A wind rose diagram is a tool
which graphically displays wind speed and wind direction at a particular
location over a period of time. The diagrams normally comprises of 8, 16 or 32
radiating spokes, which represent wind directions in terms of the cardinal wind
directions (North East South West) and their intermediate directions. Meteorologist
use wind rose diagrams to summarise the distribution of wind speed and
direction over a defined observation period. Data is taken from a weather
station, which should be a near as possible to your project /site.
What do the Spokes Represent?
Each ‘Spoke’ shows:
How often the wind blows from each direction
How often the wind blows within each pre-defined wind speed range
(bins). This is shown by the colour bands on each spoke.
A wind rose diagram uses a polar
coordinate system, whereby data is plotted a certain distance away from the
origin at an angle relative to north.
It is possible to create these plots
using costly purpose-made software or, alternatively, very basic wind rose
diagrams can be made using Microsoft Excel. Wind Rose Excel also provides 2
paid options:
WRE Web App – allows users to fetch data from 30,000 different
weather stations and create wind rose diagrams within a web application.
WRE v1.7 – allow users to copy their own data into a macro-enabled
excel workbook in order to produce wind rose diagrams.
Interpreting an Example Wind Rose Diagram
In Diagram 1 the westerly spoke and its
colour bands provides the following information:
The wind blows from the west (a “westerly”) 12% of the time at
location x
Westerly wind speed distribution for location x:
1% of total time the wind blows at 0-2 knots from the west
1% of total time the wind blows at 2-3 knots from the west
1.5% of total time the wind blows at 4-6 knots from the west
3.5% of total time the wind blows at 7-10 knots from the west
3% of total time the wind blows at 11-66 knots from the west
1% of total time the wind blows at 17-22 knots from the west
1% of total time the wind blows at >23 knots from the west
What is Possible using Excel?
Saturday, January 05, 2019
PREFABRICATED
STRUCTURES
Prefabricated construction is the
practice of assembling a variety of components of a structure at a
manufacturing site and transporting those sub-assemblies to the location of the
construction jobsite. Prefabricated construction is sometimes thought of as a
low-end and mass produced mode of construction. In reality however, it is quite
the opposite. Prefabricated construction is becoming more common, improving in quality
and has become available in a variety of budgets. Despite the perception of
prefabrication, there are numerous benefits to this type of construction. This
article assesses the advantages that prefabricated construction presents for
both businesses and customers.
Eco-Friendly
Modular construction is often
commended for energy efficiency and sustainable construction. Traditional
construction methods require extra materials that lead to increased waste.
However, since prefabricated sub-assemblies are constructed in a factory, extra
materials can be recycled in-house. This is a considerable improvement over
sending waste directly to a landfill from a traditional construction site.
Also, the controlled environment of a factory allows for more accurate construction,
tighter joints and better air filtration, which in turn allows for better wall
insulation and an increase in energy efficiency.
Financial Savings
One of the greatest advantages of
prefabricated construction would be financial savings. Although the perception
of custom-made pieces may seem expensive, with prefabricated or modular
construction, this is not the case. Modular construction targets all budgets
and price points, creating an affordable option. Prefabrication manufacturers
often receive bulk discounts from material suppliers which then trickles down
to the cost of a construction project. Modular construction also sidesteps the
possibility of unreliable contractors and unproductive staff. Additionally, the
reduction in construction time can significantly save on construction financing
costs.
Flexibility
Modular construction can be
easily be disassembled and relocated to different sites. This significantly
reduces the demand for raw materials, minimizes expended energy and decreases
time overall. Also, modular construction allows for flexibility in the design
of the structure allowing for a limitless number of opportunities. Since
prefabricated construction units can be used in different spaces, its neutral
aesthetics is able to blend in with almost any building type.
Consistent Quality
Since prefabricated construction
occurs in a controlled manufacturing environment and follows specified
standards, the sub-assemblies of the structure will be built to a uniform
quality. Construction site-built structures are dependent upon varying skill
levels and the schedules of independent contractors. These all contribute to
the craftsmanship and overall quality of given structure. With prefabrication,
each sub-assembly is built by an experienced crew in a weather-resistant
factory, with multiple quality checks throughout the entire process. Some
components of the building are constructed using precise machine equipment to
ensure conformity to building code.
Reduced Site Disruption
Since many components of a
building are completed in the factory, there is significantly less truck
traffic, equipment and material suppliers around the final construction site.
This limits the disruption of traditional jobsites that suffer from noise,
pollution, waste and other common irritants. This streamlined approach to
construction provides a far more efficient atmosphere for productivity, and
eliminates unnecessary distractions and interference that are typical of
construction sites.
Shorter Construction Time
Portable construction takes
significantly less time to build than on-site construction. In many instances,
prefabrication takes less than half the time when compared to traditional
construction. This is due to better upfront planning, elimination of on-site
weather factors, subcontractor scheduling delays and quicker fabrication as
multiple pieces can be constructed simultaneously. Shorter construction times
allows construction companies to take on multiple projects at once, allowing
businesses to grow rather than putting all their focus and resources on one or
a few projects at a time.
Safety
Since sub-assemblies are created
in a factory-controlled environment utilizing dry materials, there is less risk
for problems associated with moisture, environmental hazards and dirt. This
ensures that those on the construction site, as well as a project’s eventual
tenants are less likely to be exposed to weather-related health risks. Also, an
indoor construction environment presents considerably fewer risks for accidents
and other liabilities. There are strict factory processes and procedures that
protect the worker from on-the-job injury. At a construction site, although
safety is of utmost importance, workers are subjected to weather-related
conditions, changing ground conditions, wind and other crew members who are at
the site.
Final Thoughts
With the continued popularity of
prefabricated construction, it is likely that it will only continue to grow in
popularity. Customers who choose this option are able to enjoy a high quality,
quicker, cost-effective, and eco-friendly construction method. Furthermore,
construction companies may soon increase their investment in modular
construction processes, benefiting both their business and customer
relationships. Prefabricated construction is proving to be an extremely viable
option, and as manufacturing technology continues to improve, expect to see its
benefits and advantages rise in the future.
