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Building Science
Questions for the Curious
- Why do we put polyethylene (a form of plastic) sheeting in our walls and roofs?
- Why are most windows manufactured today composed of two or more panes of glass?
- Why are airplanes frequently painted white on top and have a metallic finish on the bottom?
- Why do Toronto-area foundations typically extend at least 1.2m below ground?
- Why do many tall office buildings require air conditioning for 8, 9, or even 10 months of the year?
- Why are the doors on high-rise buildings typically hinged part-way along the width of the door, instead of at the edge of the door?
- Why do residents in high-rise buildings sometimes have trouble getting fresh air when they open a window?
- Why are more home runs hit on hot, muggy nights than on colder or dryer ones?
- How can we dramatically reduce energy use in home design?
The answers to all of these questions, as well as many others, are all related to fundamental Building Science concepts.
Building Science is the study of building materials, components, details, and construction methods with respect to the maintenance of the required temperature and moisture conditions of the interior of buildings. Building Science involves the understanding and application of fundamental concepts in physics, chemistry, and other branches of science to the problem of engineering effective, efficient, and economical building envelopes.
The Building Science Group focuses its research on improving cladding performance through innovative design strategies, as well as promoting good practice in both design and construction. Research is focused on the avoidance of unacceptable effects on the materials of the building, or on its contents and occupants, due to variations or extremes in temperature or moisture, exposure to chemical or biological activity, aging, or solar radiation.
The Building Science Group stresses the importance of greater sustainability in building design given recent increases in fuel prices, as well as the need to preserve our environment for future generations. The Building Sciences group works closely with both industry and government to help promote a healthier, more sustainable future for our infrastructure.
For more information on Building Science, please visit our links below.
CIV 575H1 (Building Science)
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A study of building materials, components, details and construction methods with respect to the maintenance of the required temperature, moisture, and acoustic aspects of the interior of buildings; and to the avoidance of unacceptable effects on the materials of the building, or on its contents and occupants, due to variations or extremes in temperature or moisture, exposure to chemical or biological activity, aging, or solar irradiation.
There are also courses available for students pursuing graduate studies in the field of Building Science. These are listed below. Undergraduate students may also take these courses with departmental permission. Again, this list only represents courses offered in the discipline; most courses offered are interdisciplinary in nature. Students are encouraged to choose a variety of courses to widen their knowledge base. The courses offered in any particular year may vary, and students are advised to examine the department's website for a more accurate and up-to-date listing.
CIV 1280H (Building Envelope Design)
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The course examines the interaction between the building envelope and the indoor and outdoor climate. Performance characteristics of various wall and roof systems will be presented together with the various factors that affect the design of the climate partition. These factors include the control of heat, moisture, and radiation. In addition, issues that affect design choices such as durability, maintenance and lifecycle cost will also be presented. [Prerequisite: CIV 575H1F or equivalent.]
CIV1282H (Case Studies in Building Science)
Staff
By means of a case study approach, a number of problems common to high-rise, industrial, and residential buildings will be investigated. The contribution of faults in design, material selection, or workmanship to the failures in building envelopes will be established. A major project will involve the design of a building using appropriate codes and standards as well as programs to evaluate the service life costs of various energy options. [Prerequisite: CIV 575H1F or equivalent.]