Service Integration in Buildings

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

SS005a-EN-EU

Information is given on needs for services in modern office buildings: ventilation/air
conditioning, fire resistance, power service, etc. The dimensions and space requirements
for services is discussed. Opportunities are shown for the use of modern structural systems
that allow service integration. The importance of good detailing of interfaces is emphasised.
Contents
1. Introduction 2
2. Needs and requirements for services 3
3. Types of air conditioning systems 10
4. Dimensions and space occupancy of services 17

This material is copyright - all rights reserved. Use of this document is subject to the terms and conditions of the Access Steel Licence Agreement
5. The importance of interfaces 23
6. Structural opportunities – floor systems 28
7. References 34
Created on Tuesday, December 04, 2007
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1. Introduction
During the last decades, the need for services in office buildings has greatly increased, as a
consequence of new approaches of working and living. New demands and new regulations,
such as air conditioning, comfort cooling, temperature control, air renewal, as well as the new
concepts for electronic information technologies and communication, have also focused on
the need for rational methods to introduce and distribute these services. Service routes should
extend both vertically between floors and horizontally to serve the floors.
Open space, as well as partitioned space in office buildings follows the same global
arrangement in service distribution. Consider an isolated floor and a central core with room
air cooling distribution control, electric switching boards, etc, toilets and staircases, access
routes, lifts, vertical service routes (risers) and safety equipments. The core acts as a central
point for distribution of services on the floor.
The provision for these routes and systems should be organised with the objective of
minimising the space of services and keeping access to services as simple as possible. Special
care should also be paid for possible fire passage through service route between floors.
The interface between structural engineering and service engineering is a key point for service
integration in modern office buildings. This document focuses on opportunities for integration
between structure and services. It presents the needs, the basic systems both for structures and
services, the opportunities for a correct integration of systems, and examples of new and
future practices in integration of services.
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2. Needs and requirements for services

Building services may be defined under various groupings:
Air-conditioning machinery and vertical distribution of air to floors.

Heating and cooling, including local control.
Fire protection systems, including active measures, such as sprinklers and automatic
detection.
Electrical and data communication systems.
Water and sanitary distributions and facilities.
Lifts, escalators and other machinery for vertical movement.
Typically, new demands for building services are for:
Air ventilation and distribution, including ducts for air installation beneath the ceiling,
Air conditioning, air cooling distributed along the perimeter walls or from the ceilings,
Water ductworks or sprinklers for fire safety,
Electrical wiring and information facilities usually distributed trough an access floor.
2.1 Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Ventilation in buildings is required to:
Deliver fresh outside air for people in the rooms,

Dilute and remove polluted air from the building,
Reduce peoples exposure to microbiological hazards,
Prevent moisture damage by possible condensation.
The ventilation requirements in standards in most cases are descriptive which means that the
requirements are specified more in terms of solutions. In many standards minimum flow rates
are specified. In the case of natural ventilation, standards may specify openable areas, such as
windows. The opposite of descriptive is performance oriented specifications. A performance-
oriented approach is focused on the real user needs [8].
Ventilation standards throughout Europe differ considerably as do the ways to express the
ventilation targets. In some standards, flow rate is based on "per m² floor area", while in
others a certain flow rate per person is specified (e.g. litres/person/sec). In the UK and several
other countries, minimum ventilation rates depend on whether smoking is allowed. Table 2.1
gives some requirements of standards and regulations in Europe, expressed in
litres/person/sec [8].
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Table 2.1 Required flow rate per person for offices in various countries
Country Flow rate min Flow rate max Flow rate (when
3
(litres /sec/Person) (litres3/sec/Person) smoking)
3
(litres /sec/Person)
Finland 4 10
Sweden 4 10
Denmark 4 10 10
Netherlands 10 20
Germany 6 8
United Kingdom 8 12
France 4 8
Portugal 7 10
Switzerland 3 9 20
A density of one person per 14 m² net floor area gives an acceptable utilization of space. This
may be reduced to one person per 10 m² in circumstances where the working environment is
not adversely affected [3]. In general in office areas, a rate of fresh air supply of between
8 and 12 litres per second per person should be supplied. This value should be increased in
smoking environment [3].
In modern buildings, the heating system comprises local room heating devices, such as
radiator “water or electric” or integrated heating in the ventilation system. In this second case,
the ventilation system also heats the air in winter and cools it in summer to maintain the
required room temperature. The ventilation system is also considered as an air conditioning
system. It also controls humidity and performs a dust filter.
Other requirements are for maximum air velocity in rooms. In a room volume, the zone to be
efficiently air ventilated is considered as the volume in the centre of the room minus 0,15 m
from each vertical face with height of 1,80 m, which is effectively the zone, in which people
circulate [11].
Two systems of ventilation can be considered [10]:
Displacement ventilation with air delivery at floor level and exhaust at ceiling. Air
movement is upward, moderate and regular.
Mixing ventilation with air delivered from outlets at ceiling level with higher speed.
Fresh air is naturally mixed with ambiance air before reaching the circulation volume. Air
is exhausted at ceiling levels at regular pattern grids.
It is clear that mixing systems are better suited for open plan floors, while displacement
ventilation may be preferred in partitioned floors.
In winter, the acceptable air velocity in the room is normally below 0,15 m/s while in
summer, when the air movement is more acceptable due to the higher room temperature, the
maximum air velocity is normally 0,25 m/s. This determines the size and number of the
outlets and the distance between them and the occupants. It also determines the size of
ducting for air delivery and extraction. Displacement ventilation systems, where the supplied
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air is delivered at a lower temperature and at floor level might be more difficult to design as
mixing ventilation system, leading also to dust circulation [10].
For ducts, air velocity is higher for offices and can be designed for:
6,0 m/s in main ducts,

