Load-bearing Structure with Segmented Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load-bearing structures in the building industry face challenges in achieving effective thermal insulation due to the presence of thermal bridges at junction areas between vertical and horizontal structures, which reduce the insulating effect and increase energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing structure composed of alternating layers of conglomerate and insulating material, where the insulating layers have through cavities filled with conglomerate during casting, forming point-by-point connections that distribute loads and reduce thermal conductivity by forcing heat to follow a zigzag path through the insulating layers, thus eliminating direct thermal bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a layer of insulating material is inserted within the wall to improve thermal insulation, then the insulating effect is enhanced, but thermal bridges arise at junction areas where horizontal structures cross the wall, dramatically reducing the insulating effect
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure is segmented into distinct layers: outer wall element, insulating layer, and inner wall element. The insulating layer is segmented to terminate at junction areas, allowing independent structural elements to connect without creating continuous thermal bridges through the entire wall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material is extracted or removed at specific junction areas where horizontal structures cross the wall. This creates discontinuities in the insulating layer that allow structural connections while preventing continuous thermal bridge paths through the insulation.
2Loss of energy
If two fully independent wall elements are used with a continuous layer of insulating material to eliminate thermal bridges, then thermal insulation is dramatically improved, but the overall crosswise dimensions of the wall increase and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure employs different local qualities: the main wall sections have continuous insulation for thermal performance, while junction areas have modified insulation termination to allow structural connections. This localized differentiation maintains thermal performance where needed while enabling structural functionality at critical connection points.
3Strength
If reinforced concrete connections are used to connect horizontal and vertical structures at junction areas, then structural integrity is achieved, but direct thermal bridges are created between the cold side and warm side of the building
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating material is removed at junction areas to allow structural connections. This extraction of insulation creates space for reinforced concrete connections to be made without the insulation being present to create a continuous thermal bridge path.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses the outer wall element and inner wall element as intermediary elements that connect to horizontal structures independently. These wall elements serve as mediators that allow structural load transfer while the discontinuous insulation prevents direct thermal bridge formation between them.
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
This solution allows for reduced thermal conductivity and improved structural rigidity, enabling effective thermal insulation while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities, without increasing the overall dimensions or costs of the structure.
Implementation Method 1
A load-bearing structure composed of alternating layers of conglomerate and insulating material, where the insulating layers have through cavities filled with conglomerate during casting, forming point-by-point connections that distribute loads and reduce thermal conductivity by forcing heat to follow a zigzag path through the insulating layers, thus eliminating direct thermal bridges.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A load-bearing structure for the building industry comprises at least three layers of conglomerate (1, 1') having a structural function, spaced apart by two layers of thermally-insulating material (2, 2'). A plurality of connections between said layers of conglomerate (1, 1', 1) is formed in correspondence of cavities (3, 3') provided in said layers of insulating material (2, 2'), the connections which engage with the opposite sides of a same layer of conglomerate (1') being mutually offset.