A systematic comparison of multiple building structures in steel, concrete, and timber: combining energy signatures, building energy simulations and archetype approach

Purpose:

Buildings and the construction industry are top contributors to climate change, and structures account for the largest share of the upfront greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions are linked to buildings and construction. Out of which, the operation of buildings is responsible for 28% of global CO2 emissions with a further 11% attributable to the construction industry, including the manufacture of building materials and components. Therefore, the relative environmental merits of concrete and steel structural systems have been debated for at least 20 years. But engineered timber, such as glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT), is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative, with examples of up to 14 stories already realized, 24 stories under construction, and even taller buildings planned.

The wide body of research in this area have used different integrated energy assessment models to evaluate building structures environmental and carbon footprint. Some previous research findings confirmed the widely held assumption that timber structures and buildings are likely to have lower Whole-Life Embodied Carbon (WLEC) than their steel and concrete counterparts. Other research demonstrated that the broad interest in mass timber has been based on incomplete carbon accounting that treats wood as inherently carbon-neutral. This research will address the need for systematic comparison for multiple building structures in steel, concrete, and timber alternatives considering different energy assessment models. In this research, comparisons will be made between multi buildings mass, operational energy and WLEC emissions of building superstructures using identical frame configurations in steel, reinforced concrete, and engineered timber frames.

Aim and objectives:

The aim of the PhD project is for a candidate to investigate the integrated energy assessment models (e.g. the Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IESVE), Rhino, Ladybug) in comparison of multiple building structures (steel, concrete, and timber). Archetyping will specifically help to accelerate the uptake in Scotland multiple building structural configurations across all three typologies providing a satisfactory compromise between accuracy and speed of simulation.

There are three main objectives:

1. Evaluate how integrated assessment models are used to compare between mass, operational energy and WLEC for the key archetypes within the multiple building stock in Scotland using identical frame configurations in steel, reinforced concrete, and engineered timber frames.
2. Assess the representativeness of archetypes, testing and checking suitability using different simulations.
3. Develop comprehensive model combining energy signatures and building energy simulations using archetype approach.

Expected outcomes:

Despite the considerable research efforts into the life cycle impacts of buildings over the years, this work is unique in its approach and systematic coverage of structural frames in steel, concrete, and timber. As such, it provides a valuable contribution to construction stakeholders attempting to minimize environmental impacts both through design and procurement, thereby reducing life cycle GHG emissions and justifying the preferment of materials, specifications, and suppliers that can collectively make the best contribution to this objective. This project will combine energy signatures and building energy simulations of various measures in order to evaluate their potential outcomes in terms of energy savings and emissions reductions. Therefore, a methodology calibrated engineering models will be combined with building energy simulation tools to enable reliable simulations to be derived with this PhD and published for the wider benefit of the UK construction industry.

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in in Built Environment subject i.e. Civil / Structural Engineering; Architecture; Construction management; Architectural Technology; Sustainable Built Environment or equivalent. 

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr. Lina Khaddour ([email protected]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.