421-435 Underground Structures and Earth-Sheltered Housing

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Timetable:

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Objectives:

At the conclusion of the subject students should:

• have become aware of efficient and rational uses of subsurface space, as an increasingly-used component of the effective utilisation of space (surface, above-ground, and subsurface) in urban areas;

• have learned how to assess the total risks, benefits, and costs in analysing an underground site, as an alternative to surface-sited structure for an equivalent end-use;

• learned how some underground design considerations differ from those used for surface structures;

• studied the design procedures used for some successful underground structures;

• develop an understanding of the benefits of using earth-sheltered housing, to save energy in both hot and cold climates, and to gain increased protection against bushfires;

• learned how to design and construct earth-sheltered houses.

Content:

The historical development and current uses of underground space. Benefits and drawbacks of siting facilities underground. Trends and future opportunities for increasing uses of underground spaces in Australia and abroad. Design considerations for underground buildings. Examples of successful constructions for libraries, educational institutions, office and commercial buildings, manufacturing and storage facilities, etc..

Psychological and physiological effects in underground space. Lighting, life safety, and fire protection in underground buildings. Below-grade waterproofing. Earth sheltered housing site, structural, building, and interior design. Energy use, insulation, waterproofing and cost considerations for earth-sheltered housing. Case studies of earth-sheltered housing from Australia and abroad.

Assessment: