Vertical Extensions: Technical Challenges And Carbon Impact

So, Mandy Shyun (2022) Vertical Extensions: Technical Challenges And Carbon Impact. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

The population in the major cities is growing steadily and is anticipated to continue to rise. This indicates a greater need for living spaces in city centers. One option that has been considered is extending the building vertically, which utilises the remaining building area of the existing building. This research aimed to investigate the technical challenges and carbon impact associated with vertical extensions of the existing building. The objectives of this research are to identify the typical considerations, design approach and structural performance of the vertical extension and to compare the vertical extension with the demolition and reconstruction of the structure in terms of carbon footprint and environmental impacts. In this research, the existing building is modelled and analysed using SCIA Engineer and then later transformed into an extended building. The existing building of G + 11, with two levels of basement car park was vertically extended to G + 13. Findings revealed that the existing structural elements are able to sustain the additional loads from two extended storeys without the need for structural reinforcement. The model expansion causes the increase in overall support reactions mainly because the structural elements are required to bear a greater self-weight of the building. The technical challenges associated with vertical extension include the availability of information on the existing building, actual conditions of the building, constructability and installation methods, installation of building services, building retrofitting, fire protection requirements, and accessibility issues. Hawkins\Brown Emissions Reduction Tool (H\B:ERT) in Revit and IStructE guide are the helpful tools to assess carbon emissions throughout the building’s lifecycle. The vertical extension appears to be a more carbonefficient option as compared to demolition and reconstruction. The carbon emissions arising from demolition and rebuilding are 11006.218 tCO2e, significantly higher than vertical extension (386.123 tCO2e) whereas reconstruction accounted for 10891.510 tCO2e emissions, contributing to 99 % of the total emissions.

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