Building Partitions Research Articles

Application of Experimental Studies of Humidity and Temperature in the Time Domain to Determine the Physical Characteristics of a Perlite Concrete Partition

These days, the use of natural materials is required for sustainable and consequently plus-, zero- and low-energy construction. One of the main objectives of this research was to demonstrate that pelite concrete block masonry can be a structural and thermal insulation material. In order to determine the actual thermal insulation parameters of the building partition, in situ experimental research was carried out in real conditions, taking into account the temperature distribution at different heights of the partition. Empirical measurements were made at five designated heights of the partition with temperature and humidity parameters varying over time. The described experiment was intended to verify the technical parameters of perlite concrete in terms of its thermal insulation properties as a construction material used for vertical partitions. It was shown on the basis of the results obtained that the masonry made of perlite concrete blocks with dimensions of 24 × 24.5 × 37.5 cm laid on the mounting foam can be treated as a building element that meets both the structural and thermal insulation requirements of vertical single-layer partitions. However, it is important for the material to work in a dry environment, since, as shown, a wet perlite block has twice the thermal conductivity coefficient. The results of the measurements were confirmed, for they were known from the physics of buildings, the general principles of the formation of heat and the moisture flow in the analysed masonry of a perlite block. Illustrating this regularity is shown from the course of temperature and moisture in the walls. The proposed new building material is an alternative to walls with a layer of thermal insulation made of materials such as polystyrene or wool and fits into the concept of sustainable construction, acting against climate change, reducing building operating costs, improving living and working conditions as well as fulfilling international obligations regarding environmental goals.

Modeling and strength validation of a building partition in frame construction

The article presents experimental research and numerical analysis of a building partition in frame construction. The subject of the analysis were sections of the building partition consisting of cold-bent steel profiles and plasterboard cladding. The experiment was carried out using a four-point bending test and recording a continuous load-displacement curve until failure. Next, a computational model based on the finite element method was developed to simulate the experiment. The results from the experimental tests were then compared with that obtained from the numerical analysis. The validation of the numerical model demonstrated a high level of agreement in terms of load-displacement characteristics. The use of numerical analyses provides an alternative to time-consuming experimental tests for estimating displacements of building partitions in frame construction

Preparation and investigation of a prefabricated salt hydrate phase change material partition for passive solar buildings

The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) into building structures offers a pathway for passive energy storage, enabling adaptable indoor temperature control and alleviating energy consumption. Despite these advantages, the widespread adoption of PCM in building structures faces challenges due to extended payback periods. In this study, a novel and cost-effective salt hydrate PCM composite, comprised of calcium chloride hexahydrate–potassium chloride (CCH–KCl), was developed. Melamine foam (MF) and strontium chloride hexahydrate (SCH) were synergistically utilized to address phase separation and supercooling issues. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the performance of the developed salt hydrate PCM composite in building partition walls. Specifically, incorporating a 20 mm-thick composite resulted in peak temperature reductions of 0.72 °C during normal operation and 1.01 °C during power outages compared to structures without PCM, accompanied by a substantial reduction in energy consumption by 5376.68 kWh/year. Moreover, the cost of the developed salt hydrate PCM is 89.33 % lower than industrial paraffin, and it reduces CO2 emissions by 1.40 kg/year/m2 compared to paraffin's 1.11 kg/year/m2. In summary, the developed salt hydrate PCM composite exhibits commendable thermal regulation and economic advantages in building applications, serving as a pivotal contributor to emission reduction efforts.

Life-Cycle Assessment of Lightweight Partitions in Residential Buildings

Life-Cycle Assessment of Lightweight Partitions in Residential Buildings

Sound transmission loss of vertical building partitions designed to meet shear structural requirements

Vertical partitions often include structural building elements designed to meet shear requirements. Shear partitions are designed to resist lateral load due to wind or seismic activity and are required in many regions throughout North America. Nightingale et al. completed a 70-assembly series quantifying the effect of shear OSB on the sound transmission loss (STL) of both wood- and steel-framed single-stud assemblies in the National Research Council Canada (NRCC) research report NRCC-45018. This research study builds on the NRCC research with a test of over 200 wood and steel assembly partitions. This research study includes single-, staggered-, and double-stud framing as well as various forms of shear treatment such as OSB Plywood installed on one or both sides of the partition, attachment with various nail attachment patterns, and steel strapping. The effect of these partition elements on the STL will be presented and discussed. Additionally, the effect of sound isolation treatment, such as additional mass, resilient channels, resilient sound isolation clips, and constrained-layer damping will be presented and discussed.

