Reflection on Building Services II

In this module we learnt about more building services than in the previous semester. The topics we explored include:

1) Air-conditioning
2) Fire Protection
3) Electrical Installation
4) Vertical Transportation

One of the chapters that interests me was the first chapter, ventilation. Ventilation is one of the most essential elements to ensure human comfort in a building, and yet its details are always overlooked. I was impressed by the variety of ways air can be circulated in a building, and even more by its calculations. I was taken aback when I first saw the graph that was used for calculations:

This graph above can be used to calculate the air velocity and ducting size based on the rate of volume of air needed in a room.

In our assignment, we were tasked to investigate and prepare a report on the fire protection systems of a building. Our group managed to contact the facility manager, Mr Andrew of The Treez Residences in Bukit Jalil, who showed us in detail the fire protection systems of the resort apartment.

Mr Andrew shows us the tank for the wet riser system of the building.

We soon realise the building has 4 types of fire protection systems:

1) CO2 Suppression System

2) Hydrant System (Dry Riser)

3) Wet Riser System

4) Portable Fire Extinguishers

Mr Andrew also showed us the Fire Protection System Operation Manual of the building itself. From there, we acquired most of the information we needed.

The Fire Protection System Operation Manual of The Treez Residence.

Reflection

Throughout this module we gained a substantial knowledge on how a building functions after it is completed. Building services are what keeps a building up and running and it is important to have the right services for the right building. 

Other than textbook knowledge, through our assignment we got to look at the components of fire protection systems in person. This helped greatly in our understanding of the system.