Building Construction 2: Thermal Insulation and Environmental Impact

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary material used in batt insulation?

Foamed plastic

Cellular glass

Kraft paper

Glass or mineral wool (correct)

What is the characteristic of cellular glass insulation?

Moisture-absorbing

Fire-resistant (correct)

High thermal-resistance value

Flammable

What is the purpose of a vapor retarder in batt insulation?

To enhance sound insulation

To increase the thermal-resistance value

To prevent moisture migration (correct)

To provide structural support

What is the characteristic of rigid foam insulation?

Closed-cell structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using rigid insulation with a closed-cell structure?

Moisture resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of foamed-in-place insulation?

It is sprayed or injected into a cavity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of thermal insulation in a building?

To control the flow of heat through the exterior assemblies of a building Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for thermal resistance of a material?

Heat unit per hour Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between U-value and R-value?

U-value is the reciprocal of the R-value Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of thermal insulation in a building?

Reducing energy consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of controlling the flow of heat through a building's exterior assemblies?

To prevent both excessive heat loss and gain Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for the rate of heat transfer through a building component or assembly?

Heat unit per degree Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary principle followed by the insulation materials discussed in the content?

Law of mass Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason behind the acoustic insulation of plasterboard walls?

The dynamic type of insulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the air space in the double plasterboard walls?

To dampen the vibrations of the two masses Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of building double walls separated by an air space?

To reduce the weight of the wall without altering the level of insulation Signup and view all the answers

What type of walls are always double and made up of two or more boards separated by an air space filled with fibrous insulation material?

Plasterboard walls Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using mixed walls?

They can be used to insulate existent walls or correct unsuitable walls Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a 'floating floor' in acoustic insulation?

To interrupt the continuity of the structure and stop vibrations Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal solution for inhabited rooms when no other type of action is possible for acoustic insulation?

Installing a false-ceiling with anti-vibration hooks Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that affects the insulation level of brick walls against airborne noise?

The weight of the wall Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using FONOSTOPDuo in acoustic insulation of floors?

To interrupt the continuity of the structure and stop vibrations Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using a screed insulated from the structure in acoustic insulation of floors?

It can be floored with any type of material Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of thermal and acoustic insulation systems against foot-traffic noise?

To localise and contain foot-traffic noise Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a vapor retarder in a construction?

To prevent moisture from entering and reaching a point where it can condense into a liquid Signup and view all the answers

Why are light colors and shiny surfaces preferred in building design?

To reflect more thermal radiation and reduce heat gain Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the orientation of the exterior surfaces of a building?

It affects solar heat gain and exposure to wind Signup and view all the answers

Where is the vapor retarder typically placed in a construction in temperate and cold climates?

As close as possible to the warm side of insulated construction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using thermal insulation in buildings?

To reduce heat loss and gain through the building envelope Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the mass of the building assembly on heat loss or gain?

It increases the time lag before heat is released Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Thermal Insulation

Primary purpose: control heat flow through exterior building assemblies to prevent excessive heat loss in cold seasons and heat gain in hot weather
Reduces energy required by heating and cooling equipment to maintain human comfort in buildings

Materials: R-value and U-value

R-value: measure of thermal resistance of a material, expressed as temperature difference required to cause heat to flow through a unit area of material at a rate of one heat unit per hour
U-value: measure of thermal transmittance of a building component or assembly, expressed as rate of heat transfer through a unit area caused by a difference of one degree between air temperatures on two sides of the component or assembly
U-value is the reciprocal of R-value

Acoustic Insulation of Floors

Interrupt continuity of structure with soft, flexible materials to stop vibrations (e.g., "floating floor" with FONOSTOPDuo)
Build screed insulated from structure and floor with any material to localize and contain foot-traffic noise
Line room with false-ceiling, anti-vibration hooks, and light false-walls in lined plaster and mineral or synthetic wool for ideal solution

Insulation of Foot-Traffic Noise

Thermal and Acoustic insulation systems: Floating floor
Wood floor Thermal and Acoustic insulation systems: Floating floor

Thermal and Acoustic Insulation of Walls

Brick walls: insulation depends on weight; heavier the wall, higher the insulation level (follows law of mass)
Light walls in plasterboard: dynamic insulation based on resonance effects; uses double boards separated by air space filled with fibrous insulation material
Mixed walls: combines brick wall and plasterboard wall for a mixed solution

Other Factors Affecting Heat Loss or Gain

Surface color and reflectivity of materials used
Mass of the assembly, affecting time lag or delay before absorbed and stored heat is released
Orientation of exterior surfaces, affecting solar heat gain and air infiltration
Latent heat sources and heat gain from occupants, lighting, and equipment within a building
Proper installation of thermal insulation and vapor retarders

Vapor Retarders

Material of low permeance installed in construction to prevent moisture from entering and condensing
Placed as close as possible to warm side of insulated construction in temperate and cold climates
Placed closer to outer face of construction in warm, humid climates

Insulating Materials

Batt insulation: flexible, fibrous thermal insulation of glass or mineral wool, used in light wood frame construction
Rigid foam insulation: preformed, nonstructural insulating board of foamed plastic or cellular glass
Foamed-in-place insulation: foamed plastic sprayed or injected into a cavity, adhering to surrounding surfaces

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Description

Test your understanding of thermal insulation systems, their role in controlling heat transfer, and their impact on the environment. Learn how insulation can reduce energy consumption and optimize building performance. This quiz covers key concepts from ARCH 232 Building Construction 2, Spring 2024.