GIS-Based Climate Data for Building Design and Operation

Objective

To develop a GIS-based repository for climate data for use in the design and operation of buildings

Background

Local climate data is valuable in the design and operation of buildings.  For example, building designers need to know the wind, rain, and snow loads that will act on the building.  Building operators also need to know the degree-days and expected amount of solar radiation at the building site in order to minimize energy demands.  Climate data helps to prioritise maintenance programs for building façades, since the failure of facade components is often brought about by local climate effects acting on the components.  For example, temperature fluctuations cause the dilation and subsequent deterioration of materials. These materials thus become increasingly susceptible to moisture uptake when exposed to rainfall. This is particularly evident for porous facades such as brick masonry, concrete or stucco cladding where freeze-thaw cycling has an evident deteriorating effect on the integrity and longevity of the materials.  A GIS platform would be a practical means of providing such climate data to building practitioners.

Statement of Work

• Identify sources of climate data required for the design and operation of buildings, and if necessary, render it GIS compliant.
• Perform geospatial analysis on these data sets and develop a prototype GIS-based climate database
• Collect, verify, store and analyse yearly weather data and the local microclimate response of the various facades from a building in London, Ont. and provide database tools to access climate and building response data useful for building operations and maintenance.

Expected Outcomes

• A prototype GIS-based medium containing vetted climate information relating to building design requirements provided in the National Building Code of Canada.
• Database tools to access climate and building response data useful for building operations and maintenance

Partners

Public Works and Government Services Canada, SMT Research, and Intempco Controls Ltd.

Start/Expected Completion Dates

This project began in 2009 and will be completed in 2011.

Related Information

Institutes:

• NRC Institute for Research in Construction