Assessment of the thermal efficiency, structure and fire resistance of lightweight building systems for optimized design
Date
04/2007Author
Amundarain, Aitor
Metadata
Abstract
The use of lightweight building systems is very controversial as existing
knowledge about their performance is limited. Not enough research has
been conducted to determine the suitability of these modern construction
technologies and there is an ongoing controversy as to whether they are an
appropriate replacement to traditional construction techniques. The prime objective of this study is to present a number of methodologies
to assess lightweight external walling systems focusing on thermal
efficiency, structure and fire performance, which are currently the main
driving forces for this industry. Traditionally, these areas have been
studied separately but there is a need to integrate them in order to get
comprehensive solutions to the way these systems are designed. The drive
to achieve improvements in one of these specific areas could potentially
result in reduced effectiveness in the others. That is the reason why an
integrative approach is recommended. These techniques are meant to be
applied in the design phase of building projects so as to provide early
quantitative information about the systems analyzed.
The methodologies described herein are then applied to real life light steel
building solutions. Within this context, two different wall constructions are
examined and conclusions made on their relative performance. The study highlights the importance of having analytical and experimental solutions
as a framework for further development. Two different approaches have
been considered to assess thermal efficiency, structure and fire
performance. On the one hand, a prescriptive approach has been employed
to establish regulation compliance. On the other hand, a performance
based approach is taken to actually understand and explain how these
systems work in real life conditions. The outcome is a comprehensive set of
tools to assure both industry and other stake holders.
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