In view of the complexity of the planning and engineering processes, the geotechnical engineer (for the construction site investigation), the structural engineer and the energy consultant must be included right from the start, in addition to the architect. As these new technologies influence the design of the building, the foundations and the HVAC concept, and system components have to be incorporated in the foundations, it is important to involve the respective consultants at an early stage of the proceedings. Professional installation of an enercret system does not impair the load-bearing capacity of the building foundations. For further information (PDF file) on engineering, please click here * ). Two questionnaires are available for the simulation, calculation and planning of an enercret installation. The parameters described above which are required for the detailed engineering calculations are contained in Questionnaire 1. This also includes questions relating to basic layout details such as foundations, basement levels and location of the control room for building services. To download the PDF file, please click here * ). Questionnaire 2 is for the energy consultant. This information is used to match the energy potential present in the ground with the annual heating and cooling load profiles and peak requirements for the building. To download the PDF file, please click here * ). On the basis of the information provided in Questionnaires 1 and 2, plus the supplementary data from the proposed design, the enercret installation can then be calculated with the TRNSPILE/TRNSPLATE software. The information contained in the questionnaires is also used to calculate the return on investment. The simulation software TRNSPILE/TRNSSLAB is employed to obtain the following: Comparative calculations of the stationary temperature fields and heat flows for selected foundation elements (ground slabs, steel-reinforced precast concrete piles, cast-in-situ piles, diaphragm walls) using a finite element program. Identification of optimal pipe configurations to suit various ground parameters based on the required heating and/or cooling capacity. Documentation of the results of the stationary finite element calculations (temperature fields and heat flows) as well as dynamic comparison of optimised pile configuration (temperatures and capacities for selected periods plus cumulative annual totals for heating and/or cooling energy). Calculation of system investment costs. Photo: * ) To view PDF files you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this software, you can download the Acrobat Reader here free of charge.