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Spectrophotometric Simulations

Glass is seldom matched properly, as seen on the photos below, and therefore owners often require a blanket glass replacement, after only few pieces have been broken or scratched.

Save hundreds of thousands of dollars which would otherwise be spent on replacement of the intact old glass not matching the new replacement glass.

This analysis is performed to find the closest visual match for architectural glass: either designed or existing on facades. Also used for verification of an unknown glass. We compare it with the current largest glass database in the world. Also, our lab owns a spectophotometer, which we use to verify properties of glass samples collected in the field and received from other parties. The diagnostic laboratory and field services are described here.

Glass is seldom matched properly, as seen on the photo below.

Sample spectrophotometric simulations. Performed to find the closest match for the replacement of an absolete broken glass. Star

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See the video below (3MB) illustrating the importance of the glass matching done right.

You may also be interested in our glass and glazing services.

Daylight and Illumination Studies

Would it be too dark in the working spaces? Would prison guards be blinded by glare from windows precisely when inmates are out?

We never loose the primary function of glazing from sight: letting the natural light in.We perform daylight simulations and illumination studies to verify the daylight factor. Particularly useful in verification of compliance with the LEED credit 8.1 requirement.

Sample daylight studies. Starting at $$.

Solar Heat Gain and Shading Studies

How much energy can you save by adding exterior shading? What would be the return on investment on a better window? How about adding a shaded patio? Wouldn't it get too dark inside? The only way to find out is to simulate these alternatives ahead of time, because the same component would perform differently in different buildings.

These analysis are performed for identififcation of comparative energy impact of individual components of a building.

Sample solar studies. Starting at $$.

Whole Building Energy Modeling Performed for the comparative analysis of design trade-offs to meet the predefined energy goals. Also, it's an important part of the energy rating process, particularly whencombined with the air tightness verification in the field. arting at $.

2-Dimensional Steady State Thermal Analysis Performed on simple assemblies to identify the thermal transmittance (U value) and assess the condensation risk. These NFRC-compliant simulations are nationally accepted as an alternative of the expensive laboratory testing of fenestration. Also, this analysis yield SHGC of the fenestration.

Sample 2-Dimensional Steady State Thermal Analysis. Starting at $.

3-Dimensional Steady State Thermal Analysis Performed chiefly to assess the condensation risk of those details that escape the 2D representation, such as shading brackets, anchors, and framing interstections. Invaluable in verification of impact of thermal bridging caused by components penetrating the heat-control layer in two directions.

Sample 3-Dimensional Steady State Thermal Analysis, revealing the thermal irregularities at the skylight rafter. Would the water condensing underside the glass be drained safely outside in a winter? Only the 3D simulation can answer a question like this. In this example, the condensate drainage channels were found to freeze, which would prevent water discharge, and lead to water damage.

Note to Specifiers: If you specify 3D analysis, please kindly consider getting a second opinion. We observed some architectural specifications ask for 3D simulations to verify either irrelevant or inferior performance requirements. Not that we mind very much, but in our reports we have a fiduciary duty to report any observed weaknesses to contractors who hired us to perform the work. Your client may be unhappy to find out, because these simulations tend to be expensive.

You may also be interested in reading the following technical publication: Using 3D Thermal Modeling to Improve Performance Requirements (PDF, size 353 kB) by Karol Kazmierczak - JBED 2/2010

3-Dimensional Transient Thermal Analysis Performed to assess the passive solar design with materials of large heat storage capacity or to assess the condensation risk. Useful in analysis of 3D assemblies made of high-heat storage capacity materials, such as masonry and concrete precast. Would they store and release enough heat to ride through the cold winter night? Would they absorb enough heat to ride through the hot sunnmer day?We would give you the answer.

Sample 3-Dimensional Transient Thermal Analysis. Starting at $$$.

You may also be interested in reading the following technical publication: Using 3D Thermal Modeling to Improve Performance Requirements (PDF, size 353 kB) by Karol Kazmierczak - JBED 2/2010

One-dimensional Transient Hygrothermal Analysis Would there be a water damage inside, at the absence of any rain intrusion or plumbing leaks? Microbial growth? We found the answer in many cases is yes.

These analysis are performed in design stages, in order to assess the moisture behavior of very simple assemblies. Most typically performed to assess the need and location of vapor retarding layers.

We also perform a long-term hygrothermal monitoring of assemblies in the field, in order to identify sources of moisture damage after the possibility of leakage has been ruled out.

You may also be interested in reading the following technical publication:
Condensation Risk Assessment (PDF, size 3 MB) by Mr. Karol Kazmierczak - The Construction Specifier 10/2007

Computational Fluid Dynamics Performed as a virtual wind tunnel analysis (e.g. for shape optimization or tracing windborne projectiles) or for identification of boundary conditions for thermal analysis.

Sample Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis. Starting at $$$.

3D Static Simulations Performed for verification of stresses in the material or assembly.

Suggested Reading Below are listed our articles dealing with computer simulations:

Using 3D Thermal Modeling to Improve Performance Requirements by Mr. Karol Kazmierczak - JBED 2/2010

Condensation Risk Assessment by Mr. Karol Kazmierczak - The Construction Specifier 10/2007

Building Enclosure Consulting LLC - tel. (305) 600 0516 (Miami)