Evaluation method for building performance in Light Wood Frame in Brazil

Abstract

Light wood frame (LWF) is a construction system considered innovative in Latin American countries, which has been used as a strategy to mitigate housing deficits. Since this construction system is new in these countries, a rigorous assessment of their manufacturing, construction and use is essential. Thus, this research aims to develop a method to evaluate the performance of LWF buildings in Brazil to help builders optimise the construction system in the country. The study made use of the literature to identify valuable criteria for a building performance evaluation using qualitative tools, such as questionnaires and the Delphi technique, to select specific criteria for the LWF system. Finally, statistic tools, criteria groups and weights were generated. As a result, the study established a framework with 5 dimensions, 19 criteria and 41 sub-criteria, thus understanding which the most important criteria are to be evaluated during the LWF building performance evaluation. Finally, the criteria with the highest scores refer to structural durability, maintenance, sealing and control of thermal, acoustic, visual and air quality comfort.

Application of MEPLWF: method performance evaluation of the Light Wood Frame construction system

“…The method adopted in Sotsek et al (2020) was established using the identification and selection of building evaluation criteria and sub-criteria that involve technical, environmental, social and economic aspects. It was composed of 5 dimensions and 19 criteria.…”

“…Through the weights assigned to each criteria, it is possible to identify or execute the performance measured in the studied edition. For a detailed description of the weight of each sub-criteria, see Sotsek et al (2020). A summary version of this score can be seen in Table 1, which shows the highest score levels, that is, those with the most relevance during the performance evaluation of an LWF building.…”

“…Therefore, this study aimed to apply a method for LWF performance analysis in Brazil, in order to present its sustainability and efficiency advantages as a constructive system to expand and diffuse the system mainly in tropical countries. Sotsek et al (2020) developed this method, consisted by 5 dimensions, which cover criteria and sub-criteria that assess technical, social, environmental and economic requirements of a building. This method was established considering the eminent concern of constructing buildings that meet the global sustainability protocol and the assurance of human well-being.…”