Assessment of the Usability of Some Bio-Based Insulation Materials in Double-Skin Steel Envelopes

Abstract

In this paper, a double-skin steel building-demonstrator, set up using panels of five bio-based insulators and a classical mineral insulating material, is studied. The panels used in the demonstrator are made from industrially manufactured and commercialized bio-materials. To assess the suitability of these panels for use in cold formed steel envelope buildings, their advantages and/or the drawbacks (if any) of the synchronized records of temperatures, relative humidity and thermal flux of each panel are obtained using a system of continuous measurements. Data from 6 months of records in the roof of the demonstrator are used to assess the infield properties of the panels and the seasonal evolution of these properties in relation to the presence of the vapor barrier. The thermal resistance of each panel is determined from these data using two methods: the ISO 9869-1:2014 based on the Heat Flow Meter (HFM) method and an inverse problem identification method. All bio-sourced panels manifest higher thermal resistance than the classical insulation system, whatever conditions of use with or without barrier vapor. The seasonal variations of thermal properties are attenuated when a vapor barrier is used. No risk for water condensation inside the bio-insulations is revealed so far.

Reusing Thermal Insulation Materials: Reuse Potential and Durability Assessment of Stone Wool Insulation in Flat Roofs

“…1 This flat roof was insulated with two layers of stone wool insulation; the upper layer with a slope (a) was attached on the bottom layer (b) that was attached on the vapor barrier. 2 Triple density: SW boards with a more pressure-resistant top layer and a very hard top layer [48]. 3 Dual density: SW 1 This flat roof was insulated with two layers of stone wool insulation; the upper layer with a slope (a) was attached on the bottom layer (b) that was attached on the vapor barrier.…”

“…3 Dual density: SW 1 This flat roof was insulated with two layers of stone wool insulation; the upper layer with a slope (a) was attached on the bottom layer (b) that was attached on the vapor barrier. 2 Triple density: SW boards with a more pressure-resistant top layer and a very hard top layer [48]. 3 Dual density: SW boards with a more pressure-resistant integrated top layer [46,47].…”

“…However, there is an emerging trend towards the adoption of more environmentally sustainable alternatives. Several studies have already compared different recycled or bio-based insulation materials and composites [2,3], with hemp, cellulose, wood fiber, mycelium [4], reed [5], wheat [6], and straw [5,6] being well-performing insulation options. Moreover, the production of insulation materials is not confined to natural sources alone; there is a growing trend of valorizing waste streams for the creation of new thermal and acoustic insulation materials.…”

Fragility Assessment of Installation Defects in Industrial Standing Seam Metal Roof Subjected to Wind Loads

“…Sandwich panels are used for construction in industrial buildings such as factories and logistics warehouses, offering advantages including convenient assembly, shortened construction time, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, standing seam metal roof systems (SSMRSs) have been employed to shield expensive equipment from water damage and temperature fluctuations, with ongoing research in this area (Geng et al, 2021;Hoxha et al, 2022;Mohammadabadi et al, 2021). However, the wind resistance of recently installed SSMRSs has not been studied, with no research conducted on addressing the performance degradation owing to defects occurring during the installation process addressed in this study.…”