Structural performance of the Ambiente Housing system for use in Northern communities of Canada

Extreme weather and social circumstances impose tough challenges on the condition of homes and the health of their inhabitants in many Northern communities of Canada. Major problems arise from overcrowding and structural deterioration which result in poor indoor air quality and poor energy efficiency. Among the many housing systems specifically designed for the Canadian north is a new housing technology which has shown promising features and incorporates only advanced composite materials, the Ambiente HousingRTM system. An extensive research and development program was initiated at the University of Manitoba in order to evaluate this housing system for use in Canada and especially in Northern communities where the weather conditions are quite extreme. The evaluation process included both structural testing and material performance testing. In addition, factors affecting thermal efficiency were also addressed. A series of structural tests, as well as a real-time thermal monitoring of a scaled house unit were carried out. The results to date show that this technology can provide durable, energy efficient, and healthier homes for Northern communities. Other benefits of the Ambiente Housing include the speed and ease of construction. Furthermore, 80% of the house components are fabricated using recycled glass. In this thesis the results from structural and material tests conducted on various components of the Ambiente Housing system are presented. The results, whenever possible, are compared to current standards and specifications. Since one of the objectives of the evaluation program is to ensure compliance of the Ambiente Housing System with Part 4 of the National Building Code of Canada, the design of a full-scale house was carried and is presented in this thesis. This house was designed taking into consideration some of the worst weather conditions encountered in Manitoba.