Sound transmission loss through steel-framed building partitions

Load-bearing steel-stud walls pose a unique acoustical challenge because both the spacing and the mil thickness of the studs can significantly affect the acoustical performance of these walls. A single wall type in a load-bearing steel building may actually include many acoustically distinct walls as the stud spacing and mil thickness change from floor to floor in the building due to the different loads. This can be especially challenging on delegated design projects where the final selection of the steel studs is left to the framing contractor and may not be included in the project documents supplied to the acoustical consultant, if there even is one on the project. In prior ASA presentations, Ben Shafer has clearly documented the effects of steel stud spacing and mil thickness on acoustical performance. This presentation adds to Ben’s prior work by investigating the effects of resilient sound isolation clips on wall performance. Clips are a unique application because the spacing of both the clips, and the hat channels does not change with changing stud spacing and because the low stiffness of the rubber isolators should reduce the effect of stud stiffness. This presentation will present the results of recent lab tests of walls with resilient sound isolation clips and compare the results to the data previously presented by Mr. Shafer.

Analysis of the dynamic response of a base isolated building during an earthquake with an intensity of 7 points on the MSK-64 scale

Introduction. The problem is considered and the relevance of studying the behavior of buildings and structures with seismic isolation systems using lead rubber bearing under real seismic impact, as well as assessing their technical condition after the earthquake, is emphasized. The experience of studying the behavior of base isolated buildings under real seismic impact abroad and in Russia is given.
 Materials and methods. The dynamic parameters seismic isolation of a reinforced concrete building using lead rubber bearing are investigated. Registration of seismic vibrations of the building was performed by a stationary station for dynamic monitoring. The results of processing the records were obtained based on the interpretation of monitoring data, including harmonic analysis, determination of the power spectral density, as well as the application of wavelet transform methods.
 Results. The results of dynamic monitoring of a base isolated building of a sea terminal located in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city during an earthquake of 04/03/2023 with a magnitude of Mw =6.6 and an intensity at the site of the building equal to 7 points on the MSK-64 scale are presented. An analysis of the response and dynamic parameters of the building was performed, as well as a visual inspection of structures, as well as the building's seismic isolation systems.
 Conclusions. Analysis of the dynamic monitoring results made it possible to identify the natural vibration frequencies of the building, as well as to trace their changes during seismic impact. The maximum displacements of the building indicate minor shear deformations of the lead rubber bearing corresponding to the zone of their elastic operation. Both the rigidity of lead rubber bearing and the dynamic parameters of the building (frequencies (periods) of natural vibrations and the logarithmic damping decrement of the building) change depending on the intensity of the seismic impact and the shear deformation of the bearings, respectively. After the earthquake, widespread cracks and peeling of the plaster wall were observed with partial exposure of the layer of insulating material in the zone of filling with elastic elements the gaps between the strapping beams of the seismic isolation system and the structures of the building partitions at the level of the seismic isolating layer, which did not affect the operational reliability of the building. The study presented in this article shows that with the help of dynamic monitoring of buildings and structures, one can get a more complete and detailed understanding of their dynamic behavior, identify damage in the structural system of a building, and detect their undesirable or specific reactions that could not be taken into account when designing.

Research and Application of Prefabricated Steel Structure Inner Partition Connection Technology

Based on an example of a steel structure residential building project in Yinzhou District, Ningbo, this paper focuses on innovative methods for new connection nodes between steel beams, columns, and ALC internal partitions in steel structure buildings, standardized new installation process steps and key points for attention, and analyzes the technical points of key node connections.

