Building Physical, Energetical and Hygrothermal Analysis of Earth-Sheltered Building Constructions

Abstract

Covering soil layer significantly reduces the heat loss of earth-sheltered building elements. Quantity of heat loss is highly influenced by the thickness of soil on examined building constructions. Based on the above mentioned facts an earth-sheltered sample building was designed. Ecological designing principles (recycled building materials and passive solar designing rules) were taken into consideration during planning of examined residential house. The building structures are general solutions, the earth-sheltered characteristic manifested by soil-covered elevations and green roof. The detailed energetic calculations are based on the linear heat transmission coefficient, which serves as a numerical definition of the heat bridge effect. Linear heat transmission coefficients were calculated as simulational results that can be derived from the finite element modelling of structural intersections. Detailed building simulations represent the advantages of soil covering. Hygrothermal analysis of building constructions based on their thermal simulations is essential. Due to the intensified waterproofing of earth-sheltered structures vapour diffusion is considerably reduced. At the same time environmentally conscious design prefers diffusion open orders of layers. Hygrothermal calculations of different waterproofing materials can categorise the environmental friendly solution of the protection.