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14
ods were also modelled, bringing
to 27 the number of pre-populated
sample building systems. The catego-
ries rated were: energy requirement,
durability, acoustic performance,
condensation and fire performance.
The User Guide describes: The
software design philosophy. Opera-
tion of the new Innovative Building
Technology (IBT) Analyser software.
How to analyse and input new IBT
systems. Defining relative importance
of criteria (user-discretion). How to
compare the performance of the list
of IBT systems against user-defined
criteria.The software predicts the
performance an expansible set of
building systems. It equips the user
to select a warranted resolution/s
T
he essential purpose of the
NHBRC software tool is to ef-
fectively and efficiently assist
in the selection of appropriate IBT
systems, within a specific climate
andwith the consideration a number
of other quantitative and qualitative
criteria. In the past this was almost
impossible, because it is too time
consuming to study Agrement certifi-
cates and execute a rational design
for every new project.
The software application is a
relational database and uses a con-
venient generic concept of ‘data
cartridges’. A ‘data cartridge’ is a
set of performance data such as the
amount of energy that a specific con-
struction system type would require
for heating and cooling in a specific
climate. This concept makes it pos-
sible to expand the system in future.
The system is generic and can sup-
port any number of ‘data cartridges’
and any number of construction
systems.
The IBT Analyser is a custom-
made software tool, which will assist
planners and designers to compare
a number of building systems tak-
ing into account climatic context,
region of the proposed sit as well as
performance characteristics of the
systems, for use in the home building
sector. The IBT Analyser will identify
the technology most suitable in ac-
cordance with the set of user-defined
criteria and enhance selection and
the decision making process.
A CSIR Köppen-Geiger climatic
map of South Africa distinguishes 14
climatic zones as opposed to the six
zone model of SANS 204. Weather
files were created for the 14 zones as
well as virtual models of each repre-
sentative IBT and masonry building
system. Virtual models were created
and correlated to that of a measured
notional building to ensure accuracy
of the simulated data. The Agrément
certification of a sample of 25 certi-
fied systems was extensively evaluat-
ed and graded qualitatively on a five
point scale. Standard masonry and
lightweight steel construction meth-
for the proposed site, whether it is an
IBT system or masonry construction,
consequentially ensuring the design
of comfortable and energy-efficient
buildings within South Africa’s di-
verse climate.
The IBT Analyser summarises the
list of systems that have been pre-
populated in the software systemand
their classifications. To facilitate the
categorization and analysis of sys-
tems a special classification system
has been created. The classification
uses an extensible alphabetic system
and ranges from light weight (Clas-
sification A) to heavy weight (Clas-
sification G) systems. In the original
system not all IBT systems have
been analysed in detail with regards
NHBRC’s IBT Analyser
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in
collaborationwith the National Home Builders Registration
Council designed and developed an Innovative Building
Technology Analyser and User Guide software. The IBT
Analyser is a novel analysis software tool to facilitate the
selection of appropriate IBT systems for a given set of
criteria.
IBT Analyser is a relational database system that uses quantitative and qualitative
data packaged in a data cartridges. This software tool enables decision makers and the
professional team to select the appropriate IBT system for a user-defined set of criteria.