Passive Foundation Column Structure Reducing Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods fail to provide adequate horizontal thermal insulation between building foundations and walls, leading to significant heat loss due to the large contact surface area, as conventional insulation materials lack the strength to support the structural load and traditional foundation designs promote continuous heat conduction from the building to the ground.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reducing the contact surface area between foundations and walls by replacing it with a column structure made of reinforced concrete and incorporating horizontal thermal insulation under the walls and between the foundation and walls, where continuity is interrupted, allowing the column structure to transfer the load while minimizing heat transfer through a significantly reduced surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional foundation designs with continuous contact between foundations and walls are used, then structural load transfer is adequate, but heat loss from the building to the ground is significant due to large contact surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous contact surface between foundation and wall by introducing column structures that interrupt the thermal bridge. Instead of a continuous foundation-wall contact, the connection is divided into discrete column elements, reducing the overall contact area and breaking the heat conduction path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal insulation properties to different locations: horizontal thermal insulation is placed specifically at the interface between foundation and wall, while column structures provide localized structural support with minimal thermal conduction. This localized application of insulation addresses the heat loss problem without requiring complete insulation of the entire foundation.
2Loss of energy
If insulation materials are used to provide horizontal thermal insulation under the entire structure, then heat loss is reduced, but the insulation materials lack the strength to transfer the structural load of the building
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural function (load-bearing columns) with the thermal insulation function (horizontal insulation layers) into a hybrid system. The column structures provide the necessary structural strength to support building loads, while the integrated horizontal insulation layers provide thermal isolation, allowing both functions to be achieved simultaneously in the same structural assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining structural elements (columns, footings) with thermal insulation materials (horizontal insulation layers). This composite approach allows the structure to simultaneously bear loads and provide thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between strength requirements and heat loss reduction.
3Loss of energy
If the contact surface between foundations and walls is reduced using column structures, then heat transfer is minimized, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of insulating the entire foundation perimeter and then reducing contact areas, the patent inverts the approach by first establishing discrete column structures that define the contact points, and then applying horizontal insulation between these columns. This reversal simplifies the design process and makes the thermal break implementation more straightforward.
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 approach substantially reduces heat transfer between the foundations and walls, achieving a heat loss reduction factor of several dozens, while simplifying the construction process and reducing costs by minimizing the need for extensive insulation and structural materials, making it suitable for low-energy and passive house construction.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating horizontal thermal insulation under the walls and between the foundation and walls
Implementation Method 2
replacing it partly with a column structure (made i.e. of reinforced concrete) and partly with horizontal thermal insulation
Data Source
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AI summary
The method of the construction of passive foundation and, in particular, of connecting them with walls is characterised in that in order to improve the thermal insulation so as to limit the heat losses for a building or to simplify the structure or to reduce the building costs, the surface of the foundations or the contact surface of building materials/structural foundations (2) and building materials/structural walls (3) is purposefully reduced i.e. by being partly replaced with a column structure (made i.e. of reinforced concrete) (6) and partly with horizontal thermal insulation (7), whereas thermal insulation, which is an important objective of this operation, is placed under the walls of the building or between the foundation and the walls in places where the continuity of the foundations (walls) is limited/interrupted (between the columns). Horizontal insulation is therefore located under a considerable part of the walls, except for the surface of the poles.