Decision making model for the selection of energy efficient building structural systems
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Abstract
The building sector contributes heavily to global warming and in the same time holds the most effective mitigation potential. The share of building sector within total energy consumption is estimated to be as high as 30% worldwide. A massive 40% Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission is the result from this 30% consumption. One of the mitigation strategies to reduce the energy consumption and GHG emissions in the building sector is by improving the building design through proper selection of building component alternatives and methods of construction. Extensive reviews of the literature revealed that despite various studies being carried out focusing on the selection of building component alternatives, it was found that none have focused on the selection of building component alternatives based on multiple energy efficiency criteria. In addressing the research gap, this study was conducted with the aim of developing a Decision-Making (DM) model for selecting Energy Efficient Building Structural Systems (EEBSS). A mixed method research design was adopted using interviews and questionnaire surveys. Firstly, 16 interviews were conducted with construction experts and survey questionnaires were distributed to 263 selected engineers registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) in the year 2015 based on Simple Random Sample (SRS) technique. Data were analyzed using content analysis, descriptive analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The outcome of interviews and questionnaire analyses has resulted in the identification of six building structural alternatives and eight critical energy efficiency criteria. Based on the findings, a DM model for selecting energy efficient building structural systems was developed using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Besides, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to understand the influence of the corresponding identified criteria with the identified alternatives. Results from the DM model indicated that slab had the highest preferred priority weight at 28% among all building structural systems. This is followed by Structural Frame, Roof, Internal Wall, External Wall, and Staircase which were weighted at 20%, 17%, 14%, 13% and 6% respectively. The DM model was validated using expert feedbacks, who agreed that the model was consistent with the real-life conditions in terms of applicability, capability and validity. The EEBSS model is expected to be beneficial as an identifying tool in assisting decision-makers for selecting the appropriate energy efficient building structural systems
Description
Thesis (PhD. (Civil Engineering))
Keywords
Sustainable buildings—Design and construction, Energy consumption—Environmental aspects, Architecture and energy conservation