Practical Methods for Efficient Estimation of Effective Thermal Resistance of Exterior Walls

The proposed project is focused on developing practical methods to quickly and accurately estimate the effective thermal resistances (R-value) of different masonry wall systems. The R-values of various walls are needed by the internship partner and its member organizations for showing that their wall designs comply with the new building codes. To develop the practical methods and to deliver the currently needed R-values to the internship partner, the interns will estimate the R-values of various walls using a commercial software and measure some of the R-values using scientific apparatuses. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop innovative tools (e.g., the practical methods and its graphical user interface) and provide intuitive guidelines that are universal, easy to use, and cost-free for the internship partner and the building industry. These outputs will increase the productivity in the design phase, and thus lowering the cost of masonry wall design and enhance the business competency of the masonry industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yuxiang Chen

Student:

Partner:

Alberta Masonry Council

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: