailing strips and oriented strand board fins located in the midsection of the nailing strip. Components can be connected to one another by hinges allowing the system to be collapsible. Laboratory testing has shown that this wall system has significantly improved racking capabilities compared to the traditional stud wall system both with and without sheathing. Additional research is required, however, to enhance this wall system's structural characteristics in bending and axial loads. An economic analysis showed that material costs are cheaper for this wall and assembly, and installation times are less compared to traditional stud wall construction. In its present form, this wall system could be used for non-load-bearing applications (e.g., partition walls within a load bearing structure).