Improving the thermal resistance of brick masonry systems

Finite element modeling was used to relate the coring or cell configuration of brick to the heat flow through brick masonry wall systems. Core or cell configurations that minimize thermal bridging through the brick thickness substantially reduced the heat flow through the masonry. The effect of bed depth on heat flow was also investigated. Larger units with optimized coring designs resulted in substantial reductions in heat flow. Heat flow through the mortar joint was also compared to heat flow through the brick. Wall designs that minimize the mortar joint thickness also reduce the heat flow. From these simulations, it is clear that a masonry system can be optimized to reduce heat flow. The effect of core or cell filling with various materials was also studied. Insulating materials reduce heat flow primarily by displacing mortar in the cores or cells. Copyright © 2010 by ASTM International.