Full Description

Nowadays numerical tools for 2D- or 3D-heat transfer are readily available to the building professional to calculate the thermal transmittance of thermal bridges. However, designers need appropriate limits to compare the predicted performance and decide on the necessity to improve the detailing. This paper presents a methodology to develop such limiting values. First the influence of thermal bridge geometry and insulation thickness on the linear transmittance is analyzed. Then the 2D-transmission heat loss resulting from all joints encountered in five typical masonry dwelling designs is quantified. The distribution of the heat loss over different components (junctions with roof, window, foundation, etc.) is presented. Finally limits for the linear thermal transmittance are developed in order to minimize 2D-transmission heat loss. The limiting values differ as a function of thermal bridge geometry and take account of the technical feasibility of the requirements.

Presented at Thermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings X – December 2007

Units: Dual

Citation: Thermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings X