Thermal bridging through the building envelope can have a significant impact on whole-building energy performance, condensation resistance, and occupant comfort. However, evaluating the thermal performance of complex architectural details at the intersections of walls, windows and roofs is complex because heat flow through thermal bridging in these details occurs in three dimensions. Three-dimensional heat transfer modeling (3D modeling) can provide accurate solutions to questions that are not easily answered by other methods.
Patrick's presentation will provide an overview of ASHRAE Research Project 1365 (1365-RP). This project developed procedures and a catalogue of thermal performance data of 40 common building envelope details for mid- and high-rise building construction using a calibrated 3D model. The key output of the project is procedures and data that enable designers to consider all thermal bridging without requiring heat transfer modeling during design. In the past, it has been a challenge to quantify all thermal bridging during design because of the complexity of prevailing procedures and lack of data. The 1365-RP procedures and data overcome these challenges. This information is also relevant to how thermal bridging is addressed in North American codes and standards that address the energy-efficiency of buildings.
This presentation will provide practical examples of how to use the procedures and data developed by 1365-RP and the implications for future sustainable and high-performing buildings.