An Integrated Maintenance System (IMS) represents a coordinated methodology including different maintenance policies, such as preventive and corrective. These systems rely on Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMSs), specialized software available from multiple suppliers. Given the diverse features of commercial CMMS software, this work aims to develop a decision support model for CMMS evaluation emphasizing an integrated perspective within IMS. A Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique using Swings (SMARTS) method was used to build the decision model. Five existing market software were evaluated, and a minimum profile was defined for IMS requirements. Three of the assessed software types met these minimum IMS requirements, while the absence of certain features limited scores for others. The results obtained from the decision support model provide a simple and synthetic way to support decision-makers and promote a systemic view of the software features. The evaluation model has the advantage of adopting criteria that integrate software evaluation; its framing in a building maintenance management model; and new technological trends, such as Building information modeling (BIM), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Internet of Things (IoT). Considering these outcomes, future developments and alternatives can capitalize on these trends.

Masonry, which constitutes a large area of many buildings’ envelopes, represents important thermal performance and energy consumption functions. Clay hollow block geometry can influence these results. In this sense, this work aims to numerically evaluate the thermal properties and energy efficiency improvement provided by new geometries of clay blocks in the Brazilian context. Two commercial block geometries were selected, and new internal void geometries were proposed, maintaining approximately the same percentage of voids. The new formats were submitted to numerical simulation using Abaqus/CAE 2020 software, to obtain their thermal resistance. Finally, an energy simulation study was carried out in three housing typologies located in two Brazilian cities, Curitiba and Fortaleza, using EnergyPlus 9.2 software. Geometric changes resulted in reductions in thermal transmittance values of greater than 30% for the blocks and 20% for the walls. Regarding possible energy reduction, the study demonstrated that there is a non-significant reduction in values for periods of higher temperature (hottest month), in the evaluated schedule use, as well as a potential for savings (34% in the apartment typology for the coldest month) at lower temperatures. Findings of this study serve as a reference to discuss improvements in clay hollow brick geometry regarding energy efficiency and thermal comfort in the Brazilian context.

The performance of a building's thermal and energy systems is greatly affected by its building envelope. In Brazil, residential buildings typically utilize masonry walls with coatings, and the materials used, such as the block models, have a significant impact on their energy efficiency. However, cost is a limiting factor when it comes to improving performance. One way to modify thermal properties without significantly increasing manufacturing inputs is to explore new geometries of ceramic blocks. This study introduces a new ceramic block geometry for structural masonry, adapted from a commonly used 14cm thick commercial model in Brazil. The thermal properties of this new model are evaluated numerically using Abaqus software. Additionally, the study presents the findings of an energy simulation conducted on housing models in cities like Fortaleza, Brasília, and Curitiba using Energyplus software. The results show potential for reducing energy consumption in colder months while having a minimal impact on energy consumption in hotter climates, while still maintaining a comfortable temperature.