4,5 m/s in branch ducts,
2,0 m/s at the outlet, reaching the required low velocity into the room.
In Europe, a comfort temperature in winter is considered between 20 and 22 °C, while in
summer, the comfort temperature is more variable depending on the country and the external
mean summer temperature. The maximum comfort temperature is usually between 26 and
30°C.
Diffusion arrangement
Diffusion of air is usually arranged on a 6 x 6 m grid. This can be more dense (for example
6 × 4 m) at the perimeter of the building where heat gains are likely to be greater. Additional
heating may also be provided by radiators (water or electric) around the perimeter of the
building.
One diffuser should be positioned for each grid area. Ducting must be able to deliver the air
with constant and equal flow to each diffuser. The horizontal route from the vertical route
“central core” to the most external diffuser should not exceed 25 m. Longer routes will cause
inefficiencies in the system by more powerful fans, noisy operation, etc. This leads to design
of a central core for each 50 × 50 m floor area.
2.2 Water ductworks or sprinklers for fire safety

In modern office buildings, fire resistance depends on the size, the height and the general use
of the building: 60 minutes resistance (R60), 120 (R120) and 240 (R240) minutes resistance
are common.
Sprinklers inhibit the development of fire and thus improve life safety. A sprinkler system
should be considered as part of the fire engineering strategy and servicing.
In choosing the fire protection system for the structural steel members, designers should take
into account the need to install services, particularly in cases where a mechanical connection
has to be made to the beam. Care should also be taken to ensure that fire compartmentation is
not breached by services.
Board fire protection should only be used where systems are not likely to support services
from the beams. The act of cutting away the board or fire protection to accommodate clamps
would compromise the fire protection. With fire retardant blankets or cement-based spray
protection systems, a wire rope system can be used to support the services. Again, the direct
attachment of clamps to the beam flanges will not be possible.
Intumescent coatings are probably the most favourable fire protection solution, although care
must still be taken to ensure that the fire protection system is not damaged during the
installation of the building services.
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Fire protection by sprinklers requires service routes for water distribution. Water service
routes do not require large space but might induce special problems where they cross air
conditioning ducting. Sharp deviations around air ducting should be avoided.
Fire hazard and ductwork

Ductwork may cause a fire hazard in a building when the ducts run through compartment
walls. The duct penetration in the wall must not lead to a reduction in the fire safety of the
building, and various solutions may be adopted:
The ducts can be fire insulated on both sides of the wall or,
The duct could be connected to the wall opening via a fire damper and proper
certification,
Or, a combination of these two alternatives may be used.
2.3 Electrical supply – electric power and information

facilities
All types of electric supply should be distributed to working positions for lighting, electronic
and computers. Electric power can be separated in two types:
High duty, high voltage electric power for lighting, computer, electric appliances etc.
Light duty, light voltage as for information network, telephone and control systems etc.
These electric networks are arranged depending on the floor layout (open office or partitioned
offices).
Depending of the type of distribution, high or low voltage, high or low power, power or
information supplies, the need for electric and magnetic protection should be foreseen.
Other electric networks are regularly needed for building safety. These concerns:
Fire and smoke alarms,

Building intrusion alarms,
Atmosphere control, temperature, biological hazard,
Automatic system as automatic lighting switching etc,
Distance and volume should be considered for monitoring devises as needed.
Special care should be taken for possible electric or magnetic interference and distance should
be maintained between networks, leading to more complex arrangements in the available
space.
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2.4 General services - Central core

The central core provides various functions needs as access to the floors from the staircases
and lifts, toilets and service rooms. The core is best situated close to the centre of the building,
in order to service the floor with a shorter distance than a core which is off-set on plan.
The core is often designed as the primary bracing system of the building. In continental
Europe, the core is usually made of concrete but might also be a steel truss. In the UK, steel
plated central cores are used.
For very large size of floors over 1000 m² of floor area, several cores may be introduced. A
general approach is that service routes are optimised for air distribution. Furthermore escape
routes in case of fire should be as short as possible.
2.5 Vertical air distribution between floors

To serve the air to office floors, ducting requires vertical service routes. The position of the
service route will determine the distribution of ducting on the floor.
Usually vertical service routes are situated in the core of the building with the following
criteria:
The best position for the main service route is from the centre of the building,
Sufficient space for vertical service route must allow for maintenance and refurbishing,
Separate vertical ducts for air, water and electric service routes,
Complete air service route with fire resistance dampers to avoid any fire transmission by
the vertical service route.
Service routes are short from the core when situated at the centre of the floor, leading to
minimum pressure drops into ducting for air distribution.
Service rooms are adjacent to the vertical route for air, water and electric risers. Access
should be as easy as possible and provision for future developments should be made as
oversized service route and service rooms.
The vertical routes for electric, water and air should be separated for safety reasons and fire
dampers should be installed at each air penetration between the core and the floor volume.
Fire protection should be well suited at this interface to avoid any vertical fire transmission
between floors.
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Service core at centre, short Service core at corner, long

distance service route distance service route
(1)
600
500
400
300
(2)
(3)
Key:
1. Alternative core positions
2. Duct size (mm) dependent on distance from core
3. Ductwork distribution
Figure 2.1 Service route from the service core [3]

