PostFrameSE
Structural
- Sep 5, 2007
- 174
I see this forum labeled "Structural Engineering & OTHER TOPICS" so this is by all means an "other topic."
I did a search for "eng tips forum energy code" and came up empty. Makes me wonder if something isn't right. At any rate, I have some questions and would like to get a discussion going on this topic.
I had a visit with some officials in my State today regarding the vestibule requirements for walkdoors. I contend that it is foolish to vestibule a walkdoor when in the same building space you have large overhead doors that are slow-opening and slow-closing. The heat-loss with the large door would greatly exceed that which you would have with the opening of a small walkdoor multiple times! It appears that ASHRAE completely ignored that fact, or only intended these vestibules in A, B, E, I, or M occupancies. I completely understand their purpose in an occupancy like that, but dispute it in an F or S occupancy where large doors are major sources of heat-loss when open.
I was told that you need to take the door opening and closing into the envelope design. I have no idea how to do that? Any thoughts or suggestions? I told the official that if the doors were open, it would be impossible to ever get a building to work. I was told "We're not designers.........that's your issue to deal with." That sounds snotty, but she was kind when she said it. How do I deal with this? Does anybody have any insight to how ASHRAE thinks about this? Anybody have any contacts at ASHRAE that I could get in touch with?
Thanks.
I did a search for "eng tips forum energy code" and came up empty. Makes me wonder if something isn't right. At any rate, I have some questions and would like to get a discussion going on this topic.
I had a visit with some officials in my State today regarding the vestibule requirements for walkdoors. I contend that it is foolish to vestibule a walkdoor when in the same building space you have large overhead doors that are slow-opening and slow-closing. The heat-loss with the large door would greatly exceed that which you would have with the opening of a small walkdoor multiple times! It appears that ASHRAE completely ignored that fact, or only intended these vestibules in A, B, E, I, or M occupancies. I completely understand their purpose in an occupancy like that, but dispute it in an F or S occupancy where large doors are major sources of heat-loss when open.
I was told that you need to take the door opening and closing into the envelope design. I have no idea how to do that? Any thoughts or suggestions? I told the official that if the doors were open, it would be impossible to ever get a building to work. I was told "We're not designers.........that's your issue to deal with." That sounds snotty, but she was kind when she said it. How do I deal with this? Does anybody have any insight to how ASHRAE thinks about this? Anybody have any contacts at ASHRAE that I could get in touch with?
Thanks.
