Modular Insulated Concrete Wall System for Passive House Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concrete wall systems fail to meet Passive House standards due to inadequate insulation thickness, thermal bridging, and poor design, leading to energy inefficiency and comfort issues in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame member system that interconnects outer and inner insulation layers with adjustable anchors and tie members, allowing for varying insulation thicknesses and preventing thermal bridging, while also facilitating the attachment of exterior cladding and reducing labor-intensive construction processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional concrete wall systems are used, then structural strength is achieved, but thermal insulation performance is insufficient and thermal bridging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is segmented into distinct functional layers: structural concrete elements provide strength while separate insulation layers (external and internal) provide thermal performance. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, eliminating thermal bridging through the insulation layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction combining concrete structural elements with thermal insulation materials. The concrete provides structural strength while the insulation layers (such as rigid foam boards or mineral wool) provide thermal resistance, creating a composite wall system that achieves both structural and thermal performance requirements.
2Loss of energy
If insulation thickness is increased to meet Passive House standards, then thermal performance improves, but device complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total insulation requirement is segmented into external and internal insulation layers, allowing the wall to meet Passive House standards without requiring excessively thick insulation on a single side. This segmentation distributes the thermal performance requirement across multiple layers, simplifying construction while achieving the necessary overall R-value.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing insulation thickness in one dimension, the solution adds insulation layers on both sides of the structural wall, utilizing the dimensional space available in the wall assembly. This approach achieves the required thermal performance by distributing insulation across the wall thickness rather than concentrating it in one location.
3Productivity
If modular frame member system is used, then construction efficiency improves and labor intensity reduces, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is divided into modular frame members that can be manufactured separately with precise dimensions and then assembled on-site. These modular components include pre-fabricated elements with integrated connection details, allowing for precise manufacturing in a controlled factory environment and efficient assembly in the field, thereby improving construction productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable anchors and tie members are used, then adaptability to varying insulation thicknesses improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor and tie member system incorporates adjustable elements that can be modified to accommodate different insulation thicknesses. This dynamic adjustability allows the same basic component design to work across multiple insulation scenarios, providing versatility without requiring entirely different systems for each application, thereby balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
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 system achieves the required insulation thickness for Passive House standards, enhances energy efficiency, improves occupant comfort, and simplifies construction by eliminating thermal bridging and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
outer layer and an inner layer spaced apart from each other to define a space therebetween for receiving uncured concrete to form a concrete core. The system achieves the required insulation thickness for Passive House standards, enhances energy efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system 100 for constructing an insulated thermal mass concrete structure comprising four or more walls 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d. The system 100 comprises interconnected frame members 30, 30′, 30″, 30′″, 30*, cross-ties 40 and corner members 33, 33′, which reduces the need for props or stays to support the walls 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d during curing of a concrete core poured between inner and outer layers, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 attached to the frame members 30, 30′, 30″, 30′″, 30*.