Development of prefabricated insulation elements for buildings with aerated autoclaved concrete walls

¹ nZEB Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
² Smart City Center of Excellence (Finest Twins), Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia

^* Corresponding author: peep.pihelo@taltech.ee

Abstract

An extensive need for the refurbishment and renewal of existing building stock has been the focus of consideration for many decades, principally because of the high global energy consumption and pollution levels. This paper presents the results of the analysis of certain sets of timber frame prefabricated insulation elements for the major renovation of an apartment building. The hygrothermal measurements were taken, and a series of combinations with elements were analysed using building performance simulation software to compare the main hygrothermal properties. The critical initial moisture content for the surface section of the aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC) panel is w = 65 kg/m³ at a depth of 15 mm and w = 39 kg/m³ at a depth of 70 mm. The results showed that before the design and installation of insulation elements, thorough hygrothermal analysis of the original external envelope, with actual climatic conditions and moisture loads, must be realized.