Lightweight steel-framed (LSF) construction, given its advantages, has the potential to reach high standards in energy and environmental performance of buildings, such as nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB). When compared with traditional construction, LSF system offers distinct benefits in such fields as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, constructive process, and safety at work. Despite the benefits of this constructive system, the effect of thermal bridges in LSF elements, caused by the high thermal conductivity of the steel structure, can be a disadvantage. The excessive heat losses or gains through these thermal bridges are more relevant in buildings' exterior envelope, such as facade walls. These building components' thermal performance is crucial in the buildings' overall energetic behaviour, with a direct impact on energy consumption and resulting monetary costs during their operational stage. In this work the influence of the thermal insulation position on its effectiveness is evaluated in LSF facade walls. For this purpose, several LSF wall types are assessed, namely cold, warm, and hybrid construction. The influence of thermal bridges instigated by the steel studs in the LSF walls' overall thermal performance is evaluated as well. The computations are performed using specialized finite element software (THERM).
Massive construction solutions have always been associated with better thermal performance and more suited to easily comply with different performance and construction code criteria. However, lightweight construction systems have the potential to achieve clear benefits over traditional heavyweight construction. Two case studies were presented, combining lightweight construction systems and passive house concept, with the goals of energy efficiency and thermal comfort. The results highlight the advantages both from an economical and environmental perspective. Some drawbacks of lightweight building solutions have been pointed out: low thermal inertia, overheating, airtightness, thermal bridging, moisture transfer, shading control, etc. A new wall solution incorporating phase change materials was tested and thermally characterised. This solution could be applied in lightweight
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