Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?
- Why or why not?
There is no guarantee that a building will match its predicted performance. While Revit is capable of modeling construction materials and their thermal behavior in detail, it is still difficult to accurately predict the overall thermal envelope of a building. Furthermore, assumptions related to scheduling can also be inaccurate. For instance, it is possible for the model to assume electric components to operate strictly following the work schedule. However, in reality, many components can be left on, resulting in an actual energy consumption greater than the predicted value.
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
The most energy efficient building performance factors should not always be chosen. Rather, building performance factors should be chosen based on their effectiveness and feasibility. In many situations, it is possible for effective building performance factors to be too expensive or incompatible with the building design. Therefore, it is important these aspects are considered before specific performance factors are included in a model.
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lighting, PV, etc.?
4D simulations are often used to show the construction sequence for an entire project, but shorter simulations that focus on a specific period of time are also useful.
- Can you provide examples of how a simulation that focuses on a 1 or 2 week period could be useful for planning?
What level of detail should be included in a 4D simulation?
- Should you include all of the elements in the building model?
In general, 4D simulations should include structural and major architectural components. Given that these major components often interact with each other, it is critical to understand the timing of when each part is added. Meanwhile, in most cases I believe it is better to omit smaller components such as doors, windows, and interior fixtures for the sake of keeping the 4D simulation simpler.
How can the feedback shown in a 4D simulation help you to optimize the project schedule?
- What are the main benefits of linking model elements to the project schedule?
How can model-based quantity takeoff improve the design process?
How can designers improve their designs using the information provided by preliminary estimates of the cost of building their design ideas?