Production of lightweight foam ceramics by adjusting sintering time and heating rate

The heat treatment system was a key factor in the performance of lightweight foam ceramics. Phosphorus tailings and coal gangue were recovered for preparing lightweight foam ceramics by adjusting the sintering time and heating rate. The goal was to set a reasonable heat treatment regime for maximum optimized performance. The influences of sintering time and heating rate on the phase evolution, pore structure, physical properties and heavy metal solidification of lightweight foam ceramics were investigated by the results of XRD, SEM and ICP-MS examinations and theoretical calculations. As a result, extended sintering time promoted to formation glassy phase, which facilitated the average pore size growth from 34.88 µm to 124.23 µm. The larger heating rate (10 °C/min) prevented the vitrification of lightweight foam ceramics with an increase in water absorption (2.31 % − 23.14 %) and a decrease in compressive strength (9.80 MPa − 3.56 MPa). The lightweight foam ceramics exhibited relatively uniform pore structure, high porosity (61.79 %), low density (0.99 g/cm3), satisfactory compressive strength (10.08 MPa), and low water absorption (2.87 %) when they were treated at 1150 °C for 60 min with the heating rate of 5 °C/min. In particular, the extremely low leaching values of heavy metals and potential ecological risk index were detected for the lightweight foam ceramics. The fabricated lightweight foam ceramics satisfy the strength requirements of Chinese national standards for non-bearing building partitions and non-bearing bricks. This technology not only provided practical guidance for adjusting the sintering process to manufacture high-performance lightweight foam ceramics, but also the simultaneous high value-added utilization of phosphorus tailings and coal gangue could be achieved.

A Study on Fire Retardant and Soundproof Properties of Stainless Steel EAF Reducing Slag Applied to Fiber Reinforced Cement Boards.

In recent years, cases of the improper utilization of steel furnace slag have been widely reported, resulting in a crisis of nowhere for recycled resources such as inorganic slag. The misplacement of resource materials that originally had sustainable-use value not only has a great impact on society and the environment but also greatly reduces industrial competitiveness. To solve the dilemma of steel furnace-slag reuse, it is critical to find solutions to the stabilization of steelmaking slag under the innovative thinking of the circular economy. In addition to enhancing the reuse value of recycled resources, the balance between economic development and environmental impact is also crucial. The high-performance building material could provide a solution based on a high-value market. With the development of society and the increasing requirements for quality of life, the requirements for the soundproof and fireproof performance of lightweight decorative panels common in cities have gradually become popular. Therefore, the high performance of fire retardant and soundproofing could be the main development focus of high-value building materials to ensure circular economic feasibility. This study continues the research results of the application of inorganic re-cycled engineering materials in recent years, and the application of electric-arc furnace (EAF)-reducing slag to the development of base materials for reinforced cement boards, in order to complete the development of high-value panels with fireproof and sound-insulation properties in line with the engineering characteristics of the boards. The research results showed the optimization of the proportions of the cement boards with EAF-reducing slag as a raw material. The proportions of EAF-reducing slag to fly ash at ratios of 70:30 and 60:40 all met the requirements of ISO 5660-1 Class I flame resistance; the sound transmission loss in the overall frequency band can reach more than 30 dB, which is higher by 3-8 dB or more than the same board with similar specifications (such as 12 mm gypsum board) in the present building-materials market The products could be developed into building partitions and ceiling decoration boards with high performance in terms of fire retardant and soundproofing values, and also reduce the use of natural raw materials by more than 35%. The results of this study could meet environmental compatibility targets and contribute towards greener buildings. This model of circular economics would achieve energy reduction, emissions reductions, and be environmentally friendly.