Arrangement of ducting in vertical route
Figure 2.2 Typical distribution of air ducting in the service core [11]
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In all cases, two vertical service route for air are needed – one for air distribution from the
central plant, and one for extraction back to the plant, independent on whether the production
plant is situated in the basement or at top of the building.
Maintenance requirements
Access for maintenance in service rooms and ducting systems should be as simple as possible.
For air ducting, delivery ducts should be accessible for internal cleaning “once a year” and
special devices are developed for the cleaning. Extraction ducting is less important for
cleaning, but it has also to be cleaned periodically.
2.6 Water and sanitary distribution

Usually service water distribution is not needed in open office floors. Toilets are normally
situated within the central core of the building.
Water distribution is thus needed for special applications; for example local distribution of
cold or hot water in local air conditioning devices. Water ducts are needed when using a Fan-
Coil Unit “FCU” for air conditioning comprising both hot and cold water. Proper sized ducts
are also needed in this type of unit for the drain of waste water from the FCU.
Care should be taken for natural flow in drains, assuming a constant slope of ducts for
drainage. Any stagnation of water in these drains will create problems for the units.
Precaution should be taken relative to slab deflections when using this type of drain and is one
of the problematic interface service/structure concerns between service and structure. Ducting
for hot and cold water are small in size. Two 20 mm pipes are sufficient for servicing the
FCU. The typical diameter of the condensation pipes is 40 mm.
2.7 Long spans in office buildings

Long span solutions create greater opportunities for vertical integration of the structure and
services because the beams are necessarily sufficiently deep to be able to accommodate major
openings. Long spans and open floor space without any columns provides flexibility for the
design of the internal layout and in office building as it will allow for future changes of use
[5]. This can be achieved now by spans up to 18 m and by the use of composite
(steel/concrete) systems and cellular beams offering wide service zone between beams.
It is also advantageous to reduce the storey height zones in order to minimise the costs of the
cladding, or to comply with planning restrictions on the overall height of the building. This
requires a careful selection of beam members and consideration of services integration into
the structure.
If the beams are arranged such that the secondary beams span further than the primary beams,
it is sometime possible to use primary and secondary beams of a similar depth. This approach
minimises the depth of the steelwork, but might prevent the services from being passed trough
the beams web, resulting in a need for a separate services zone beneath the beams.
If the beam layout is chosen that requires deep primary beams and shallow secondary beams,
the depth of the steelwork will be greater, but it should be possible to pass the services
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through the web of the primary beams and under the secondary beams. The minimum storey
height does not therefore always correspond to the minimum beam depth [5].
3. Types of air conditioning systems

Air conditioning systems occupy the greatest volume of all services and most care is therefore
required in their interaction with the structure. The need for air-conditioning is dependent on:
Requirements for fresh air supply to the occupants.

Plan size of the building (which may make natural ventilation difficult to achieve).
External noise and traffic pollution.
Energy saving strategy.
Cooling requirement (which may differ for various uses).
Need for local control of temperature and relative humidity.
Energy required for cooling is four times more costly than energy required for heating per unit
change in temperature, partly due to the inefficiency of the cooling process and partly due to
the use of electrical rather than natural gas as the primary energy source. Therefore, the need
for air-conditioning (or more correctly ‘comfort cooling’) should be carefully considered at
the concept stage of the design process. Regulations in some countries prohibit the use of
air-conditioning in all but specialist applications in order to reduce primary energy
consumption.
The two main requirements of an air-conditioning system are:
Delivery of fresh air to the occupants.

Heating or cooling of the air for comfort of the occupants.
These two requirements can be combined into the means of delivering fresh air, or they can be
separated (i.e. heating and cooling are provided by separate methods). Control of relative
humidity is less important, as people are tolerant to a wide range of relative humidity between
20 and 60%.
3.1 Ventilation systems

In a broad sense, there are 4 major types of air distribution systems [11]:
1. Natural (N) systems, also called “Natural Ventilation”, used only in narrow office
buildings,
2. Natural supply and mechanical extract (E) systems, also called “Fan Assisted Exhaust
Ventilation”, not used in offices,
3. Mechanical supply and natural extract (S) systems, also called “Fan Assisted Supply
Ventilation”,
4. Mechanical supply and extract (SE) systems also called “Fan Assisted Balance
Ventilation”, mostly used in office buildings.
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Constant airflow systems (CAV) deliver airflow without any volume variation control. This is
usually not suited for office buildings, which require local control.
A distinction is usually made between systems whose function is solely to provide fresh air to
the rooms (ventilation only) and those whose ventilation function is combined with heat
recovery, heating or cooling, humidification and/or de-humidification in the air (also called
HVAC systems), and are air conditioning systems.
Hybrid ventilation systems are another type that has gained increased attention over the past
few years. These systems combine natural and mechanical ventilation principles. These two
mode systems are expected to reduce energy consumption while maintaining acceptable
indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Hybrid ventilation systems require opening windows
and are rarely used in large office buildings and are at the present time, mostly implemented
in low-energy prototype buildings [11].
The generic forms of air conditioning system used in offices and which provide for local
control are: Variable Air Volume (VAV), Fan-Coil System (FCU) and Chilled Ceilings.
Variable Air Volume (VAV)

