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Sponsored by ASCE Continuing Education and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI).
INSTRUCTOR: James A. D'Aloisio, P.E., SECB, LEED AP, BD+C
This is an excellent way to get information and knowledge shared with a larger community.
Purpose and Background
This webinar identifies the problem of structural thermal bridging in building envelopes, and presents mitigation strategies that can reduce a building's energy demands, increase occupant comfort, and minimize condensation-related problems resulting from thermal bridging.
Structural thermal bridging is the presence of thermally conductive material, such as steel and concrete, within the thickness of an insulated building envelope, such as a roof, roof edge, wall system, or perimeter foundation wall. Recent research, funded by AISC, the Charles Pankow Foundation, and others, has resulted in a better understanding about the effectiveness of solution strategies, as well as information about the incorporation of FRP and other non-steel elements within the plies of structural steel connections, for acceptable structural performance and improved thermal performance.
The intent of this webinar is to increase awareness of the problem, to illustrate the magnitude of the problem including identification of the worst conditions to avoid, and to convey some effective solution strategies for addressing these problems, using currently available products and recent developments. Using infrared images, we’ll review the visual evidence of heat loss through structural thermal bridges - both superstructures and foundations. Then, the presenter will offer some suggestions for alternative details that minimize energy loss by utilizing techniques such as using less conductive materials and minimizing the amount and extent of conductive elements that pass through the insulated envelope. You may never detail building structures the same way again!
Learning Outcomes
- Realize the potential magnitude of energy loss of structural building details that allow thermal bridging, compared to an insulated envelope with no bridging
- Identify types of structural details that can compromise a building envelope's performance
- Become familiar with structural detailing strategies that minimize building envelope energy loss
- Contrast the energy loss potential of different foundation and slab edge details
Webinar Benefits
- Review the basics of conductive heat flow in building envelopes
- Learn how thermal bridging can significantly compromise a building's energy performance
- Understand what makes some structural details poor thermal performers
- Identify some of the worst structural perimeter details, and see proof of their poor performance
- Learn at least three effective strategies to minimize energy loss with improved structural detailing
- Review the types of proprietary structural products that minimize building energy loss
- Learn about options for effective foundation and slab edge insulation
Intended Audience
Structural engineers who design buildings with conditioned interior spaces will benefit from this webinar. Attendees who have a basic understanding of the design and construction of building structural systems, foundations, walls, and roofs will benefit from this webinar.
Webinar Outline
- Introduction
- Basics of conductive heat transfer for structural engineers
- Structural details that allow building energy loss
- Strategies to address thermal bridging
- Foundation and slab edge insulation