Structural and Hygrothermal Performance of Masonry Walls with Large Cavities

A veneer wythe protects the indoor environment and other building components against adverse outdoor effects, such as rain and physical impacts. Veneer walls are connected to a structural substrate (e.g. wood frame or masonry units) by ties. These are usually made of steel and therefore high in thermal conductance. The ties penetrate the thermal insulation layer between the veneer and structural substrate and hence act as uniformly distributed point thermal bridges. In conventional thermal analysis, their presence is usually neglected. However, with the advent of newer energy codes that require larger cavities to accommodate thicker insulation layers and performance-based thermal analysis, the structural and thermal performance of the ties must be carefully assessed. To enhance the durability and sustainability of Canadian infrastructure it is necessary to develop a new tie system for large cavity walls, and test its performance with full-scale experimentation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Carlos Cruz Noguez

Student:

Amy Huynh

Partner:

FERO Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of Alberta