Quantification of the uncertainties produced in the construction process of a building through simulation tools: A case study

This work considers the uncertainties in building energy performance caused by deviations introduced in the construction process. It proposes an approach based on sensitivity analysis by simulation, which allows for the quantification of the impact of these deviations isolated from other possible ones and independently from one another. This information could be useful for practitioners, helping them to identify which deviations with respect to design could be critical regarding energy savings and giving criteria to optimize the construction process. The approach is applied for a case study in which the effects of such deviations on the heating and cooling energy demand of a building located at the Solar Platform of Almeria (Spain) are quantified. The results support that possible deviation from the design specifications during the construction process can affect the building annual energy consumption and peak loads considerably in the Mediterranean area. According to the work reported in this paper, the studied parameters sorted in descending order of influence on the annual load are: infiltration rate, insulation thickness, insulation class, cement mortar thickness and frame-wall gap filled in with cement.