The Building Elements table defines a set of construction types used in the building. Each building element is given a Construction-name which identifies it with an item in the Constructions Database. Building elements are assigned to zone surfaces as described in the section: Zones-Surfaces.
Name
Each building element has a name by which it is referenced in Zone - Surfaces. The building element name cannot be edited if it was exported from the 3D Modeller.
Description
You can entered detailed information about the building element.
Colour
This displays the colour used to display the building element in the 3D Modeller. It cannot be edited.
Construction
The Construction name identifies a construction type in the constructions folder. To assign a construction from the constructions folder, select it from the drop down list. Each Building Element except Null must be assigned a Construction. A building element can only have one construction assigned to it.
There are also three tables displaying profiles and the day types they are assigned to.
Substitute element
A non-blank value in this table specifies that the construction properties of the building element are to be replaced by those of a Substitute Element at certain times. These times are specified by the Substitute element profile . In the most common application of this feature, the main building element represents a window and the substitute building element the same window with a blind. The substitution process then represents the drawing of the blind.
You cannot have more than one Substitute Element profile assigned to the same building element on the same day type. You can have different profiles on the same building element so long as they apply to different day types. see Substitute Element.
Aperture type
Aperture type profiles allow air to flow through the building elements. The profile contains parameters pertaining to opening times and size of opening. Any building element, opaque or transparent can have an Aperture Type profile assigned to them.
You cannot have more than one Aperture Type profile assigned to the same building element on the same day type. You can have different profiles on the same building element so long as they apply to different day types - see Aperture Types.
Feature Shade
A feature shade described in terms of an overhang and a pair of side-fins may be assigned to a surface by assigning a Feature shade profile to the building element.
You cannot have more than one Feature Shade profile assigned to the same building element on the same day type. You can have different profiles on the same building element so long as they apply to different day types - see Feature Shades.
To assign a profile to a building element. Click on the '+' by the appropriate folder (e.g. Aperture Types), left click and hold down the mouse button while the pointer is over the appropriate profile, drag the pointer to anywhere on the appropriate profiles table and release the mouse button.
To remove a profile from one of the tables, left click on it and then press the <Delete> button.
Substitute elements
This table lists which substitute element profiles the building element is being used in. You cannot add or delete items in this table.
The Building Element called 'Null' will always appear in the list of building elements. It is used to represent a boundary between zones or the outside where no physical barrier exists. It is modelled as a highly conductive surface which transmits all solar radiation and absorbs all long-wave radiation, and exchanges heat with the neighbouring air masses by convection. Air can flow through the Null Building Element. Any Construction, Substitute Element, Aperture Type or Feature Shade that is applied to the Null Building element is ignored by the calculation.
Warning - Ceilings and walls must have a thickness applied in the Building Elements table within Tas 3D Modeller in order that the correct volumes and floor areas are calculated for the spaces in a model. The thicknesses of constructions applied from the constructions database do not affect the volume and area data associated with the zones within the model.