This system is a general cooling system mostly used in large offices. Air is delivered from the
central cooling plant and is controlled locally by terminal units which provide for heating and
local distribution. Diffusers are usually positioned one every 6 m × 6 m internally and at
greater frequencies along the perimeter of the building, where heat gains are higher. VAV
systems are often used in buildings with single owner occupancy because of their low running
cost.
Advantages of VAV systems are as follow [3]:
The central location of major equipments means that operational maintenance is confined
to the plant room area,
Heat recovery systems may be readily incorporated,
Free cooling using outside air alone can be maximised reducing the use of mechanical
refrigeration equipments,
They allow good design flexibility for optimum air distribution, draught control and local
requirements,
Drain pipes and filters are not needed in occupied space,
Air can be delivered through floor, ceiling and displacement diffusers,
Higher air velocities can be used in the main distribution ductwork, consequently
reducing duct size and saving space and costs,
Volume regulators make the system virtually self balancing,
Air quantities may be reduced from the design peak load to match actual load and can
operate efficiently between 65 and 100% of the maximum load,
Local control of the supplied air is available to suit individual needs,
VAV systems are relatively quiet, particularly when operating at reduced volumes.
Disadvantages of VAV systems are:
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Large ducts for air distribution take up space. This can potentially increases the floor to
ceiling depth, and thus increase the building height,
In locations with low outside temperatures, and where the air system is used to heat
perimeter areas the fan must operate longer during unoccupied periods to maintain the
desired temperatures,
Access to air terminals demands particular attention to ensure that the system can be fully
maintained after completion,
Dispersed equipment increases running costs,
Perimeter zones often require separate heating provisions by radiators or heaters.
Fan-Coil Unit System (FCU)
Air is delivered centrally and local heating/cooling is provided by water pipes distributed
separately. The Fan-Coil Units provide local control and the fan re-circulates air from the
room over the heating/cooling pipes. FCUs are typically 1000 mm square and up to 300 mm
deep (see Figure 3.1). They are generally cheaper to install than VAV systems but they can
require more maintenance. Moreover drains for waste water are needed and ducting should
evacuate to a central exhaust point. Fan Coil System are low in capital cost but high in
running costs.
Figure 3.1 Fan coil unit with its own service ducting
Chilled Ceilings
Air is delivered separately and cooling is provided by radiant effects from cold water pipes in
the form of a chilled ceiling (flat unit) or chilled beam (linear unit), see Figure 3.2. Radiant
cooling systems are partly exposed to view and so have to provide a decorative appearance.
The cooling capacity can be increased by passing air over the cooling coils.
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1
2
3
Key
1. Support for structure
2. Flow pipe
3. Return pipe
Figure 3.2 Chilled ceilings: principle drawing [3]

For mechanical supply and extract systems, as typically used in office buildings, a balance
should be achieved with respect to the following criteria: [11]
Advantages:
Possible to control airflows in rooms, and to combine with air treatment,

Possible to include heat recovery units, and save on energy.
Critical issues:
Balanced systems need at least two fans, witch implies greater fan energy use,
Noise to be prevented,
Space demand (more ducting),
Increased maintenance,
Supply duct should be clean.
Cost/energy issues:
High initial cost,

Fan energy use is very significant,
Reduced heating/cooling energy use due to heat recovery.
Where ducting is required it should preferably comprise circular, rather than rectangular,
ducts. Distribution should be designed to minimise joints, sharp bends etc.

Usually fresh air is distributed from ceilings or sometime at floor level or along facades and
used air is taken back at ceiling level along grids or incorporated in lighting systems. This
means that a double ductwork system is needed, one for fresh air to be delivered to the
platform and one for used air to be removed from the platform. This will lead to network
conflicts, especially when cross-overs are expected.
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3.2 Air conditioning Units

Figure 3.3 shows the schematic principle of central production air ventilation / conditioning
system using an Air Handling Unit (AHU). It shows the production system in ‘4’ and the
exhaust/recovery system in ‘5’. Units ‘4’ and ‘5’ are of large size and are situated in the
conditioning service room. Between production ‘4’ and exhaust/recovery ‘5’, a large system
of ducts ‘C1’ and ‘C2’ will distribute “heated or cooled” air in the rooms ‘8’ for conditioning.
This ducting should be positioned for a minimum of space use. It interfaces many times with
the structural system as well as other service networks.
C1
3
4
6
5
C1 C2
C1
8 8 8
C2
Key
1. Air production unit 5. Exhaust
2. Heat recovery system 6. Air outlet
3. Air inlet 7. Air recycling
4. Production 8. Room space
Figure 3.3 Principle of a conditioning system: Routes C1 are for air distribution and C2 for
air recovery/exhaust
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The production plant system is usually situated in a service room in the basement or on roof
on top of the building. Production is best situated in the basement “for waste water evacuation
and fresh air inlet”, and the recovery system is best situated on top of the building for waste
air rejection.
In modern conditioning systems, heat recovery can be managed between exhaust/recovery in

the production systems. During winter time, rejected air at higher temperature can transfer
heat to inlet air at lower temperature while during summer time, temperate air can save over
heat from hot summer external air before being rejected in the outdoor. This heat recovery
system thus need to be in the same mechanical device and thus in the same room.
Roof-mounted units, which provide cooling to a large zone, are often of substantial size and
incorporate distribution ductwork to connect to the zone served.
2
Key
1. Chiller 4. VAV terminal unit
2. Boilers 5. Fan coil unit

