The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has released a new publication addressing aspects of the finite element (FE) thermal modeling process.
This procedure is often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration including non-residential windows, terrace and patio doors, curtain wall, storefront, and entrances. AAMA 515-19, “Voluntary Procedure for Determination of Fenestration Surface Temperatures by THERM Finite Element Modeling,” an FGIA standard, is now available for purchase.
This voluntary procedure helps designers determine what temperatures and film coefficients to use when running a project-specific condensation analysis. Per AAMA 515, condensation will occur on any interior surface that falls below the dew point temperature of interior ambient air. “Condensation can be unsightly, unsanitary, and over long periods of time can damage adjacent building materials,” according to an FGIA news release.
“This new, voluntary procedure, a result of seven years of detailed development, is intended to make application of the software tool uniform between users,” said Steve Fronek (Wausau Window and Wall Systems), chair of the Architectural Finite Element Thermal Modeling Task Group. “It addresses key variables, such as boundary conditions, substrates and THERM parameters, as well as the accuracy of modeling and testing. The scope is clearly outlined and guidance provided for the specifier.”
Related Stories
| Oct 3, 2012
OSHA publishes more detailed information on variances
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enhanced its variances Web page to improve public understanding of the variance approval process and increase access to the agency's decisions regarding variance requests.
| Oct 3, 2012
Online program computes energy savings from green roofs; compares savings with other options
A free online tool can calculate the amount of energy savings from installation of a green roof. Portland State University‘s (PSU’s) online Green Roof Energy Calculator can be used for new or old structures.
| Oct 3, 2012
SERF, CSE launch a new accreditation for evaluation of building sustainability
The Society of Environmentally Responsible Facilities (SERF), a Chicago-based environmental building certification organization, and the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) launched a new accreditation program that certifies professionals to evaluate buildings’ sustainable systems and practices according to SERF’s certification criteria.
| Oct 3, 2012
New version of Occupied Space Standard for DC microgrids in buildings released
The EMerge Alliance, an association leading the adoption of safe direct-current (DC) power distribution standards for commercial buildings, has updated the EMerge Alliance Occupied Space standard.
| Sep 26, 2012
Automatic budget cuts in January would slash federal agencies' construction budgets
Sequestration, or the implementation of automatic budget cuts as of January 2013, would slash government agencies' already reduced construction budgets further, and require agencies to shelve some repair and maintenance projects.
| Sep 26, 2012
Investment in greener data centers to reach $45 billion by 2016
Investment in data centers built to green standards will increase from the $17.1 billion predicted for this year to $45 billion by 2016, according to Pike Research.
| Sep 26, 2012
OSHA fines on fall-protection violations challenged by New York contractor
A New York masonry contractor is contesting an OccupationalSafety and Health Administration $136,290 fine for violations of fall-protection standards.a
| Sep 26, 2012
Construction workplace deaths decline nearly 7% in 2011
There were 721 construction-workplace deaths in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, down 6.8% from 2010.
| Sep 26, 2012
Contractors save $9 billion due to revised California emissions rule
The California Air Resources Board made changes to a rule limiting off-road diesel emissions that could result in contractors saving about $9 billion.
| Sep 20, 2012
Smithtown, N.Y. considers bigger fines for building code violations
After a Suffolk County grand jury recommended stiffer fines for illegal demolitions, Smithtown, NY officials are weighing tougher penalties for developers who violate the town building code.
