Abstract
Contemporary architecture has tended to increase envelope insulation levels in an unceasing effort
to reduce U-values. Traditional masonry architecture in contrast was devoid of insulation, except for the
inherent insulative nature of vernacular materials. Also the consistency of the outer membrane of the
building skin diminished any impact due to bridging. In contemporary highly insulated walls bridges are
numerous due to the necessity to bind inner and outer structural skins through insulation layers. This
paper examines thermal bridging in an example of contemporary façade design and compares it with an
example of traditional vernacular architecture currently being researched which is characterized by a
lack of bridging elements. Focus is given to heavy weight materials of high thermal mass, which
appropriately for passive architecture help moderate fluctuations in internal temperature. In an
extensive experimental study samples of highly insulated precast concrete sandwich panels and lime
rendered masonry walls are tested in a guarded hot-box. The building construction methods are
compared for static and dynamic thermal transmittance, via heat flux and surface temperature
differential measurements. Focus is given to the differential heat loss due to the thermal bridging in the
sandwich panels and its associated impact on overall heat loss relative to traditional masonry
construction.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 30th International PLEA Conference: Sustainable Habitat for Developing Societies – Choosing The Way Forward; |
Editors | Rajan Rawal, Sanyogita Manu, Nirmala Khadpekar |
Place of Publication | Ahmedabad, India |
Publisher | CEPT University Press |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9789383184033 |
ISBN (Print) | 9789383184026 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Event | 30th International PLEA Conference: Sustainable Habitat for Developing Societies - Choosing the Way Forward - Ahmedabad, India Duration: 16 Dec 2014 → 18 Dec 2014 |
Conference
Conference | 30th International PLEA Conference: Sustainable Habitat for Developing Societies - Choosing the Way Forward |
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Country/Territory | India |
City | Ahmedabad |
Period | 16/12/2014 → 18/12/2014 |