Currently there is limited design guidance for calculation that involves an unchannelled balcony spill plume. The current guidance for unchannelled spill plume can be obtained from CIBSE (TM19) and BS PD 7974 (Part 2). The guidance is a result of an analysis performed by Law (1995) on a set of experiments performed by Hansell et al (1993). Recently a series of unchannelled balcony spill plume experiments have been performed by Harrison (2009) at 1/10th-scale as part of a research project. Harrison (2009) developed a simplified design formula to calculate the mass flow rate from unchannelled spill plume. Results from Harrison suggested that an unchannelled balcony spill plume is a complex problem and his experiments were limited by the experimental facility. Harrison (2009) recommended that this problem should be supported with computer modelling for design. Research from Harrison (2009) also resulted in a correlation that can be used to calculate the effective width of an unchannelled balcony spill plume. This research is primarily a numerical simulation of the unchannelled balcony spill plume using Fire Dynamics Simulator 5 version 5.3.0 (FDS 5). FDS 5 was used to model unchannelled balcony spill plume experiments performed by Harrison (2009) at 1/10th-scale. Results from Harrison‟s (2009) experiment were used to verify the results from the FDS simulation. A good match was obtained between experimental results and FDS simulation results. The 1/10th-scale model was extended to full-scale using the scaling laws. Then, the model was used to perform a series of unchannelled balcony spill plume simulations with variables of balcony breadth, compartment opening, fire size and height of rise of the spill plume. Mass flow rate readings from simulations were used to improve the effective width correlations developed by Harrison and an improved effective width correlation was developed. Unchannelled balcony spill plume mass flow rate prediction with the revised effective width correlation was compared with mass flow rate predictions using the effective width correlation from Law (1995) and Harrison (2009).

The location of my proposal is Hägernäs strand which is a modern suburb in Täby about 16 km north of Stockholm city. The area is situated directly on the coast in the inner archipelago of stockholm and offers good opportunities for walks along the coastline.  Natural environments are important resources for public health. And with a trendy minimization of living space, the balcony becomes a valuable extension of the living room. My project is about using the balcony as an important detail in the design and giving the residents the best conditions to spend more time outdoors.

Balkonger har funnits i Sverige i över 200 år och är nu på modet. De är i allmänhet utsatta för stora påfrestningar och orsakar ofta en vanlig typ av köldbrygga. I synnerhet de balkonger som byggdes till flerbostadshus i betong under miljonprogrammet måste renoveras. De är byggda med dåtidens teknik vilket innebär att de bildar en köldbrygga. Denna rapport är till för att vägleda fastighetsägare vid en renovering av utanpåliggande balkonger i betong. Metoder på marknaden har undersökts med hjälp av intervjuer och litteraturstudier. Kvalitativa intervjuer genomfördes med en kunnig konstruktör, en betongexpert, en beläggningsexpert, en rutinerad förvaltare samt en expert på balkongräcken. Rapporten beskriver betong och armering, dess uppbyggnad och egenskaper. Balkongers olika skador beskrivs. De skador som kan uppkomma är frostsprängningar, armeringskorrosion, kemiska angrepp, sprickor samt nötning. Balkongers varierande uppbyggnad från sent 1800-tal till dagens teknik förklaras med hjälp av text och figurer. Beskrivningar ges på balkongers betong, räcken, eventuell köldbrygga samt bärande funktion. Balkongers konstruktion har förändrats, allt från genomgående stålbalkar till isolerade balkonganslutningar. Balkongers kontroller beskrivs, allt från okulära inspektioner till olika prover i laboratorium. Slutligen beskrivs balkongers reparationer beroende på skada. En balkong kan vara för skadad för att repareras. Rapporten ger därför exempel på nya konstruktioner, bland annat genom användning av dragstag och pelare. Arbetets slutsats är att analysen för en balkong ska utgå från enkla frågor angående skadorna samt materialen. Dessa frågor i samråd med kunskap om skador, kontroller och åtgärder är ett lämpligt sätt att bestämma vilka åtgärder som bör tas för en balkong. Det mest väsentliga är att kontrollera balkongens bärande delar så risk för ras eller nedfallande betongbitar kan undvikas. / Balconies have been built in Sweden for over 200 years and are now very popular. They are generally exposed to a lot of strains and are often a common thermal bridge. The balconies at concrete multifamily building from the 1960-1970s need to be renovated, among others. They were built with the technology of the past which means that they have a thermal bridge. The report is made for guiding property owners through the renovation process of an external concrete balcony. It summaries the markets methods based on interviews and literature studies. The interviews where qualitative with the help of: a skilled constructor, a concrete expert, a paving expert, an experienced building manager and a balcony railing expert. The thesis describe concrete and reinforcement; their structure and their properties. A balcony’s different damages are describes. For example, the damages that can occur on concrete are frost weathering, reinforcement corrosion, chemical attrition, cracks and abrasion. Balconies varying construction from late 1800s to today’s technology are explained with text and figures. Descriptions are given on their concrete, rails, any thermal bridge and load baring function. The construction has changed from constant steel beams to isolated balcony connections. How balconies can be checked is described; ranging from ocular inspections to taking different samples to a laboratory. Finally, balconies different repairs due to damage are described. In case the balcony is too damaged to be able to be repaired, there are several examples of how a new construction can be applied. This is often with traction rods and columns. The conclusion of this work is that an analysis for a balcony should proceed from simple questions about the damages and the materials. These questions in consultation with knowledge about damages, controls and corrections are a suitable way to decide which action to make for a balcony. The most important thing is to check the balcony's structural parts so there is no risk of collapse and also that no falling concrete can occur.

