Lisø PhD Dissertation Manuscript - NTNU

Lisø, K.R./ Building envelope performance in harsh climates: Methods for geographically dependent design
Finally, overall estimates on the robustness of the Norwegian building stock and the
need for local climate considerations can be assessed through analyses of statistical
data on the state of buildings, and systematic analyses of experience based building
defects. The Ground Property, Address and Building Register (GAB Register)
provide some information on the state of different vintages of buildings. Aggregated
information on material combinations, technical solutions, design, craftsmanship and
location would form an ideal starting point for a “vintage model” based on the data
set in the GAB register (as indicated in Paper III). Valuable information can be
drawn from the year of completion alone. A relevant description of localisation could
determine the climatic impacts the buildings have been exposed to, using historic
weather data and geographic information systems technology (GIS). To generate the
suggested vintage model it is primarily required to describe the building stock along
dimensions necessary to obtain reliable estimates on how building operating costs
and defect occurrence are being affected by climatic strains. The necessary degree of
detail along these dimensions must be clarified, together with assessments on the
amount of data necessary for single buildings. There are large inconsistencies in the
data set in the GAB register, but information on building types, year of construction
and geographical localisation are readily available. The aggregation of data from
these buildings is a matter of data handling to be considered in parallel with the
development of a vintage model. The dissertation work offers a conceptual point of
departure for the development of a vintage model of the robustness of the building
stock. Historic trends in the design and construction of buildings and built
environments are valuable sources of information in this context. Historic weather
data and statistical data from insurance companies (natural damage) could serve as
an enlarged basis for such a vintage model.
Building standards and design guidelines presuppose use of historic climate data.
Location-specific climate data have only to a very limited extent been applied
systematically for design purposes, life cycle assessments, and climate differentiation
of the suitability of a given technical solution in a given climate. Projected changes
in climatic conditions due to global warming will further enhance vulnerability
within the construction industry and the built environment. GIS-based climate
indices allowing for quantitative assessment of building envelope performance or
decay potential may be a significant component in the development of risk mapping
and adaptation measures to meet the future risks of climate change in different parts
of the world.
24