Demonstrating that our modeling techniques and software produce accurate results was critical to the project. We completed validation exercises contained in ISO standards and compared our simulations to measured data. The comparisons to measured data demonstrated that our modeling techniques and software will yield results equivalent to lab measurements. 

The images to the right illustrate the assembly view and thermal plot for a steel stud assembly slab edge detail.

Key deliverables included:

• Selecting a public domain or commercially available computer model and the rationale for the selection
• Demonstrating that the model is calibrated and validated
• Developing a catalogue of 40 building envelope details including all materials, dimensions, and properties necessary to determine the thermal performance
• Documenting the simulation procedures and thermal performance of each detail

Morrison Hershfield focused on the practical considerations of how to deliver the project to enable market transformation and provide solutions to overcome obstacles currently confronting industry.  This required transforming comprehensive heat flow analysis for a wide range of details and climates into straightforward procedures and data that can be easily implemented by industry. 

This work is poised to become a game changer for the industry since the procedures and data make it relatively simple to account for the impact of details that were previously largely overlooked. 

Watch a brief video entitled 2 R's Won't Make Your U: Improving Thermal Performance in Large Buildings where our own  Mark Lawton and Engineering.com’s Vince Penman reveal some exciting findings.