No description available.

The thesis of this project is to develop a language of architecture for the design of a rural house. Parameters for this language are specified through program, ideas about living in a country home, and the importance of integrating the building with its site. The parameters are reaffirmed through the materials and elements of architecture. In order to develop a cohesive language, four houses have been designed for four different sites. Each house implements the specified parameters in a manner appropriate to the setting of the surrounding landscape. The houses themselves become a transition between the inside and the outside and between the natural and the man-made. Thus this thesis is: Four Houses - A Language of Transition from Earth to Sky. Our experience-space is necessarily in conflict with the space of nature. The space that nature offers us rises above the ground and is oriented entirely towards the earth's surface. The contrast between the mass of the earth below and the space of the air above, which meet at the surface of the earth, is the primary datum of this (experience) space. Dom H. Van Der Laan, "Architectonic Space" (E.J. Brill, 1983), p. 5 / Master of Architecture

Residential deck and balcony failures are preventable if the decks and balconies are maintained and inspected regularly. Inspection of in-service decks or balconies is not common and often is unregulated or building codes do not appear to be widely enforced. With every failure, the need for a comprehensive inspection manual for residential wood decks and balconies becomes more apparent. Research was conducted on inspection techniques, common deck and balcony construction methods, maintenance issues, decay detection and the evolution of the building code regulations on decks and balconies. Eight decks were inspected to find the extent of structural inadequacies and non-conformance with building codes. Using the information gathered from the research and inspections, a Manual for the Inspection of Residential Wood Decks and Balconies was written for professional inspectors and building officials. The manual includes recommended methods to prepare for inspection to preparation of final reports. It contains an appendix with information on the "pick test" for detecting early decay, information on adequate deck attachment, and a sample report for a complete deck inspection. / Master of Science

