Building Science

Lecture 3: Heat Transfer and Storage – Part I

Winter 2024
Brodie W. Hobson, MASc, EIT
Agenda
• Steady-state 1D conduction
• Isothermal planes method
• Parallel path method
• Modified zone method
• Thermal bridging

2
Steady-state 1D conduction
Why should we study heat transfer?

• Occupant comfort
• Save energy
• Control condensation
• Meet codes and standards

4
How can we design to control heat transfer?

• Modes of heat transfer:

• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation

Image: http://www.spectrose.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/modes-of-heat-transfer-conduction-convection-
and-radiation.jpg

5
Conduction

• Heat flow due to direct contact

• Vibrating molecules
• Most significant in solids

Image: http://giant.gfycat.com/LeadingPowerfulCowrie.gif

6
Steady-state 1D conduction
• Heat flux, 𝑞 (W/m2):
𝑑𝑇
𝑞 = −𝑘 𝑑𝑥

where:
• 𝑇 – temperature (°C or K)
• 𝑘 – thermal conductivity (W/m·K)

• For a single isotropic material:

𝑇1 −𝑇2 𝑇2 −𝑇1
𝑞 = −𝑘 =
∆𝑥 ∆𝑥Τ𝑘

7
Metrics

• Thermal resistance (R-SI or R value) of an isotropic material (m2K/W):

∆𝑥
𝑅= 𝑘

• Thermal transmittance (U-SI or U value) of an isotropic material (W/m2K):

𝑘
𝑈 = ∆𝑥

where:
• ∆𝑥 – thickness of a material (m)
• 𝑘 – thermal conductivity (W/m·K)

8
Recall: NECB 2020 requirements for minimum insulation levels

U-SI or 1/R-SI

NRC (2020) Victoria, BC Windsor, ON Toronto, ON Edmonton, AB Fort McMurray, AB Yellowknife, NWT
Montreal, ON
Ottawa, ON

9
 Example 1 – Batt insulation
For the batt insulation (kbatt = 0.05 W/m·K),
15 cm calculate the following:
a) R value
b) U value
Tout = -20°C Tin = 20°C
c) Temperature profile
d) Heat flow rate and direction
40 cm

Image: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/sites/default/files/Flash%20and%20batt%20-%20PNNL.jpg 10
Example 1 – Batt insulation
Equivalent electrical resistance diagram: 15 cm

(a) R value:
∆𝑥𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 0.15 𝑚
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 = = 0.05 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾 = 𝟑 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾

40 cm
𝑘𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡

(b) U value:
1 1
𝑈𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 = = = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟑 𝑾Τ𝒎𝟐 𝑲
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 3 𝑚 2 𝐾 Τ𝑊

11
Example 1 – Batt insulation
(d) Heat flow rate and direction: 15 cm
𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 −𝑇𝑖𝑛 −20 ℃−20℃
𝑞= = = −𝟏𝟑. 𝟑 𝑾Τ𝒎𝟐
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 3 𝑚 2 𝐾 Τ𝑊
20°C
Therefore, the heat is flowing from inside to outside.

40 cm
-20°C

(c) Temperature profile

12
Example 2 – Wood-frame wall
For the study cavity (kbatt = 0.05 W/m·K,
15 cm kstud = 0.20 W/m·K), calculate the following:

5 cm a) R value
b) U value
c) Heat flow rate and direction
40 cm

Tout = -20°C Tin = 20°C

5 cm Image:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/sites/default/files/
Flash%20and%20batt%20-%20PNNL.jpg
13
Example 2 – Wood-frame wall
Equivalent electrical resistance diagram: 15 cm
5 cm

40 cm
(a) R value:
∆𝑥𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 0.15 𝑚
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 = 𝑘 = 35 = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟑 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 0.05 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× 40

∆𝑥𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 0.15 𝑚
𝑅𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 = 𝑘 = 5 = 𝟔. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 𝑓𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 0.20 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× 40
5 cm
1 1 −1 1 1 −1
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡 = +𝑅 = +6 = 𝟐. 𝟏𝟖 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 3.43
14
Example 2 – Wood-frame wall
(b) U value: 15 cm
1 1
𝑈𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑅 = 2.18 𝑚2𝐾Τ𝑊 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟔 𝑾Τ𝒎𝟐 𝑲 5 cm
𝑡𝑜𝑡

(c) Heat flow rate and direction:

40 cm
𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 −𝑇𝑖𝑛 −20 ℃−20℃
𝑞= = 2.18 𝑚2𝐾Τ𝑊 = −𝟏𝟖. 𝟑 𝑾Τ𝒎𝟐
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡

Therefore, the heat is flowing from inside to outside.

