Mortar Masonry Wall System Thermal Performance Structural Masonry Wall Brick Geometry Brick Clay U-value Thermal Transmittance

External authors:

• Camilo Figueroa ( Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile )
• Soledad Chubretovic ( Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile )
• Jose C. Remesar ( Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile )
• Felipe Vargas ( Universidad Austral de Chile )

Abstract:

Although structural masonry walls are widely used in construction, achieving lower U-value is crucial to minimize energy losses and greenhouse gas emissions. The effect on the U-value of hollow clay masonry walls is evaluated by modifying the clay and mortar thermal conductivities, as well as the brick grid and thickness. Heat transfer through bricks and walls was modeled using a 3D-finite element method while model validation was based on experimental tests. Smaller rectangular cavities reduce the U-value to 0.761 W/m2K; increasing the brick thickness reduces the U-value to 0.563 W/m2K. Moreover, reducing the clay thermal conductivity showed negligible reductions in the wall U-value.