XXI amžiuje visuomenės dėmesys savo gyvenamosios aplinkos gražinimui gerokai padidėjo. Tai, ko gero, paskatino padidėjęs augalų asortimentas, tinkamas auginti loveliuose, kubiluose ar pakabinamuose induose. Apželdinti daugiabučių gyvenamųjų namų langai ir balkonai šiais laikais jau nėra retenybė, tačiau gerų pavyzdžių dar yra gerokai mažiau nei blogų. Gėlių dekoratyvumas priklauso ne vien nuo parinktų gražių gėlių. Svarbu gėles ne tik tinkamai sukomponuoti, bet ir atsižvelgti į supančią aplinką. Kompozicinę vertę lemia balkono aukštis ir apžvalgumas, gėlių spalvų deriniai, lapų faktūra, komponavimas pagal žydėjimo laiką ir gėlių išdėstymo tvarka. Darbo objektu pasirinkti skirtingų statybos laikmečių (1960 – 2007 m.), gėlėmis apsodinti Šiaulių miesto pietinės dalies daugiabučių namų balkonai ir lauko palangės. Šio tyrimo tikslas buvo išanalizuoti daugiabučių namų balkonų ir palangių želdinimo ypatumus Šiaulių miesto pietinėje dalyje. Atliekant tyrimą Šiaulių miesto pietinėje dalyje buvo siekiama išsiaiškinti ar balkonų ir lauko palangių želdinimui turi įtakos namo statybos laikmetis. Tyrimo metu buvo nustatytas balkonuose ir ant palangių auginamų augalų asortimentas iki genties. Aprašyti gėlių lovelių ir kitų indų tvirtinimo būdai, jų spalva, užfiksuotas jų kiekis balkonuose ir ant palangės. Išanalizavus gautus tyrimo duomenis, nustatyta, kad naujos statybos t.y. 2000 - 2007 m. namų balkonai yra želdinami gausiausiai (13 %), o apželdintų palangių daugiausiai aptikta... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / In the twenty-first century, public attention to the repayment of their living environment has grown considerably. This probably led to an increased range of plants suitable for different containers. Planted windows and balconies of the apartment houses, these days it is no longer a rarity, but good examples are still significantly less than the blogosphere. Decorative flower depends not only on the selection of beautiful flowers. That it is important not only to compose the flowers, but also it‘s important to take into account the surrounding environment. The height and the visibility of the balcony, combinations of flower colors, the texture of leaf, the composition according to the time of flowering and flower arrangement leads the value of composition. The object of this work was the balconies and the window sills of different construction periods (1960 - 2007 year) apartment houses planted with flowers in the southern part of the city of Siauliai. The purpose of this study was to analyze the afforestation features of balconies and window sills of the apartment houses in the southern part of the city of Siauliai. In a study it was trying to find out, if the period of home construction affects afforestation of balconies and window sills in the southern part of the city of Siauliai. In this study was set the genus of cultivated plants on balconies and window sills, it was described the restraint techniques of flowers‘ troughs and other containers, their colors, it was set... [to full text]

L-trä har på kort tid blivit en vanligare byggmetod. Detta har medfört att det underlag som finns för projektering inom området inte är lika väl utvecklade som andra stomsystem. De lösningar som finns inom KL-trä, är idag ofta projektbaserade och är inte är helt genomtänkta ur alla aspekter. Från hur en prefabricerad betongstomme projekteras fram kan vissa principer tillämpas till KL-trä, men då detta är en annan typ av stomme blir vissa lösningar mer specifika mot KL-trä.  Syftet med vår studie är att ta fram en balkonglösning som är fuktsäker och utveckla en standardiserad lösning som går att tillämpa praktiskt. Den ska även uppfylla de krav som regelverken ställer för en balkong. I rapporten används kvalitativa metoder som metodik. Litteraturstudier har använts för att ge en analys av det arbete som finns inom området idag. Datainsamling utfördes med Tom Noremo, som ligger till grund för intervjuer. Intervjuer utfördes med 11 sakkunniga med olika erfarenheter inom byggbranschen. Studien avgränsas till utanpåliggande balkonger infästa med dragstag. Även fasadsystemen avgränsas till Rockwools REDair alternativt PAROC:s ZERO. Den detalj som tas fram är enbart för bostadshus och ska klara av de tillgänglighetskrav som en balkong ska uppfylla. Inga beräkningar för bärförmåga har utförts och redovisad lösning utgår ifrån en befintlig lösning.  Från litteraturstudierna och intervjuerna har en detalj för en balkong i KL-trä projekterats fram. Lösningen har liknande infästning som den detalj rapporten utgår ifrån. Resultatet blev att stålramen med UPE-profil som ligger runt om KL-skivan ska bytas ut mot en L-profil och infästning av dragstag ska sitta i sidorna. Balkonger i KL-trä ska ha hålkäl likt de som en prefabricerad betongbalkong har och ska dras hela vägen till framkant. Balkongerna ska utföras med en tralluppbyggnad som gör det enkelt att klara av tillgänglighetskraven och ger en mer fuktsäker konstruktion. Det tätskikt som monteras måste klara av den mekaniska åverkan som kommer från trallen, närmast dörrtröskel ska brädor bytas ut mot gallerdurk. För de balkonger som är extra utsatta för nederbörd kan en sockeluppbyggnad utföras. Slutsatsen blev att det krävs omfattande åtgärder för att en balkong i KL-trä ska bli lika hållbar som en betongbalkong. Materialval och arbetsutförande har en stor inverkan på slutresultatet. Studien har resulterat i ett gediget projekteringsunderlag för utformning av balkonger. / CLT is becoming a more popular building method. Therefore, the design documentation for CLT is not as developed as other frame systems. The solutions that exist today are only project-based and not always as well thought out as compared to how prefabricated concrete systems is designed. Some principles can be applied to CLT but since this is a different type of material the solutions need to become more specific to CLT.  The purpose with our study is to develop a standardized balcony detail in CLT which is moisture-proof and can be applied in practice. It must also meet the requirements and regulations for a balcony set by the authorities.  The report uses qualitative methods as a methodology to analyse the work that exist today for a balcony in CLT. We used literature studies and conducted 11 interviews with experts obtained from Kåver & Mellin. The study is limited to wall-mounted balconies attached with tension rods. The facade systems are limited to Rockwool´s RED air or PAROC zero. The detail in the report is only for apartment buildings and will meet the requirements set for a balcony. No calculations for load bearing capacity have been conducted where the solution is based on an existing solution.  As a result, from the literature studies and interviews, a balcony detail in CLT has been projected. The detail uses similar attachments as the detail the report is based on. The result from the methodology was that the steel frame that is applied around the CLT-panel must be replaced with a L shaped steel frame. The attachments for the tension rods must be placed on the sides of the balcony. Balconies in CLT must have the same triangle formed element as prefabricated concrete balconies has and be drawn all the way to the front edge of the CLT-panel. The balconies need to be made with duckboard which makes it easier to meet the requirements of accessibility and provides a more moisture-proof construction. The waterproof layer needs to be able to withstand the load bearing coming from duckboard. The boards closest to the threshold can be replaced with a floor grate. The balconies that is extra exposed to bad weather can have an extra outer wall construction. The conclusion is that a balcony in CLT need extensive measures for it to become as durable as concrete balconies. Material selection and the work performance have the biggest impact on the result. The study has resulted in a solid design documentation for a balcony in CLT and an alternative solution has been produced which is moisture-proof and can be applied in practice.

