ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 8

Insulated Masonry Construction Using Knockout Web Concrete Block

Crandall, JS
Professor of architecture, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Abstract

This paper presents details, experimental data, and evaluation of the performance of single-wythe concrete block wall construction incorporating nearly continuous insulation and thermal breaks between the faceshells and webs of two-core lightweight concrete masonry units. The results of lateral-load tests as well as dynamic heat exchange studies are discussed. Analysis of behavior under load indicates no difference in capacity or failure mode for the insulated block units when compared with conventional concrete masonry construction of comparable weight, thickness, and material properties. Overall conductance of insulated units is reduced 10 to 86%, depending on the dynamics of the heat exchange cycle, when compared to conventional units. Proposed refinements in the design of insulated units may achieve thermal performance comparable to “super insulated” construction in other materials.

Keywords:
heat transmission, heat transfer, insulation, insulated cores, insulated masonry, thermal behavior, thermal break, thermal dynamics, thermal storage, thermal testing, Trombe wall, web shear

Paper ID: JTE10737J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10737J
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