What Are The Building Systems?
Building systems refer to mechanical (HVAC), electrical and plumbing systems used in modern buildings. Our experts are regularly involved in cases involving construction delay claims, product malfunctions and suspected implementation errors.
Examples of building systems include heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; plumbing, gas pipes, fire safety and sewage systems; and various electrical systems.
Below is a basic overview of the seven types of building system engineering.
Civil
Civil engineering related to construction systems is mainly concerned with the routing of site services, such as storm water piping and preservation, sanitation and natural gas. The civil engineers work closely with landscape architects to enhance the surroundings of the facility and provide facilities to sustain the building.
Energy
Energy engineering is concerned with aspects such as energy conservation and the use of renewable energy such as solar photovoltaics. As the cost of utility services rises, energy engineering is becoming more and more relevant. Indiana has historically had one of the lowest electricity prices globally, but the low cost of coal-fired electricity is rising as environmental regulations have an effect on energy production. The resulting cost increase puts much more emphasis on the energy efficiency of buildings.
Mechanical
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems are a large part of the mechanical engineering of building systems and have the greatest effect on energy use. People generally forget the significance of the “Ventilation” side of the HVAC system. If you do not have adequate ventilation, the levels of CO2 and other contaminants can be too high to cause illness. In fact, the State Health Board may fine the owner of the building for not providing adequate ventilation.
Electrical
Everyone thinks of the obvious: the lights. However, electrical engineering also involves life-safety devices such as fire alarm systems. Power distribution is also a central component of electrical engineering in buildings. This is becoming increasingly important, particularly in older buildings that do not have enough power to support the technology required in modern buildings.
Structural
More is involved here than the columns, trusses, beams and footers that are mounted in the building to ensure its stability. They are also collaborating with the owner and other engineers to find out how to provide paths through the building to route all the different structures and to prepare for the potential expansion of the building. An example of future planning could be the installation of additional structures in a roofing system to accommodate future installation of solar panels where funding is available.
Plumbing
It’s more than just your wash basins and toilets. Apart from everything else you’ll find in the bathroom, plumbing engineers also build domestic hot water heating systems, water softening systems, storm pipe systems for roof drainage, fire safety and sprinkler systems. Usually, plumbing engineers work closely with civil and mechanical engineers.
Technology
This particular device may be considered a subset of electrical equipment, but technology engineers have specific skills. Technology encompasses a wide variety of items such as security and card access, cameras, IT networks such as wireless internet access, telecommunications systems, audio visual (AV) equipment and centralized clock systems. During their design, they normally work with interior designers and electrical engineers. For example, if a room has a lot of natural light, you would need a special projector device to make the projections visible.
