Concrete Ceiling with Granulate Layer for Acoustic and Thermal Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern concrete ceilings with thermal storage or cooling functions face challenges in achieving optimal thermal conductivity and sound absorption due to the inherent mass and heat-insulating properties, which hinder effective heat transfer and room acoustics.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a concrete ceiling with a granulate layer that retains gaps for sound absorption, using materials with controlled thermal conductivity and aesthetic design, where the granulate layer can be applied in various forms and proportions, and optionally reinforced with heat-conducting plates and reinforcing bars, and finished with air-permeable plaster or open-pored coverings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sound absorbers are integrated into the ceiling construction, then sound absorption improves, but thermal conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling is divided into two functionally distinct layers: a solid concrete structural layer for thermal mass and structure, and a separate granulate surface layer for sound absorption. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between sound absorption and thermal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The granulate layer is applied only to the surface portion of the ceiling where sound absorption is needed, while the underlying concrete structure maintains its dense, thermally conductive properties. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of acoustic performance at the surface and thermal performance in the structure.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If heat-insulating materials are used for thermal storage, then thermal storage capacity improves, but heat transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling construction separates the thermal storage function (handled by the massive concrete structure with high heat capacity) from the heat transfer function (optimized by the granulate layer's thermal properties). The concrete provides thermal mass while the granulate layer facilitates heat exchange with the room air.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling combines two materials with complementary thermal properties: dense concrete for thermal energy storage and granulate material with intermediate thermal conductivity for heat transfer. This composite structure enables simultaneous thermal storage capacity and effective heat exchange.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the ceiling is made as a solid mass for thermal storage, then thermal mass improves, but room acoustics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling is segmented into a solid concrete core for thermal mass and a porous granulate surface layer for acoustic treatment. This allows the ceiling to function as both a thermal storage element and an acoustic panel, resolving the contradiction between solid mass and acoustic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The granulate layer consists of porous, gap-filled material that absorbs sound waves while the underlying solid concrete provides thermal mass. The porous structure of the surface layer enables sound absorption without reducing the thermal storage capacity of the concrete structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables a ceiling that balances thermal conductivity, sound absorption, and aesthetics, allowing for efficient heat exchange and sound energy absorption without visible joints, while maintaining minimal thickness and porosity for effective sound absorption across human hearing frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The grains of the granulate are bound together by a binding agent
Implementation Method 2
gaps between the grains are retained, channels form through the granulate layer and thus ensure the required sound absorption
Implementation Method 3
This often leads to complications with the room acoustics, because no sound absorbers can be built in with such constructions, as these are usually also heat-insulating
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The method involves building a horizontal formwork (3) and distribution of a filler on the formwork. The filler comprises a mixture of granules and a binding agent. The mixing ratio of granules and binding agent is selected, such that, on one hand the grains of the granules are interconnected with each other and on the other hand continuous interspaces remain between the grains. The binding agent is hardened and a granule layer (2) is accumulated. Concrete reinforcing elements (6) and optional additional elements are recasted. A concrete layer (8) over the granule layer is casted and hardened.