3. Ductwork
Figure 3.4 Basic air route arrangement for office buildings [5]
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250
(1) m²
200
150
100
50
0
0 10 20 30 40 50
(2) m³/s
Key
1. Plant room area
2. Air flow
Figure 3.5 Estimated plant room area (m²) depending of the total airflow rate (m3/sec) [11]
Figure 3.6 Typical VAV air conditioning system room and disposition on the roof of the
building showing the importance of volume and surface needs
If the air is delivered by positive pressure, the air delivering fan must be more powerful than
the air exhaust fan. If the air is delivered by negative pressure, the exhaust fan should be more
powerful than the delivery fan. If there is no special requirement, the delivery fan is generally
a slightly more powerful than exhaust fan.
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4. Dimensions and space occupancy of services

For any type of service needs, there are minimum dimensional requirements for installation,
as follows:
4.1 General
Generally a zone of 400 to 600 mm is needed for services contained in a false ceiling or a
raised floor. Classically a duct of 200 mm in diameter can serve a 3 × 3 m² office, and a duct
of 400 mm can serve a 6 × 6 m². In this situation, the air speed in the duct is between 6 and
9 m/sec which does not lead to any acoustic problems. Typical water ducting is 20 to 50 mm
diameter in size. Drainage pipes are typically 40 mm diameter which a slope of 10-25 mm per
metre run. Provisions for beam deflection should be taken into account. A 25 m run requires a
250 to 625 mm fall in water drainage plus the beam deflection, which is quite large.
Depending of the fire protection system used, the required space in the ceiling can lead to
service depth of 700-800 mm. Added to the 300 mm depth of the slabs and raised floor this
leads to a 1000 mm depth between levels for structural and services, or approximately 25% of
the floor to floor height. If there is no overall height constraint, it is usually more efficient to
accommodate service below the floor structure. The penalty is an increased construction depth
of each floor, and increased cladding area around the structure [17].
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460 2
485 4 3
4250
1800
3000
975
150
130
Key
1. Raised access floor 3. Primary beam
2. Secondary beam 4. Service zone
Figure 4.1 Typical office buildings vertical arrangement between floors [UK source] [3]
The basic decision either to integrate the ductwork within the structural depth or to simply
suspend the ductwork below the structure affects the choice of the structural members, the fire
protection system, the cladding and the overall building height.
Generally, a zone of 450 mm will permit services to be suspended below the structure. An
additional 150-200 mm is usually allowed for fire protection, ceiling and lighting units and a
nominal deflection (25 mm). Terminal units for air circulation (FCU or VAV units) are
located between the beams where there is more space available.
Service integration can be achieved by passing services through penetrations in the supporting
steelwork. These are described in section 6.
4.2 Air service sizes

Air ventilation and air conditioning are the most space-consuming services.
The pressure drop in the ducting system increases with the square of the air velocity in the
duct. By achieving low air velocities in the ducts, the energy consumption can be reduced
which, if the annual number of operation hours is high, will lead to substantial energy saving.
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Another advantage of low air velocities in the ductwork is that the risk of undesired noise
from the ductwork is minimised [10].
Normally, air velocities in ductwork can be around 3-4 m/sec while 9 m/s may generate noise.
It is better to increase the internal size of the duct, thus reducing air velocity and noise, than to
protect the duct with extra external soundproof material.
The typical size for air ducting varies from 200 mm to 450 mm diameter, depending on the
requirements. Moreover these dimensions can be oversized when the ducting should be
thermally or sound protected. Its size can be increased by 300 mm by thermal or sound
protection, leading to 800 mm total diameter. Space is also needed for angles in ducting,
distribution boxes, sound dampers etc. Air ducts down to 100 mm may be used in some
countries.
Steel ducting can be rigid, straight rigid tubing with rigid angle “pressed bend” or semi-rigid
spirally wound duct with “segmented bend”. Rigid ducting needs more care for installation,
but performs better for air-tightness. Semi-rigid ducting is more flexible for installation but
performs worse for air-tightness.
Flexible ducting, a plastic film with circular shape defined by spiral wire, can be used but is
more fragile and less convenient for fixing and maintenance.
Silencers, when needed, are typically 3 times the diameter of the duct by 10 times in length in
size. Silencers are needed at the end of air delivery for high speed airflow.
The following figures show typical examples of ducting material and their relative visual size.
Straight spirally wound duct Pressed bend and segment bend angle duct
Diameter from 200 to 400 mm Size: Square 1,5 diameter
Silencer (3 times diameter) Fire damper (square box 1,5 diameter)
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Figure 4.2 Materials for ducting [11]
Flow control (1,5 diameter) Maintenance access “cleaning” T distribution