Abstrakt.Syftet med denna studie är att ta reda på vad som kan göras i trädgårds- och balkongmiljöer för solitära bins överlevnad, då arter redan gått förlorade eller är rödlistade på grund av dåliga förutsättningar i fråga om habitat. Hur kan utformningen av designförslag se ut för trädgård och balkong? Vad innehåller lämpliga habitat samt hur ser hotbilden ut för solitära bin? Målet med denna litteraturstudie var att finna svar på mina frågeställningar. Utifrån de fakta som framkommit från resultaten har sedan designförslag utformats för trädgårds- och balkongmiljöer. Ökad biotopyta från forna tiders mosaiklandskap kan i ny tappning utformas som trädgårds- och balkongmiljöer i form av giftfria och blomrika små ängar, blommande kantzoner, diken och rabatter, krukväxter, blommande träd och buskar. Solitära bin behöver husrum, vatten att dricka och mat att äta i form av nektar- och pollenrika växter. De behöver blommande växter från tidig vår till sen höst för att överleva. Viktigt att sprida kunskap och förståelse för hur solitära bin lever sina liv så att människor kan samarbeta för att nå långsiktiga hållbara habitatlösningar. Solitära bin behöver många blommande växtytor som kan fungera som spridningskorridorer in i de urbana miljöerna där varenda liten kvadratmeter blommande yta har betydelse. Solitära bin ökar i antal med ökad biotopyta är fakta som designförslagen baserats på. Förödande hot för solitära bin är bland annat blombrist i urbana miljöer, besprutning med olika gifter, tambin som sprider sjukdomar, människans rädsla för små kryp samt förändrade livsmiljöer. / Abstract. The purpose of this study is to find out what can be done in gardens and balconies for solitary bees survival, species have already been lost or are red-listed because of poor conditions in terms of habitat. What can design-proposals look like for gardens and balconies? What do suitable habitats contain and what do threats look like for solitary bees?The goal with this literature study was to find answers to my questions. Based on facts that emerged from the results, design proposals have been made for gardens and balconies. Increased biotope-surface from ancient times mosaic-landscape can in modern environments like gardens and balconies be designed as non-toxic and flower-rich meadows, flowering border zones, ditches and flower beds, potted plants, flowering trees and shrubs. Solitary bees need shelter, water to drink and food to eat as in nectar and pollen-rich plants. They need flowering plants from early spring to late autumn to survive. It´s important to spread knowledge and understanding how solitary bees live their lives, that people can cooperate to achieve long-term sustainable habitat solutions. Solitary bees need many flowering plant-surfaces that can act as dispersal corridors in to urban environments, where every single square meter flowering-surface is of importance. Solitary bees increase in number with increasing biotope-surfaces which are facts that design proposals are based on. Devastating threats for solitary bees are floral shortage in urban areas, spraying with various poisons, domestic bees spreading diseases, human fear of small insects and altered habitats.

As a result of rapid proliferation of urbanization, there is an insufficient supply of green spaces in dense urban city while the population and living density are both very high. This insufficiency associates with a number of problems on both individual and community. Communal sky garden (CSG) thus turns into an alternative solution as a co-existence between building and vegetation within the same plot of land for the enjoyment of the occupants of the respective development. This study aims at examining the design elements which affect the social performance of CSG for high rise buildings in dense city. There are totally 25 number of residential developments which have the provision of CSG since the issuance of Joint Practice Note No.1 and No.2 in 2001. Eight of them have been selected for the Study. The sky garden design of these developments has been examined and analyzed from different perspectives which include building controls, on-site measurements and observations, questionnaire survey and interviews. Views from public, developers and design professional have also been collected to generate a holistic review on such provision. Several features which are unique to CSG has been identified. The most apparent one is the provision couples with the refuge floor while the layout is dictated by the typical floor plate. It thus imposes limitations on the design and the schedule of accommodations. Also, based on the design layout and characteristics, the eight selected ases have been classified and categorized into four CSG typologies, namely (i) typical type; (ii) linked-up type; (iii) duplex type; and (iv) balcony type. These typologies facilitate the review and analysis of the current provision of CSG. The findings from fieldworks have exhibited that people’s perception on CSG is positive. Its provision is highly supported and appreciated nevertheless of their infrequent use rate. When designing CSG, the considerations are slightly different from those designed at street or ground floor level. Greening is still considered as important which has been validated in the current Study; open views from CSG and its tranquil environment which are unique to the provision constitute the primary concerns of users when consider visiting the garden. These conditions offer an alternative space for residents of the respective development to relax and relieve stress. However, the role of CSG cannot be overemphasized; it, in fact, is complementary to the open space system by providing a garden at “doorstep” for residents particularly for those developments lacking competing facilities such as podium garden and nearby open space. Hence, the provision is not only environmentally sustainable, but also socially sustainable in terms of improving physical health and well-being of residents and their quality of life. This Study also offers a significant reference for the comprehensive design and in-depth understanding on the value and role of CSG in the built environment especially for high rise residential buildings in dense city. The collected findings and the deliverables provide a good reference in future CSG provision in Hong Kong. / published_or_final_version / Architecture / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy