Many architecture and design firms in Calgary have a strong desire to incorporate parametric software (BIM) and digital manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies into their design processes in order to meet evolving client demands, regulatory requirements, and sustainability performance targets. These are necessary criteria that constitute high-quality built environments capable of meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders […]

The bond between adhered manufactured stone masonry veneer units and the setting bed mortar will be studied. It will involve testing shear, and tensile bond on small samples. Samples will consist of 2 types of adhered manufactured stones; two types of setting bed mortar (Type S, and modified dry-set cement mortar); and two types of […]

Computer-based simulation software, called hygrothermal modeling has become increasingly popular and useful to predict and evaluate heat, air, vapour, and water-related performance of buildings. This research project aims to improve such modelling for wood construction through validation using specifically measured property data and field/lab performance data. The goal is to make modelling a more reliable […]

The project is to develop a robust shoring design system using Excel software. A shoring system is a group of structural elements used to support/retain earth pressure during the construction of underground structures. Its design is influenced by many variables, such as the intended use of systems, earth pressure selection, performance of different systems, ground […]

A veneer wythe protects the indoor environment and other building components against adverse outdoor effects, such as rain and physical impacts. Veneer walls are connected to a structural substrate (e.g. wood frame or masonry units) by ties. These are usually made of steel and therefore high in thermal conductance. The ties penetrate the thermal insulation […]

This proposal aims to develop a new fabrication model where the geometric compliance of components is not only controlled by the original design information but also accounts for the deviations (within tolerance) of the previously built components and calculated deviation on the component being built. The developed model allows for in-progress checking of fabricated components […]

Every building has insulations. Unfortunately, it is not fire retardant. The materials contain toxic chemicals, The source of those materials is not local. MgO Systems has a solution for industrial construction and home building industries. This Alberta based company designs and manufactures prefabricated wall panel systems and structural insulated panels with high thermal efficiency, advanced […]

Geocells are a type of three-dimensional honeycomb geosynthetics that are widely used to improve the performance of paved and unpaved roads by reinforcing the base/subbase courses. It is approved to benefit the long-term performance of roadways and reduction of construction cost. Although geocell has been widely used in roadway construction in cold regions, showing measurable […]

The goal of this project is to help automate the process of scanning buildings with consumer digital cameras. Currently, fully automated scanning with a commercial camera produces inaccurate scans, while accurate scans require significant manual effort on each individual photograph (of which there are many) of the building to be scanned. We plan to use […]

The durability of building materials is an important criterion to ensure long-term performance of buildings exposed to various environmental loads. Particularly, exterior building surfaces are exposed to high solar radiation and temperature differences during the year which can considerably influence their durability due to thermal stresses. Additionally, in light of the increasing need for energy […]

Concrete—the most common construction material in the world—represents the main component of construction and demolition waste. The excessive extraction of virgin aggregate from Canadian lands and water bodies destroys the habitats of many species and affects the natural flow of streams in lakes and rivers. One solution to address the growing solid waste challenge and […]

This research aims at life cycle thinking-based comparison of popular wall material (i.e., wood, concrete, masonry, etc.) for institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) building construction in Canada. Empirical studies will be used to observe the deterioration of interior and exterior masonry wall systems in various climatic regions. Life cycle sustainability assessment would be used to […]