Influence of insulation defects on the thermal performance of walls. An experimental and numerical investigation. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nardi, Iole; Perilli, Stefano; de Rubeis, Tullio; Sfarra, Stefano; Ambrosini, Dario
• Is Part Of: Journal of building engineering. Volume 21(2019)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 365
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Numerical simulation -- Heat transfer -- Insulating panel -- EPS -- COMSOL Multiphysics® -- Guarded Hot Box; Building -- Periodicals; 690.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2018.10.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-7102

Abstract

Abstract: The addition of insulating layers on vertical walls of buildings is a common practice for providing a higher thermal insulation of the envelope. Workmanship defects, however, might influence the effectiveness of such insulation strategy. Damaged materials, incorrect installation, use of aged or weathered materials might alter the capability of reducing heat transfer through the envelope, whether vertical or sloped. In this work, drawbacks caused by the wrong installation of insulating material and by damaged material are assessed. A specimen wall was investigated by experimental and numerical approaches, the latter carried out by using COMSOL Multiphysics®. Results are compared and discussed. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Influence of EPS panel defects on insulating capabilities of walls has been investigated. Experiments have been carried out on panels glued to a wall in a guarded hot box. Heat transfer in the specimen wall has been simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics®. Experimental and numerical results were compared.