Evaluation of the thermal performance of EPS core panels: A multicriteria approach

Abstract

To enhance the energy efficiency, it is crucial to develop construction systems that can effectively adapt to the diverse climates found in Brazil, particularly for application in social housing projects. This study aims to analyze the thermal viability of EPS core panels in Brazilian bioclimatic zones, which have been gaining prominence in the national market. For this, simulations were conducted using the EnergyPlus software to compare the performance of this material with that of masonry with ceramic blocks. The AHP-Gaussian method was employed to assist the decision-making process regarding the most viable system. The results indicated that EPS core panels with low solar absorptance in hot zones presented a 39.95% higher thermal load than masonry. On the other hand, in cold regions, EPS core panels were among the best solutions, reducing the thermal load by 50.39% in Curitiba when combined with high solar absorptance and shading of the openings. Consequently, through the multicriteria decision-making method, it was concluded that the use of EPS core panels in areas with high thermal amplitude offers advantages, while it should be avoided in hot regions. Thus, this study identified the technical feasibility of EPS core panels and masonry with ceramic blocks in Brazilian bioclimatic zones. It also offers guidance to professionals and public agents in the construction sector, helping them choose suitable materials for social housing. Additionally, this study presented innovation by demonstrating the benefits of employing multicriteria decision-making methods, expanding the possibilities for analyzing and selecting more energy-efficient construction systems.