A study comparing high-performance walls
Last Post 24 May 2008 10:35 AM by SteelSipMan. 1 Replies.
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ReadyToRetireUser is Offline
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24 May 2008 07:31 AM

I searched Google for information on insulated concrete panels, and came across Ian Doebber's thesis for an MS-ME out of Virginia Tech:

 

http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10262004-214448/unrestricted/FinalThesis.pdf

 

It's a simulation comparing conventional 2x4 construction to 2x6 construction, flat ICF, waffle ICF, and insulated pre-cast-concrete panels in six different US cities.  His conclusions seem reasonable, but counter much of what I understood to be the "conventional wisdom" on concrete walls.  His study included the effects of air infiltration, thermal bridging, thermal mass, R value, and "equivalent R value."  He concluded that the most important feature was reducing air infiltration, then adding insulation, and (3rd) was thermal mass.  But where(geographically) and why the thermal mass mattered was interesting.  And he concluded that -- given a competent wall -- the joints between the walls and the windows, the floors, and the ceilings made a surprising difference.  And that part of his study would seem to directly apply to SIP construction.  

 

If any of you read it, I'd like to know your responses.  Do you know of any actual data that would counter his conclusions?

 

Very respectfully,

Larry

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24 May 2008 10:35 AM
Larry;

thanks for the comprehensive study
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