Thermal and Structural Performances of Screen Grid Insulated Concrete Forms (SGICFs) Using Experimental Testing
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Specimen Preparation and Test Methods
2.1. Specimen Preparation
2.1.1. ICF Walls
Dimension Parameters | |||
---|---|---|---|
Thickness of the EPS layer (m) | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
Height of the wall (m) | 1.62 | 1.49 | 1.49 |
Width of the wall (m) | 1.2 | 1.24 | 1.24 |
Thickness of the concrete layer (m) | 0.16 | 5 6 SGICF | 3 4 SGICF |
Material Type | EPS | Concrete | Polypropylene | Steel |
---|---|---|---|---|
Density | 24.02 | 2400 | 900 | 7850 |
Thermal conductivity | 0.03 | Figure 9a 1 | Figure 9b 2 | 44.5 |
Heat capacity J/kg | 1300 | 880 | Figure 10 3 | 475 |
2.1.2. Typical Brick Walls
- Wall : 2.5 cm Plaster layer + 20 cm Brick layer + 5 cm Extruded polystyrene insulation layer + 1.3 Plaster Gypsum Wall Board (GWB) and Paint layer.
- Wall : 2.5 cm Plaster layer + 20 cm Brick layer + 2.5 cm Plaster layer.
- Wall : 2.5 cm Plaster layer + 10 cm Brick layer + 2.5 cm Plaster layer.
2.2. Test Methods
2.2.1. Simulation Model
- Defining the dimensions and location of all layers in the modeled wall elements;
- Defining the physical properties (specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, density) of all layers in the model elements;
- Defining the initial and boundary conditions;
- Recording the U values and thermal masses for all wall types.
2.2.2. Experimental Setup
- Chamber structure;
- Air treatment unit;
- Cooling plant;
- Control system;
- Pre-tempering chamber;
- Special wall;
- Metering box;
- Measurement system.
3. Results
3.1. Experimental Results
3.2. U-Value Calculations
4. Conclusions
- Energy efficiency. The study provides detailed insights into the thermal performance of SGICF walls compared to flat ICF walls and typical brick walls used in the Middle East. By demonstrating that SGICF walls offer comparable thermal insulation properties with a potentially lower thermal mass, this research highlights the viability of SGICF wall systems in hot climates where energy efficiency is paramount. This can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption for heating and cooling, contributing to sustainability goals and cost savings for building owners.
- Structural resilience. In addition to thermal performance, the study underscores the structural benefits of SGICF walls. The grid pattern of concrete in SGICF systems offers a robust framework that can enhance the durability and seismic performance of buildings. This is particularly relevant in regions prone to seismic activity, where the adoption of SGICFs is structurally sound.
- Economic and environmental impact. The use of SGICFs can reduce the overall material costs due to the lower volume of concrete required. Additionally, the environmental impact is minimized as the system reduces the need for traditional formwork and promotes the use of recyclable materials like EPS. This aligns with global trends towards greener construction practices and supports efforts to mitigate the environmental footprint of the construction industry.
- Practical applications. The findings from this research can inform best practices and guide the development of building codes and standards that incorporate SGICF technology. Practitioners in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, and builders, can leverage the insights from this study to design and construct more efficient and resilient buildings. Moreover, policymakers and regulators can use this evidence to support the adoption of innovative construction techniques that promote sustainability and resilience.
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Material Type | Brick | Concrete Plaster | Extruded-Polystyrene Board | Gypsum Wall Board |
---|---|---|---|---|
Density | 2000 | 2300 | 34 | 574 |
Thermal conductivity | 0.5 | 1.8 | 0.041 | 0.27 |
Heat capacity at constant pressure J/kg | 900 | 880 | 1450 | 1100 |
Property | ||
---|---|---|
Experimental U-value | 2.652 | 0.304 |
Numerical U-value | 3.216 (+21.25%) | 0.254 (−16.4%) |
Thickness (cm) | 15 | 28 |
Area (cm2) | 1.8476 | 1.944 |
Property | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical U-value | 0.254 | 0.358 | 0.280 | 0.556 | 1.957 | 3.216 |
K-value | 0.093 | 0.170 | 0.489 | |||
Thermal mass | 4.085 | 0.679 | 0. 491 | 0.871 | 0.850 | 0.519 |
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El-Maghraby, Y.; Tarabieh, K.; Sharkass, M.; Mashaly, I.; Fahmy, E. Thermal and Structural Performances of Screen Grid Insulated Concrete Forms (SGICFs) Using Experimental Testing. Buildings 2024, 14, 2599. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092599
El-Maghraby Y, Tarabieh K, Sharkass M, Mashaly I, Fahmy E. Thermal and Structural Performances of Screen Grid Insulated Concrete Forms (SGICFs) Using Experimental Testing. Buildings. 2024; 14(9):2599. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092599
Chicago/Turabian StyleEl-Maghraby, Yosra, Khaled Tarabieh, Meral Sharkass, Islam Mashaly, and Ezzat Fahmy. 2024. "Thermal and Structural Performances of Screen Grid Insulated Concrete Forms (SGICFs) Using Experimental Testing" Buildings 14, no. 9: 2599. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092599