How to Design and Construct Concrete and Masonry to Comply with New Energy Codes-New Standards Needed for Alternative Energy Code Compliance (PDF)

New Standards Needed for Alternative Energy Code Compliance (PDF)

Pdf Summary

The Concrete Convention and Exposition, presented by Stephen S. Szoke, emphasizes the necessity for new standards in alternative energy code compliance, particularly focusing on building design to optimize energy use and sustainability. The discussion touches on various approaches, including component and holistic methodologies for enhancing thermal performance.<br /><br />A component approach involves either reducing the area of high thermal conductance components or increasing the thermal resistance of building components. Increasing thermal resistance can include adding external insulation. However, this approach is accompanied by increased costs for insulation, foundations, detailing, anchors, and connectors. The paper calls for improved acceptance and understanding of codes like NFPA 285 and suggests incorporating design options into standards like ACI 216.<br /><br />The holistic approach suggests considering climate, building materials, and energy performance as an interconnected system, as illustrated by historical precedents like the 1930s House of Tomorrow and the 1950s AIA House Beautiful Program. It notes the evolution and refinement of energy codes from the 1970s onwards and highlights the importance of standardized criteria, such as those provided by DOE/ASHRAE, to consider all necessary weather data and material properties.<br /><br />Thermal bridging, a focus of the convention, underscores issues related to energy efficiency in building envelopes, with specific measures being suggested for project areas like Detroit, a location with significant heating and cooling demands. Comparative analysis of construction methods (e.g., precast plank vs. steel joists) illustrates potential energy savings through appropriate material choices and design adjustments.<br /><br />Additionally, the discussion delves into issues surrounding balconies, thermal bridging, and the implications of misused technology. Passive solar design is emphasized as a field requiring further standardization of prescriptive and modeling protocols to optimize the use of thermal mass properties for energy conservation.<br /><br />In summary, the exposition calls for a comprehensive update of standards and methods to effectively reconcile energy efficiency with life safety in modern building design.

Keywords

Concrete Convention

alternative energy

building design

thermal performance

NFPA 285

ACI 216

holistic approach

thermal bridging

energy efficiency

passive solar design