5 cm

15
Example 3 – Wood-frame wall with rigid exterior insulation
For the wall assembly (kbatt = 0.05 W/m·K,
3 cm 15 cm kstud = 0.20 W/m·K, kxps = 0.03 W/m·K),
calculate the following:
5 cm
a) R value
b) U value

Tout = -20°C Tin = 20°C c) Heat flow rate and direction

40 cm

5 cm
Image:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/sites/default/files/Strap
ping%20and%20xps%20-%20PNNL.jpg 16
Parallel path and isothermal planes methods

Next lecture

ASHRAE (2021)

17
Example 3 – Isothermal planes method
Equivalent electrical resistance diagram: 3 cm 15 cm

5 cm

40 cm
(a) R value:
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟑 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾, 𝑅𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 = 𝟔. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾 (from previous)

∆𝑥𝑥𝑝𝑠 0.03 𝑚
𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠 = = 0.03 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑘𝑥𝑝𝑠
−1 −1
1 1 1 1 5 cm
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠 + + = 1.00 + +
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 𝑅𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 3.43 6
= 𝟑. 𝟏𝟖 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
18
Example 3 – Isothermal planes method
(b) U value: 3 cm 15 cm
1 1
𝑈𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑅 = 3.18 𝑚2𝐾Τ𝑊 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟏 𝑾Τ𝒎𝟐 𝑲 5 cm
𝑡𝑜𝑡

(c) Heat flow rate and direction:

𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 −𝑇𝑖𝑛 −20 ℃−20℃

40 cm
𝑞= = 3.18 𝑚2𝐾Τ𝑊 = −𝟏𝟐. 𝟔 𝑾Τ𝒎𝟐
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡

Therefore, the heat is flowing from inside to outside.

5 cm

19
Example 3 – Parallel path method
Equivalent electrical resistance diagram: 3 cm 15 cm

5 cm

40 cm
(a) R value:
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟑 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾, 𝑅𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 = 𝟔. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾 (from previous)

∆𝑥𝑥𝑝𝑠 0.03 𝑚
𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠,𝑏 = 𝑘 = 35 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟒 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑥𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 0.03 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× 40
5 cm
∆𝑥𝑥𝑝𝑠 0.03 𝑚
𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠,𝑠 = = 5 = 𝟖. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑘𝑥𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 0.03 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾×
40

20
Example 3 – Parallel path method
(a) R value (cont’d): 3 cm 15 cm
−1 5 cm
1 1
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑅 +𝑅 + 𝑅 +𝑅
𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 𝑥𝑝𝑠,𝑏 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 𝑥𝑝𝑠,𝑠
1 1 −1
= 3.43+1.14 + 6+8 = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟒 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾

40 cm
(b) U value:
1 1
𝑈𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑅 = 3.44 𝑚2𝐾Τ𝑊 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟗 𝑾Τ𝒎𝟐 𝑲
𝑡𝑜𝑡

(c) Heat flow rate and direction: 5 cm

𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 −𝑇𝑖𝑛 −20 ℃−20℃
𝑞= = 3.44 𝑚2𝐾Τ𝑊 = −𝟏𝟏. 𝟔 𝑾Τ𝒎𝟐
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡
Therefore, the heat is flowing from inside to outside.
21
 Wood-frame wall with
Batt insulation Wood-frame wall
rigid exterior insulation
15 cm 3 cm 15 cm
15 cm
5 cm 5 cm

40 cm

40 cm
40 cm

5 cm
5 cm
R-SI 3.00 R-SI 2.18 R-SI 3.18 to 3.44

22
Example 4 – Steel-frame wall
1.3 cm 3 cm
For the steel-frame wall assembly, calculate
9 cm Steel stud the R-SI value. The thickness of the steel
k = 50 W/m·K
stud is 1 mm.
Fiberglass batt
k = 0.04 W/m·K
6 cm Gypsum board
k = 0.13 W/m·K

XPS rigid insulation

k = 0.04 W/m·K
60 cm

6 cm

23
Modified zone method

Width of the
region affected
by thermal
bridging

ASHRAE (2021)
24
Example 4 – Steel-frame wall
𝑑
Find zone width:
1.3 cm 3 cm
9 cm Steel stud
k = 50 W/m·K

Fiberglass batt
𝑊 = 𝐿 + 𝑧 ∙ 𝑑 = 6 𝑐𝑚 + 1.6 × 3 𝑐𝑚 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟖 𝒄𝒎 k = 0.04 W/m·K
6 cm Gypsum board
k = 0.13 W/m·K

XPS rigid insulation

Equivalent electrical resistance diagram: k = 0.04 W/m·K
60 cm

𝑊 6 cm

25
 Modified zone method

𝑧 = 1.6

Fibreglass batt
and XPS rigid
insulation have
same thermal
conductivity
ASHRAE (2021) 26
Example 4 – Steel-frame wall
Find zone width:
1.3 cm 3 cm
9 cm Steel stud
k = 50 W/m·K