(2,0 diameter) (1,5 diameter)
Circular Reducer Hanger
Thermal and sound protection –size is typically 1,5 times the duct internal diameter
Figure 4.3 Materials for ducting [11]

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Figure 4.4 Variable Air Volume terminal box and Fan Coil Unit [3]
Other equipment required for air ducting are:
Fire dampers at separation walls: A typical fire damper is a square box 1,5 times the
diameter of the duct it controls and 1 to 1,5 diameters in depth, it can lead up to:
600 x 600 x 400 mm in size.
Angle boxes: this help to deviate air flow and reduce pressure drop and sound production.
A typical size is 3 times the duct diameter square flat box and 1 diameter depth leading to
1200 x 1200 x 400 mm box.
Distribution box: Its separate one main duct in several smaller ducts. A typical size is as
for angle box: 1200 x 1200 x 400 mm.
The typical size of a VAV terminal box is 600 mm long by 300 mm square.
Fan Control Units (FCU) are typically 1000 mm square and up to 400 mm deep. A chilled
system requires 200 mm depth. All these systems should be located between beams.
Ceiling grids
In heavily serviced buildings, it is often the case that air grilles/diffusers, sprinklers,
luminaries and smoke detectors can all be usefully placed in the same location on the ceiling.
The dimensions of the ceiling grid have, with experience, been standardized to 1200, 1500 or
1800 mm [3].
Lighting systems should be included in the false ceiling. Modern lighting units can nowadays
include can air outlets to pulse or extract air for circulation and renewal. Attention on this
topic and a adequate integration between lighting and cooling system can save space and
ceiling depth. Depths of lighting systems are between 100-150 mm.
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Figure 4.5 Typical integration of air ducts and lighting in modern building services [3]
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5. The importance of interfaces

One of the most important interfaces in the design of a modern building is the interaction
between structure and services. Decisions made by structural engineers will have significant
effects on the installation and performance of the building services. Similarly, the
requirements of the building services will have implications for structural design.
Building structures are often designed with input from the client, the architect and the
structural engineer, but the service engineer plays a key role in detailed design. If savings in
construction materials and installation cost have to be achieved, along with a well integrated
service installation, then the structural engineer must obtain guidance from the building
service engineer on the dimensional nature of the proposed services design, and the preferred
routes for the services [5]. Starting this co-operation at an early stage will result in solutions
that are of positive value for both parties.
Consideration should include the environmental issues as the approach to sustainable

building, and also life cycle cost and social benefits.
Sustainable building integrates building materials and methods that promote environmental
quality, economic vitality, and social benefit through the design, construction and operation of
the built environment. This will have a direct impact on the choice of services that should be
assessed with regard to the following criteria:
- Energy use to build and operate,

- Comfort conditions in daily use,
- Social benefit and minimised running costs.
Considerations include the building structure and service needs as a part of the building
construction, operation and finally, dismantling.
The need for flexibility in space on the floor, i.e. for flexible floor layout as well as flexibility
during the building’s lifetime will require systems that have to be well designed and simple to
change (e.g. partitioned systems or subsystems) as well as reconfigurable systems to satisfy
future technical requirements and refurbishing operations. Service ducts that are simple to
change / simple to modify / simple to disassemble are key points of service integration. This
means also that there should be easy access to the systems.
The duct layout also has a major influence on pressure drop, and therefore on the fan energy
required to transport the air trough the ductwork. Long and tortuous paths should be avoided
[11].
In the other hand, one other main topic/key point to keep in mind is the space management
with the objective of achieving the maximum efficiency of horizontal surface for office use
for the best ratio “available renting surface/building volume”. This means designing the:
1. Service system to be as compact as possible,

2. Achieving integration of service as shallow as possible,
3. Designing floors as shallow as possible and,
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4. Designing the central core as compact as possible.
Primary services can be located below or above the primary structure. The normal method is:
Air-conditioning, lighting, sprinklers and water distribution below the structure.
Electrical and data communications above the structure (in a raised access floor).
In steel structures, terminal units are located between the beams.
Traditionally, larger service ducts were orientated along a central corridor and smaller
services ducts were located below the beams. The deep floor plenum incorporates ducting,
terminal units and data communications. An advantage of this system is its ease of installation
and maintenance, but it can lead to deeper construction, except in flat plate structures, such as
concrete flat slabs and integrated beams. Almost all the services can be accessed from the
region they serve.
Trends – Long span beams in office buildings

The structural design evolution in composite slabs, composite beams, slim floor concepts,
castellated beams have created new opportunities and new approaches of service distribution.
The service engineer has the choice of passing the services beneath the beams in a separate
services zone, or locating them within the depth of the beams. It is essential that the building
services engineer and the structural engineer discuss the options early on in the design process
and work closely to arrive at the best integrated solution. If it is decided to pass the services
through the beam depth, the service engineer must provide data on the number, size and
spacing of the required holes so that the beams can be fabricated accordingly. Otherwise this
could lead to expensive alterations on site [5]. Where relatively few services are required to
pass through the beam, isolated holes may be cut in the webs of beams, where beam strength
permits. The remaining flexural moment and shear strength should be sufficient to resist
applied forces.
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1
150 2
130
3
400
1200
400 4
120 5
(a) Services below the floor slab

