The main aim of this article is to analyze the precision of several lighting simulation programs regularly used in daylighting studies for architecture, following the methodology established in the CIE test cases document. The 3DS Max Design 2014, Daylight Visualizer 2.6, DaySim 3.1b, Design Builder 3.0, Dialux 4.8, Ecotect Analysis 2011, Lightscape 3.2 and Relux Pro programs are analyzed. In order to establish the precision for each program, the sky component is measured at different points of study on the floor of a room, taking variable sizes and positions of openings into consideration. The results are contrasted with the analytical calculation of the sky component using Tregenza algorithms and the test cases established by the CIE, considering the models for Traditional and Standard Overcast Sky. Following the analysis of the sky component using the CIE test cases, it is concluded that the 3DS Max Design 2014 and Daylight Visualizer 2.6 programs present a maximum relative difference from the analytical model of close to 10%, while the DaySim 3.1b, Dialux 4.8 and Lightscape 3.2 programs show a margin of relative error lower than 30% in all case studies. Design Builder 3.0, Ecotect Analysis 2011 and Relux Pro show inadequate results.

The aim of this article was to assess some of the main lighting software programs habitually used in architecture, subjecting them to a series of trials and analyzing the light distribution obtained in situations with different orientations, dates and geometry. The analysis examines Lightscape 3.2, Desktop Radiance 2.0, Lumen Micro 7.5, Ecotect 5.5 and Dialux 4.4.

Existing heritage buildings can be especially vulnerable to earthquakes. They were designed only considering gravity loads and some of them are located in earthquake prone areas, such as the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. Besides, there is a high uncertainty in the definition of their constructive parameters and complex geometry. Due to that, it is paramount to develop accurate numerical models to obtain a reliable assessment of their seismic behaviour. Given this, the main objective of this manuscript is to analyse the seismic behaviour of the Giralda tower, located in Seville (Spain). It was declared as a Word Heritage Site of Outstanding Universal Value by the UNESCO in 1987. Seville has a moderate seismic hazard, but it has been shown that the soft alluvial strata amplify the seismic action. The tower has a brick and stone masonry structure, which was constructed in several construction phases. A 3D Finite Element Model of the tower has been developed using OpenSees software, employing a 3D CAD model. Modal analyses and nonlinear static analyses have been applied to calibrate and to assess the tower’s seismic behaviour. The results showed significant differences in function of the load pattern. It should be remarked that the boundary conditions have a notable effect upon getting a good calibration of the model. Regarding the damage, it has been found to match the historic records: the ramps would be ruined and, in the outer wall, it would be concentrated near the openings, especially close to the belfry.

During the first stages of building design, issues such as local climate, surrounding buildings and orientation are determining factors. The impact of these boundary conditions on daylight illuminances in an open-plan office space is studied in terms of daylight factor, daylight autonomy and useful daylight illuminances. Climate conditions in the location determine the characteristics of the daylight source, such as the ratio between diffuse lighting and global lighting. However, surrounding buildings and elements which may block daylight in the space hold more weight than the orientation of glazed façades, but are not always taken into consideration in daylighting studies.