Fiberglass batt
𝑊 = 𝐿 + 𝑧 ∙ 𝑑 = 6 𝑐𝑚 + 1.6 × 3 𝑐𝑚 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟖 𝒄𝒎 k = 0.04 W/m·K
6 cm Gypsum board
k = 0.13 W/m·K

XPS rigid insulation

Equivalent electrical resistance diagram: k = 0.04 W/m·K
60 cm

6 cm

27
Example 4 – Steel-frame wall
R value (cavity):
1.3 cm 3 cm
∆𝑥𝑔𝑦𝑝 0.013 𝑚 𝟐
𝑅𝑔𝑦𝑝,𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = = 60−10.8 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟐 𝒎 𝑲/𝑾 9 cm Steel stud
𝑘𝑔𝑦𝑝 𝑓𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 0.13 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× k = 50 W/m·K
60

Fiberglass batt
∆𝑥𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 0.09 𝑚 𝟐 k = 0.04 W/m·K
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡,𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = = 60−10.8 = 𝟐. 𝟕𝟒 𝒎 𝑲/𝑾
𝑘𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 𝑓𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 0.04 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× 6 cm Gypsum board
60
k = 0.13 W/m·K
∆𝑥𝑥𝑝𝑠 0.03 𝑚
𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠,𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = = 60−10.8 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟏 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾 XPS rigid insulation
𝑘𝑥𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 0.04 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× k = 0.04 W/m·K
60
60 cm

6 cm

28
Example 4 – Steel-frame wall
R value (cavity):
𝑅𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝑅𝑔𝑦𝑝,𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 + 𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡,𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 + 𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠,𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦

= 0.12 + 2.74 + 0.91

𝑅𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝟑. 𝟖 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾

𝑅𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦

29
Example 4 – Steel-frame wall
R value (zone):
1.3 cm 3 cm
∆𝑥𝑔𝑦𝑝 0.013 𝑚 𝟐
𝑅𝑔𝑦𝑝,𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 = = 10.8 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔 𝒎 𝑲/𝑾 9 cm Steel stud
𝑘𝑔𝑦𝑝 𝑓𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 0.13 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× k = 50 W/m·K
60

Fiberglass batt
∆𝑥𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 0.001 𝑚 𝟐 k = 0.04 W/m·K
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡,𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 = = 10.8−6 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟏𝟑 𝒎 𝑲/𝑾
𝑘𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡,𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 0.04 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× 6 cm Gypsum board
60
k = 0.13 W/m·K

∆𝑥𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 0.001 𝑚
𝑅𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙,𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 = = 6 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟐 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾 XPS rigid insulation
𝑘𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 𝑓𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙,𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 50 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾× k = 0.04 W/m·K
60
60 cm
∆𝑥𝑤𝑒𝑏 0.09 𝑚−2×0.001 𝑚
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡,𝑤𝑒𝑏 = = 10.8−0.1 = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟑𝟎 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑘𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡,𝑤𝑒𝑏 0.04 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾×
60
6 cm
∆𝑥𝑤𝑒𝑏 0.09 𝑚−2×0.001 𝑚
𝑅𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙,𝑤𝑒𝑏 = = 0.1 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟓𝟔 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑘𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑 𝑓𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙,𝑤𝑒𝑏 50 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾×
60

∆𝑥𝑥𝑝𝑠 0.03 𝑚
𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠,𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 = = 10.8 = 𝟒. 𝟏𝟕 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑘𝑔𝑦𝑝 𝑓𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 0.04 𝑊/𝑚∙𝐾×
60
30
Example 4 – Steel-frame wall
R value (zone):
−1 −1
1 1 1 1
𝑅𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 = 𝑅𝑔𝑦𝑝,𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 + 2 × + + + + 𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠,𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡,𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑅𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙,𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡,𝑤𝑒𝑏 𝑅𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙,𝑤𝑒𝑏

1 1 −1 1 1 −1
= 0.56 + 2 × + + + + 4.17
0.313 0.0002 12.30 1.056

𝑅𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 = 𝟓. 𝟕 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾

𝑅𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒

31
Example 4 – Steel-frame wall
R value (total):
−1 −1
1 1 1 1
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡 = + = + = 𝟐. 𝟑 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾
𝑅𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑅𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 3.8 5.7

𝑅𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦

𝑅𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒

32
Methods to compute R value

• For wood-frame assemblies:

• Elements causing thermal bridges are not too conductive (k < 0.3 W/m·K)
• Isothermal planes method (under-estimates the R value)
• Parallel path method (over-estimates the R value)
• For steel-frame assemblies:
• Elements causing thermal bridges are very conductive (k > 20 W/m·K)
• Modified zone method
• 2D finite difference modelling with software tools such as LBNL THERM

33
Example 5 – Heat loss due to conduction
a) Estimate the heat losses through a square meter of wall assembly built to meet
the NECB requirements in Ottawa (R-SI 4) over a year. Recall that Ottawa is in
Climate Zone 6 (HDD18°C 4500).
b) If you double the wall R-SI value to 8 by using additional insulation, estimate the
energy savings for an apartment unit with a 50 m2 exterior area and 50%
window-to-wall ratio (WWR).

34
Example 5 – Heat loss due to conduction
(a) Annual heat loss:
1
𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠,𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 = × 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 × 𝐻𝐷𝐷 × 24
𝑅𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙

1 2
ℎ
= × 1 𝑚 × 4500℃ ∙ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 × 24
4 𝑚2 𝐾 Τ𝑊 𝑑𝑎𝑦

𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠,𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 27 𝑘𝑊ℎΤ𝑚2

Assuming 1 kWh heating is $0.1, that’s $2.70 per year per m 2 of exterior surface area for heating.

35
Example 5 – Heat loss due to conduction
(b) Savings from double R-SI:
1
𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠,𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 @ 𝑅−𝑆𝐼 8 = × 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 × 𝐻𝐷𝐷 × 24
𝑅𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙

1 2
ℎ
= × 50 𝑚 × 4500℃ ∙ 𝑑𝑎𝑦 × 24
8 𝑚2 𝐾 Τ𝑊 𝑑𝑎𝑦

𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠,𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 @ 𝑅−𝑆𝐼 8 = 675 𝑘𝑊ℎ

𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠,𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 @ 𝑅−𝑆𝐼 4 = 27 𝑘𝑊ℎΤ𝑚2 × 50 𝑚2 = 1350 𝑘𝑊ℎ

Assuming 1 kWh heating is $0.1, that’s only $67.50 in savings per year for heating.

36
Example 5 – Heat loss due to conduction
(b) Savings from double R-SI:
50 𝑚2 ÷ 2.88 𝑚2 Τ𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑 ≈ 18 𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 × $54.77 × 1.13 𝐻𝑆𝑇 = $1114

$1114
= 16.5 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
$67.50

The payback period for the additional insulation would be 16.5 years!!!

Image: https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/building-
materials/insulation/rigid-insulation/f/gqa-45i

37
Heat loss due to conduction

38
Thermal bridging
Example 6 – Thermal bridging
1.3 cm 3 cm
Calculate the reduction in R-SI value due to
9 cm Steel stud thermal bridging.
k = 50 W/m·K

Fiberglass batt
k = 0.04 W/m·K
6 cm Gypsum board
k = 0.13 W/m·K

XPS rigid insulation

k = 0.04 W/m·K
60 cm

6 cm

40
Example 6 – Thermal bridging
Equivalent electrical resistance diagram:

Nominal R value:
∆𝑥𝑔𝑦𝑝 0.013 𝑚
𝑅𝑔𝑦𝑝 = = = 0.1 𝑚2 𝐾/𝑊
𝑘𝑔𝑦𝑝 0.13 𝑊/𝑚 ∙ 𝐾

∆𝑥𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 0.09 𝑚
𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 = = = 2.25 𝑚2 𝐾/𝑊
𝑘𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 0.04 𝑊/𝑚 ∙ 𝐾

∆𝑥𝑥𝑝𝑠 0.03 𝑚
𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠 = = = 0.75 𝑚2 𝐾/𝑊
𝑘𝑥𝑝𝑠 0.04 𝑊/𝑚 ∙ 𝐾

𝑅𝑛𝑜𝑚 = 𝑅𝑔𝑦𝑝 + 𝑅𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡 + 𝑅𝑥𝑝𝑠 = 0.1 + 2.25 + 0.75 = 𝟑. 𝟏 𝒎𝟐 𝑲/𝑾

41
Example 6 – Thermal bridging
Reduction:
𝑅𝑛𝑜𝑚 −𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡 3.1−2.3
× 100 = = 𝟐𝟓. 𝟖%
𝑅𝑛𝑜𝑚 3.1

42
Thermal bridging
Densely placed steel studs Balconies and exposed slab edges

Girts for cladding

Image: https://buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi062-thermal-
bridges-redux

Image:
https://buildingscience.com/documents/insi
ghts/bsi-005-a-bridge-too-far#Photo_01 43
Thermal bridging

44
Thermal bridging

45
Thermal bridging

46
Thermal bridging

47
Thermal bridging

48
Summary
• Steady-state 1D conduction
• Isothermal planes method
• Parallel path method
• Modified zone method
• Thermal bridging

49
 Questions?
BrodieHobson@cmail.carleton.ca

50
References
ASHRAE (2021). ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals. Atlanta, GA.

NRC (2020). National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. Ottawa, ON. Available: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/ft/?id=af36747e-3eee-
4024-a1b4-73833555c7fa.

51