1
500 4
130 1150
400
3
120
(b) Services above the floor slab

Key:
1. Power/communications/data outlet 4. Supply duct
2. Floor void 5. Air outlet
3. ceiling void.
Figure 5.1 Alternative service locations on or below the floor or structure [3]
Isolated openings might seem ideal to the building services designer. Nevertheless this option
limits the future scope for alteration of the services layout, for example if the building has to
be refurbished [5].
Long span steel/concrete composite systems, such as cellular beams, with provision for
multiple service zones, is now seen as the preferred solution for the needs of servicing
integration in modern office buildings.
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1
150 2
130
120
3
1100
400 4
200
100 5
(a) Integrated structure and services
1
150 2
300
30 1000
3
400 4
100 5
(b) Slimdek or integrated beams

Key:
1. Power/communications/data outlet 4. Supply duct
2. Floor void 5. Air outlet
3. ceiling void.
Figure 5.2 Example of integrated service – Cellular beams and Slim floor system [3]
Figure 5.2 shows a typical arrangement for services in an office building. Cellular beams
permit multiple circular ducts to be installed.
Sprinkler systems for fire resistance are visible as “red pipes” in Figure 5.3, and are situated
within the beam depth. The electric route is the silver trail; the slab opening for electric power
is also visible.
All beams deflect when loaded and allowance must be made for such deflection when
designing and installing building services. As dead loads are applied during construction, this
deflection occurs before the services are installed. The services should be supported in a way
that allows the levels to be adjusted [5].
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Figure 5.3 Integration of service in slabs volume – cellular beams [15]

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6. Structural opportunities – floor systems

6.1 General
Long spans without internal support columns are seen as key objectives to achieve in office
buildings. Spans of 15–18 m are now common due to the efficient use of composite
construction. Long span steel constructions provide facility for service integration within their
depth, which save on building height.
In traditional construction, the services are located in a horizontal layer or zone that is below
the floor structure. Therefore there are two separate zones between the ceiling and the floor. A
“structure” zone and a “service” zone. This is called "complete separation” of services and
structure. Systems achieving complete separation of services are usually characterized by
relatively short spans and shallow construction depth.
When the floor slab is supported by beams of moderate depth, some services can be
positioned in the depth between the beams, but ducts and pipes still have to pass beneath the
beams. This arrangement is called “partial integration” of services.
If the beams are sufficiently deep, it is possible to pass the services through the beams at
predetermined locations so that the structure and services occupy the same horizontal zone.
This is called “full integration” of services.
These various forms of structure-service integration are illustrated in Figure 6.1 [3].
1
2
1&2
Key
1. Structure zone
2. Services zone
Figure 6.1 Various forms of structures-services integration [3]
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Figure 6.2 Precast reinforced concrete (RC) here with integrated steel beam: Need for space
under the slab for servicing [15]
Figure 6.3 Services below a "Slimdek" floor structure [17]

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Figure 6.4 Service integration – Semi-integration between beams [3]

6.2 Beams with web openings

Beams with large web openings are fabricated and can be tailored to meet the needs, for
example by positioning the web openings in size and position and in optimising the
dimensions of the beam. Unsymmetrical composite sections are efficient for composite beams
and the best location for the openings is in the low shear zone of the beams. Typically they
can achieve 9 to 20 m span for 600 to 1200 mm depth.
Service integration
Service ducts pass through openings in the web of the beams. Larger service units and ducts
can be positioned between beams.
Figure 6.5 Typical arrangement for fabricated beams with web openings [17] and [7]
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Figure 6.6 Beams with large web openings and service ducting by VAV system [3]
Figure 6.7 Small size opening in beams for electric wiring [15]
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6.3 Cellular beams

Cellular beams are a new type of steel section produced with multiple circular web openings.
These beams are such as the pattern of opening is regular. Asymmetric sections can be created
using different sizes of top and bottom flanges. Castellated beams use hexagonal openings
and can be used effectively for lightly serviced building. Castellated beams have limited shear
capacity.
Service integration
Regular openings in the web allow ducts to pass through the beams. Larger items of
equipment are located between the beams. Openings need to allow for any fire protection
around the services. Fabrication should be arranged to ensure web openings align through
beams. The typical span is between 9 and 18 m with structural depth between 600 to
1000 mm.
Figure 6.8 Non-symmetrical cellular beam Figure 6.9 Typical cellular beams [7]
with shear studs [15] and [7]
Figure 6.10 Cellular beams with servicing crossing the beam in the web openings [15]
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Figure 6.11 Cellular beams with servicing crossing the beam in web openings [15]
Figure 6.12 Examples of service integration in cellular beams

Example of heavily serviced area at central core Normally serviced area - Note sprayed fire
ducts outlet protection
Figure 6.13 Examples of service integration in cellular beams
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7. References
[1] Technical Steel Research – Properties and Service Performances – An
Investigation of Service in Modern Commercial Buildings and Design of
Structural Forms in Steel, Report RUR 16028 EN 1995.
[2] Service Integration in Slimdek, P.D. McKenna, R.M. Lawson, SCI–P273, 2000.
[3] Design of Steel Framed Buildings for Service Integration - P.D. Mc Kenna, R.M.
Lawson, SCI–P166, 1997.
[4] European Cost Study of Steel in Commercial Buildings, Report to RFSC Project
7210 PR 381 Eurobuild in Steel, R.M. Lawson, February 2005.
[5] Service Co-Ordination with Structural Beams, Guidance for a Defect-Free

Interface, S. Mitchell, M. Heywood, G. Hawkins, DTI, BSRIA, SCI, Co-
Construct Publication, 2003.
[6] Achieving Sustainable Construction, Guidance for Clients and their Professional
Advisers., SCI, Corus, BCSA.
[7] Les Immeubles de Bureaux à Plateaux Libres, Les Carnets de l'Acier N°8, Août
2003., ARCELOR BCS.
[8] Towards Improved Performances of Mechanical Ventilation Systems., TIP Vent,

Joule Project of the EU, 2001.
[9] EuropTibat, Une Approche Globale pour Mieux Vivre dans un Bâtiment,
Décembre 2001.
[10] Aéraulique, Notes de Cours, Pierre Neveu, CNAM, Mai 2000.
[11] Source Book of Efficient Air Duct Systems in Europe, T. Malström, J. Andresson,
F.R. Carrier, P. Wouters, Ch. Delmotte, European Airways Project, 4.1031/Z/99-
158.
[12] Principle of Hybrid Ventilation, ECBCS, Exco Support Service Unit, Aalborg
University, Aalborg, DK, August 2002.
[13] Energy Performances Regulations for Buildings in the European Countries,

Proceedings of the International Workshop, Paris, 12th November 2001.
[14] Climatisation et Conditionnement d'air Modernes par l'Exemple, F. Reinmuth,

Publication PYC, 1999.
[15] Review the implications of modern services efficient flooring systems (Lecture),
M. Haller, Arcelor, Eurobuild, RFCS project, September 2004
[16] Design manual for composite slabs, ECCS-CECM-EKS- Publication N°67, 1995.
[17] Modern commercial buildings in steel, SCI, RFCS Eurobuild Project, 2005.
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Quality Record
RESOURCE TITLE Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings
Reference(s)
ORIGINAL DOCUMENT
Name Company Date
Created by Philippe BEGUIN CTICM 04/07/2005
Technical content checked by Alain BUREAU CTICM 04/07/2005
Editorial content checked by D C Iles SCI 6/9/05
Technical content endorsed by the

following STEEL Partners:
1. UK G W Owens SCI 2/9/05
2. France A Bureau CTICM 2/9/05
3. Sweden A Olsson SBI 2/9/05

4. Germany C Müller RWTH 2/9/05
5. Spain J Chica Labein 2/9/05
Resource approved by Technical G W Owens SCI 6/5/05

Coordinator
TRANSLATED DOCUMENT
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Service Integration in Buildings

Uploaded by

Service Integration in Buildings

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Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

2. Needs and requirements for services 3

3. Types of air conditioning systems 10

4. Dimensions and space occupancy of services 17

5. The importance of interfaces 23

6. Structural opportunities – floor systems 28

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

2. Needs and requirements for services

 Air-conditioning machinery and vertical distribution of air to floors.

Typically, new demands for building services are for:

2.1 Ventilation and Air Conditioning

 Deliver fresh outside air for people in the rooms,

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Two systems of ventilation can be considered [10]:

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

 6,0 m/s in main ducts,

2.2 Water ductworks or sprinklers for fire safety

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Fire hazard and ductwork

2.3 Electrical supply – electric power and information

 Fire and smoke alarms,

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

2.4 General services - Central core

2.5 Vertical air distribution between floors

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Service core at centre, short Service core at corner, long

Figure 2.1 Service route from the service core [3]

Arrangement of ducting in vertical route

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

2.6 Water and sanitary distribution

2.7 Long spans in office buildings

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

3. Types of air conditioning systems

 Requirements for fresh air supply to the occupants.

The two main requirements of an air-conditioning system are:

 Delivery of fresh air to the occupants.

3.1 Ventilation systems

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Variable Air Volume (VAV)

Advantages of VAV systems are as follow [3]:

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Figure 3.2 Chilled ceilings: principle drawing [3]

 Possible to control airflows in rooms, and to combine with air treatment,

 High initial cost,

ducts. Distribution should be designed to minimise joints, sharp bends etc.

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

3.2 Air conditioning Units

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

In modern conditioning systems, heat recovery can be managed between exhaust/recovery in

2. Boilers 5. Fan coil unit

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

4. Dimensions and space occupancy of services

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

4.2 Air service sizes

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

more fragile and less convenient for fixing and maintenance.

Silencer (3 times diameter) Fire damper (square box 1,5 diameter)

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Figure 4.2 Materials for ducting [11]

Flow control (1,5 diameter) Maintenance access “cleaning” T distribution

Circular Reducer Hanger

Figure 4.3 Materials for ducting [11]

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Other equipment required for air ducting are:

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

5. The importance of interfaces

Consideration should include the environmental issues as the approach to sustainable

- Energy use to build and operate,

1. Service system to be as compact as possible,

Scheme Development: Service Integration In Buildings

Air-conditioning machinery and vertical distribution of air to floors.

Deliver fresh outside air for people in the rooms,

6,0 m/s in main ducts,

Fire and smoke alarms,

Requirements for fresh air supply to the occupants.

Delivery of fresh air to the occupants.

Possible to control airflows in rooms, and to combine with air treatment,

High initial cost,

Air-conditioning, lighting, sprinklers and water distribution below the structure.