Influence of Moisture in Museum Rooms on the State of Microbial Contamination of the Air and Decoration Surfaces: The Example of a 17th Century Monument in the Museum of King John III’s Palace at Wilanow (Warsaw, Poland)

This article is a case study of museum premises at the Museum of King John III’s Palace at Wilanow (Warsaw, Poland), wetted as a result of a failure of the water supply system to the air conditioning unit located in the attic of the building. As a result of flooding, discoloration and cracks appeared on the plaster and stucco decoration of the ceiling, located mainly in the central part of the ceiling of the King’s Library. The paintings (plafonds) mounted on the ceiling of this room also became damp. The article analyzes the microbiological contamination of air and damp paintings in the context of promptly proceeding with the drying of damp building partitions. The obtained results of microbiological air pollution in the flooded rooms were significantly lower than the permissible values recommended by Interdepartmental Commission for Maximum Admissible Concentrations and Intensities for Agents Harmful to Health in the Working Environment. In the King’s Library, i.e., the room with the dampest plaster and stucco as a result of the accident, the concentration of mold spores in the air was only 15 cfu/m3. This means that the immediate commencement of intensive drying of the building partitions (walls, ceilings with wooden floors) brought very good results. The rapid reduction in the moisture of the building partitions contributed to the worsening conditions for the development of microorganisms, which can have an adverse effect on wooden building partitions, plaster, stucco, etc.

Seismic assessment and dissipative bracing retrofit-based protection of infills and partitions in RC structures

A balanced performance improvement of the constituting structural members, infills and partitions is a fundamental requirement in seismic retrofit design of frame buildings. In order to pursue this objective, the response of the non-structural elements must be accurately simulated, so as to evaluate their damage evolution and the correlation with the response of the structural skeleton. In the study presented in this article, diagonal no-tension struts with multilinear “pivot”-type hysteretic behaviour are adopted as substitute elements for masonry infill and partition panels. A trilinear axial force–displacement backbone curve is generated for the equivalent struts and transformed in the lateral force-drift curve of the panels. The latter is then scanned in terms of sequential performance limits and ranges. This model is demonstratively applied to a real case study, i.e. a reinforced concrete frame building damaged by the 2016 Central Italy earthquake, although a retrofit intervention had been carried out a few years before. Based on the results of the time-history assessment analyses in its original conditions, an alternative retrofit solution is proposed, consisting in the incorporation of dissipative braces equipped with pressurized fluid viscous dampers. This technology was selected for its high-damping capacity, as well as for the prompt activation of the constituting devices starting from the early stages of the building seismic response. The verification analyses developed in retrofitted configuration for the main shock records of the 2016 earthquake confirm this property, showing slight damage only in a small number of partitions—instead of the diffused moderate-to-irreparable damage actually surveyed in the building partitions and infills—and safe response of all structural members.

Determination of pressure difference coefficient of shuttle elevator doors in super high-rise buildings under stack effect

The stack-induced airflow of super high-rise buildings in winter results in obvious indoor environmental problems at the shuttle elevator shaft. Strong pressure difference can cause malfunction of elevators. The estimation of pressure differences at the shuttle elevator doors under different building layout and climate conditions is still a challenge to obtain in engineering application. Considering the difficulties of measuring and simulating the air leakage characteristics of various components, a dimensionless metric, the Pressure Difference Coefficient of Elevator Doors, Cele, is defined according to the theory of pressure distribution in buildings. First, the accuracy of the index calculation results was verified in an elevator test tower. The hand-calculated method to predict the pressure differences at the shuttle elevator doors is convenient and reliable when compared with measurement and simulation. Then, two influence factors on Cele, floor plan and flow exponents are discussed. The determination method of recommended Cele is proposed by analyzing with different building partition layers. The recommended values are given under different shaft heights and temperature difference. Moreover, the novel method and metric were applied in an actual building to determine the number and air tightness of partition layers under the target conditions. This paper provides an evaluation reference for the convenient and effective design of elevator type selection and building layout of super high-rise buildings under stack effect.

