PSI - Issue 70

Dharshan V et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 70 (2025) 493–500

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The total energy consumption was determined by multiplying the EUI with the floor area, serving as a basis for renewable energy planning. A solar feasibility study showed that 633 m² of the hospital’s roof could accommodate solar panels, potentially genera ting 72,851 kWh per year. This output exceeds the ECBC 2017 requirement of at least 4% on-site renewable energy for buildings. This integration of energy simulation and solar planning not only enhances system efficiency but also supports a design aimed at minimizing carbon emissions and maintaining resource use within green building standards.

3.4.4 Daylight performance and compliance

(a)

(b) Fig. 6. (a) Daylight analysis result; (b) Daylight simulation for second floor

Daylight performance plays a key role in improving energy efficiency, visual comfort, and indoor quality — especially in healthcare buildings. It reduces the need for artificial lighting, lowering energy use and enhancing occupant well-being. In this project, a daylight analysis was conducted per ECBC 2017 guidelines, which require that at least 30% of regularly occupied areas meet daylight illuminance levels during one of the test times. The analysis, done on April 15 at 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, showed 34% of spaces met the requirement — slightly above the 30% minimum. However, performance varied: • Morning (9:00 am): Better daylight distribution. • Afternoon (4:00 pm): Several zones dropped below required lux levels. This underlines the need for optimized window placement and shading to maintain consistent daylight performance. 4. Conclusion • The project began with a functional 2D layout in AutoCAD to meet healthcare spatial and circulation needs. Structural analysis was performed using Tekla Structural Designer to ensure load path efficiency and IS code compliance. Waffle slabs were used to achieve long spans with minimal material, supporting sustainability goals. A detailed 3D model was created in Revit, integrating architectural and structural elements, with reinforcement modeled using Revit’s rebar tools. Hand calculations wer e also conducted to verify software results. • Sustainability was central to the project. Autodesk Insight was used for energy assessment, yielding an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 343.05 kWh/m²/year — appropriate for hospital standards. Rooftop PV simulations showed surplus solar energy generation, exceeding ECBC 2017 requirements. Daylight and thermal comfort were enhanced through smart design choices such as reflective surfaces and strategic window placements. The envelope featured low U-factors and high-performance glazing, improving thermal performance and minimizing energy loss. Carbon analysis confirmed a reduced environmental impact. • Overall, this project demonstrates the effective integration of BIM, structural optimization, and sustainable design, resulting in a resilient, energy-efficient hospital. It highlights how thoughtful planning, advanced technology, and adherence to standards can lead to cost-effective, eco-friendly healthcare infrastructure.