Post on 28-Mar-2015
Presentation on
Insulated Concrete Masonryand
USVI Pilot Project
January 25, 2012
Presentation Outline
Wall Insulating Basics• Insulating Walls - Why and How Much is Enough?
Staqable Symmetry Insulated Concrete Masonry• Comparisons with Conventional Concrete Masonry Block• Testing• Manufacturing• Addresses Island Construction Challenges
USVI Pilot Project
Energy Losses
Balancing Economics and Energy Saving Design(Diminishing Returns on Insulation)
Insulation PropertiesConventional Block vs. Staqable Symmetry Insulated Block
Conventional Un-Insulated Block
Inside COLD air escapes through webs (thermal breaks)
Outside HEAT penetrates wall through webs (thermal breaks)
Staqable Symmetry Insulated Block
NO THERMAL BREAKS + EPS insulation provides barrier to:
Keep Outside Heat Out
Keep Inside Cold In
Construction Materials R/Thickness hr·ft2·°F/Btu Concrete Block 4" 0.8Concrete Block 8" 1.11Concrete Block 12" 1.28
Standard Un-Insulated Concrete Block R Values
Base on the handbook values, the thermal conductivity value for EPS foam insulation is Rins = 3.87/0.273 =14.17 hr•ft2°• F/BTU
Staqable Symmetry Insulated Concrete Block Calculated R Value
Base on the handbook values, the thermal conductivity value for concrete is: Rconc = (11.5-3.87/5.26 =1.45 hr•ft2•° F/BTU
where: thickness of the CMU is 11.5 inchesaverage thickness of the insulation insert is 3.87 inches
thermal conductivity of concrete is 5.26 Btu•in/ hr•ft2•° F thermal conductivity of EPS foam is .273 Btu•in/ hr•ft2•° F
Rtotal = Rins + Rconc = 14.17 + 1.45 = 15.62 hr•ft2•° F/BTU
R Value Comparison Conventional Block vs. Staqable Symmetry Insulated Block
Summary of Testing Results
• Oakridge National Laboratory – Staqable Symmetry CMU has a great potential as an energy efficient masonry system…, was the highest among all ORN BTC hot box results for masonry walls
• National Concrete Masonry Association of America – Based on observations of three flexural tests, walls exhibit similar behavior as expected from conventional reinforced concrete masonry walls (ASTM C90 Test Average +/-3100 Psi, required 1900 psi)
• National Association of Home Builders – ASTM E331 Test (Water Infiltration) , no water migrated through EPS foam
• Additional Hot Box Tests to be performed, anticipated R-Value 14-15
Staqable Symmetry Insulated Block Manufacturing Process
Island Building Challenges
Design Consideration How Insulated Block AddressesConsideration
Hot Humid Climate Contains EPS Insulation which Keeps Hot Out, Cold In and Prevents Water Infiltration
High Electricity Costs High R-Value Reduces Electricity Cost and allows AC to act as a Dehumidifier
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Staqable Symmetry Exceeds Structural Requirements of Conventional Block and Provided Water Tightness
Local Labor Skills 81% of All Structures in the Islands are Built with Concrete Block – Local Trades are Accustomed to Working with Material
Shipping and Logistics Manufactured on Island and Block Machines can be Set up at Remote Locations
USVI Pilot ProjectLocation and Rendering
USVI Pilot ProjectExcavation and Foundations
USVI Pilot ProjectStaqable Symmetry Insulated Block Installation
USVI Pilot ProjectStaqable Symmetry Insulated Block Installation
USVI Pilot ProjectEnergy Saving Features – Photovoltaics and Shading
Photovoltaic Panels to be installed on the low pitched concrete roof located above deck/walkway; note that this roof also was designed to provide shading for windows
Total Power to be generated - 4.5 KW
Conventional Island Roof Framing for Un-insulated Roofs (Rafters with T&G)
Problem - Insulating over Conventional Island Roof Framing (Rafters with T&G)
Insulation
Hurricane Force Wind Uplift T&G Boards
USVI Pilot Project Roof Framing T&G Boards Installed over Rafters to Create Insulation Cavity
Rafters
Rafters
Plywood
Insulation
T&G Boards
Plywood
Solution – Insulation cavity created between rafters
USVI Pilot ProjectEnergy Saving Features –Roof Insulation
High Performance Windows• Manufacturer – WinDoor Inc.• U-Value .27• SHGC .30• Visible Light Transmittance - .40
High Efficiency HVAC Units• Manufacturer - Mitsubishi Mini-Spilt Ductless Air Conditioners• 22 SEER• Ductless
High Efficiency Water Heaters• Tank less, Instant
Appliances• Energy Star Rated
USVI Pilot ProjectOther Energy Saving Features