Hygrothermal behaviour of a room with different occupancy scenarios

The thermal and moisture properties of building partitions and the related possibility of moisture buffering affect the water vapour exchange between the superficial layers of the hygroscopic materials and the indoor environment, which results in energy consumption for different purposes. The paper describes an analysis of the hygrothermal behaviour of a roomunder different occupancy scenarios for four wall finishing variants (variable parameters of thermal conductivity index and diffusion resistance of the applied material). The application of gypsum board and cement-lime plaster was analysed with and without a paint coat. Computer simulations using WUFI Plus were used for the analysis. The application of cement-lime plaster without a top paint coat was shown to reduce fluctuations in the amplitude of indoor relative humidity more than the other solutions. Applying a paint coat to the interior surface of a building partition limits the material's buffering properties, and consequently, the indoor relative humidity amplitude increases. Upon improving thermal efficiency, the decrease in indoor relative humidity was higher for a nursery than for an office space. For the air conditioning dynamic operation mode, it was demonstrated that gypsum board walls with no paint coat could reduce energy demand for dehumidifying systems and increase it for humidifying systems. The painted variants are characterised by a higher total energy consumption for humidification and dehumidification purposes.

Influence of the shives orientation on selected hygro-thermal properties of hemp-magnesium composite

Magnesium binder is an alternative to lime binder in the technology of hemp-based composites. The advantage of using this binder is an increase in mechanical strength compared to those based on lime. These composites are mainly used as an insulating wall material, as a filling of a wooden frame structure. During compaction of the mixture, hemp shives tend to lay with fibers perpendicular to the compaction direction. The direction of the fibers in the shives, as well as the direction of the capillary pores affect the properties of the composite. The performance characteristics of a building partition insulated with a composite will vary depending on the direction of the shives in relation to the direction of the external factor. The outer wall is exposed to heat flow and water transport, e.g. by capillary action. The article presents the results of tests of the thermal conductivity and capillary rise of a composite densified in the direction perpendicular and parallel to the heat flux and moisture flow. Composites samples with a bulk density of about 370 kg/m3 were tested. Compaction of the mixture in the direction parallel to the heat flow decreased the thermal conductivity. Due to the reduced value of the thermal conductivity of the composite compacted parallel to the heat flux, such a technique can be used in prefabrication, e.g. in the production of wall blocks. This direction of compaction - perpendicular to the wall surface, and thus to the direction of capillary rise, also reduced the amount of uptaken up water and changed the course of water rising over time.

Comparison of the Carbon Payback Period (CPP) of Different Variants of Insulation Materials and Existing External Walls in Selected European Countries

The EU “Fit for 55” legislative package provides for the introduction of regulations enabling the achievement of the emission reduction target by 55%. As part of the necessary actions, it is necessary to increase the energy efficiency of existing buildings. To achieve this, there are plans to increase the pace of the modernization of buildings, from 1% to 3% of buildings annually by 2030. However, this must be done with respect to the principles of sustainable development, circular economy and the conservation of buildings. This article presents a comprehensive comparison and calculation of carbon payback period (CPP) for selected insulation materials, combined with selected typical building partitions, and shows how quickly the payback period of greenhouse gases in the production of insulation materials is completed. Individual insulation materials (stone and glass wool, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyurethane (PUR) and cellulose) were analyzed in relation to different types of walls (seven types—including solid wall, diaphragm wall, large panel system (LPS), and concrete), in different locations (Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Finland, Europe) and for various energy sources (electricity, gas, oil, biomass, district heating). After taking into account the carbon footprint embodied in the insulation materials, along with the potential reductions in the operational greenhouse gases emissions, the carbon payback period (CPP) was determined, resulting from the use of a given technology, insulation material and location. By comparing the CPPs for different insulations, this paper shows that the results vary significantly between EU countries, which have different embodied carbon factors for energy sources and materials, and that there is still a serious lack in the availability of reliable environmental information, which can limit research results.

