What is the thermal conductivity of concrete, the thermal conductivity coefficient of monolithic reinforced concrete

A basic building material used in many construction projects worldwide is concrete. Thermal conductivity, or the ability to conduct heat, is one of its key characteristics. Gaining an understanding of this characteristic is crucial for guaranteeing the comfort and energy efficiency of buildings, particularly in the face of temperature fluctuations.

The rate at which heat moves through a material is indicated by the coefficient used to measure thermal conductivity. This coefficient varies for concrete according to its composition, density, and moisture content. Large-scale constructions frequently use monolithic reinforced concrete, which has unique thermal conductivity properties from other forms of concrete.

In real terms, engineers and architects can make more informed choices about insulation, heating, and cooling systems by being aware of the thermal conductivity coefficient of monolithic reinforced concrete. It is also essential for evaluating a building’s overall thermal performance, which affects occupant comfort and energy use.

The ability of concrete to transfer heat is measured by its thermal conductivity. This characteristic is essential to energy efficiency and building design. The ability of monolithic reinforced concrete to conduct heat is indicated by a specific thermal conductivity coefficient, which is commonly used in construction. Architects and engineers can design buildings that maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and save energy costs by having a better understanding of this coefficient.

The influence of thermal conductivity on the indoor microclimate

Among the many different materials, concrete massif is thought to be fairly common. The amount of heat transfer is its most important feature. It is necessary to consider this value even when designing a thermal insulation project in order to prevent unanticipated heat loss. In this instance, the structure will be dependable, long-lasting, and cozy to occupy.

The following benefits can be yours if you ascertain the concrete’s thermal conductivity coefficient and locate appropriate thermal insulation materials:

• reduce thermal energy costs;
• reduce heating costs;
• organize a comfortable microclimate in the room.

The following characteristics help to explain why the microclimate within the home depends on the amount of heat transfer:

1. As the values ​​increase, the heat supply intensity increases. As a result, the room cools down faster, but also warms up faster.
2. If heat transfer is reduced, heat is retained inside the building for a long time and does not escape outside.

Consequently, one of the most important factors in determining how comfortable a home is to live in is its degree of thermal energy conductivity. The structure, properties, and thermal conductivity of a material can vary depending on its properties. You must plan a capable project and thoroughly research the performance characteristics of each block before selecting one.

Thermal conductivity of reinforced concrete and thermal resistance

Before you begin building a structure, you should become acquainted with the following features:

1. Thermal conductivity coefficient. It indicates the volume of heat that passes through the block during a given interval. If the value decreases, this reduces the ability to pass thermal energy. When the values ​​increase, the situation looks the opposite.
2. Resistance of structures to heat loss. The indicator indicates the ability of the material to retain heat inside the building. If it is high, concrete is suitable for thermal insulation, if low – for rapid heat removal to the outside.

Such values need to be taken into particular consideration when designing a building project and performing thermal calculations.

Thermal conductivity coefficient

In search of a good material for construction, it is necessary to determine how the degree of thermal conductivity changes depending on the type and model of the monolith.

Coefficient for different types of monolith

You should review the table that lists all of the material types’ properties in order to compare thermal conductivity values. The least amount can be found in porous structures:

1. Dry blocks and gas-filled concrete have low thermal conductivity. It depends on the density values. If the specific gravity of the block is 0.6 t/m³, the coefficient will be 0.14. With a density of 1 t/m³ – 0.31. If the humidity is at the basic level, the values ​​will increase from 0.22 to 0.48. With an increase in humidity – from 0.25 to 0.55.
2. Concrete filled with expanded clay. Thermal conductivity is determined taking into account the density values. A product with a density of 0.5 t/m³ will receive a value of 0.14. As the density increases to 1.8 t/m³, the property will increase to 0.66.

The fillers that are used also affect the coefficient. Thus, the parameter will be 1.51 if crushed stone is present in heavy concrete (2.4 t / m³).

The thermal conductivity of slag will be between 0.3 and 0.7. Products based on 0.8-1 density perlite or quartz sand will have a thermal conductivity of 0.22-0.41.

Factors affecting the coefficient

Numerous factors influence the degree of conductivity of concrete, regardless of brand. Among them are:

1. Structure of the array. If there are air cavities in the monolith, heat transfer will be slow and without large losses. As porosity increases, thermal insulation improves.
2. Specific gravity of the array. A monolith has different densities, which determine its structure and intensity of heat exchange. As density indicators increase, heat transfer also increases. As a result, the structure loses heat faster.
3. Moisture content in concrete walls. Arrays with a porous structure are hygroscopic. Residual moisture in the capillaries can seep into the concrete and fill the air pores, facilitating rapid heat transfer.

When doing calculations, one must consider that a reduction in humidity reduces heat conductivity, which lowers the amount of heat loss.

It is possible to keep the building’s climate comfortable and prevent it from losing heat quickly with the use of porous materials. Low-thermal conductivity products are used in northern regions with harsh winters because they are good at insulating rooms.

Thermal conductivity and insulation of buildings

It’s crucial to consider the kind of material used to construct a home’s walls when planning an efficient thermal protection system. The different types of concrete arrays are identified by considering the operational properties and design details:

1. Structural. Necessary when erecting capital walls. They are characterized by increased resistance to loads and the ability to quickly transmit thermal energy.
2. Materials for thermal insulation. Used in the arrangement of rooms with minimal loads on the walls. They have a low weight, porous structure and low heat transfer.

It is advisable to use various types of concrete when building walls in order to guarantee that the room remains comfortably cool. The wall thickness indicators will, however, differ in this instance. With the following thickness parameters, the best possible level of heat conductivity can be achieved:

1. Foam concrete – no more than 25 cm.
2. Expanded clay concrete – up to 50 cm.
3. Bricks – 65 cm.

How is the calculation made?

Load-bearing walls are multi-layered to minimize thermal energy losses and maintain heat inside the house. R=p/k is the formula that you must use to determine the insulation layer’s thickness.

• R is an indicator of resistance to temperature fluctuations;
• p—layer thickness in meters;
• k — Heat conductivity of the monolith.

You can use a basic calculator to safely complete the calculation by using this formula. Divide the thickness by the thermal conductivity coefficient to find the solution.

Concrete’s heat conductivity is a crucial consideration in the planning and construction of buildings. It establishes the heat-transfer efficiency of concrete, which impacts the energy-efficiency of a building. In general, concrete conducts heat more effectively than other building materials like wood. However, depending on its composition, density, and moisture content, its thermal conductivity may change.

Often utilized in large constructions, monolithic reinforced concrete has unique properties related to its thermal conductivity. Because steel conducts heat more effectively than concrete, the presence of steel reinforcement can marginally increase thermal conductivity. Monolithic reinforced concrete nevertheless has good insulating qualities, which makes it appropriate for thermal management as well as structural strength.

Engineers and architects can choose materials and design strategies more wisely when they are aware of the concrete’s thermal conductivity coefficient. This information guarantees that structures are robust, long-lasting, and energy-efficient, which enhances overall comfort and sustainability. We can best balance structural integrity and thermal performance in our constructions by taking into account the thermal properties of concrete.

Video on the topic

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