Numerical Analysis of Thermal Impact between the Cooling Facility and the Ground

The article presents the results of research on the range of the impact of a cooling facility on the surrounding ground. An analysis of the heat exchange with the ground and through the building partitions was carried out. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the results of actual field tests carried out throughout the measurement year. The object of the research was an agricultural cold store located in southern Poland. The computational analysis of the interaction between the cooling facility and the ground was based on the numerical elementary balances method. The validation of the calculation model was performed based on the adopted boundary conditions. Calculations for the analyzed variants were carried out on the basis of a geometric model of the cooling facility built in the WUFI®plus program, corresponding to the actual dimensions. The analysis of the energy balance of the studied facility showed that the share of energy flow through the floor to the ground constitutes 8.2% of all energy flows through other partitions and the ventilation system. In order to maintain the set air temperature inside the studied building, intensive cooling was required with an energy demand of 5184.5 kWh/year. The results of the research showed that the range of the thermal impact of the building changes depending on the location of the studied ground area in terms of cardinal direction. The external and internal microclimate characteristics also affect the extent of the impact of the cooling facility on the surrounding ground. Under the assumption of stable values of Θi within a range of 0.0–4.0 °C, the largest range of influence (4.0 m) occurs in the summer.

Energy Simulations of a Building Insulated with a Hemp-Lime Composite with Different Wall and Node Variants

Thermal bridges constitute a significant share in the overall heat losses through building partitions. This is an important issue not only in traditional but also ecological buildings, where the load-bearing structure is often a wooden frame. In partitions insulated with hemp-lime composite, the skeleton is usually hidden in the insulation. However, in some nodes or jambs, wooden elements may be exposed or have a large cross-section, intensifying the heat transfer. This work presents simulations of energy demand in a single-family building insulated with hemp-lime composite, using the BSim dynamic simulation program. The calculations take into account the linear thermal transmittance of structural nodes modeled in the THERM program. The energy demand for heating and the share of thermal bridges in the heat loss of the entire building were calculated for different locations of the structural framework in the walls, as well as the size and number of windows. The share of thermal bridges in heat losses was about 10%, and the differences in energy demand for heating using various frame locations in the wall were negligible.

Numerical Analysis of Experimental Research in a Lightweight Floor System (LFS) with Heat Diffuser.

The article presents the results of research on a lightweight floor system (LFS) with a heat diffuser made of metal lamellae. It differs from traditional layered floors in the absence of a screed layer, which reduces thermal inertia and predisposes it to be used with renewable energy sources. As part of the research, a real model of the floor, consisting of nine ceramic tiles, was made. Polyurethane adhesive was used to connect the individual layers of this composite. The model was subjected to a thermal action. It was constructed with the measuring equipment consisting of strain gauges. These were located at the boundaries of the composite layers and measured the material’s deformation. The measurement results were verified by numerical calculations. For this purpose, a computational model was made using FEM (finite element method). Comparable results of deformations were obtained (the differences did not exceed 6.1%), which made it possible to perform numerical calculations of light floor materials stresses. Additionally, the displacement of the tested model was measured and numerically verified. The results of these verifications can be useful not only in the heated/cooled LFS with aluminium lamellae, but also in other building partitions inside and outside the building.

Indoor air Quality in Offices and Classrooms in Public Utility Building - A Case Study

A microbiological analysis of indoor air quality in offices, lecture rooms, and hallways in a public utility building has been carried out in the Lubuskie Voivodship (Poland). In one of the storage rooms, the presence of fungi on the building partition was found in the place of water infiltration as a result of a technological failure in the building. A total of 17 non-residential interiors were examined. The total number of psychrophilic and mesophilic bacteria and the total number of fungi were sampled by the collision method with the air sampler. A qualitative analysis has been performed of fungi present in the indoor air and from building partition of the studied interiors. A total of 11 species of fungi have been specified. Relative humidity and air temperature were measured with a hygrometer. The studies showed that the number of psychrophilic bacteria in indoor air was in the range 0–730 CFU/m<sup>3</sup>, while the number of mesophilic bacteria was slightly higher (0 - 896 CFU/m<sup>3</sup>). A high level of contamination and a large number of fungi (734 CFU/m<sup>3</sup>) were found in the indoor air of storage room, where the problem of biodeterioration of building partitions occurred. In the remaining rooms, the level of microorganisms was low or moderate. Microbiological tests of the outdoor air (background) did not reveal an excessive number of microorganisms in the air.