The Double C Block project. Thermal performance of a novel Concrete Masonry Unit with embedded insulation : preliminary test results

Abstract

Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) are a popular construction technology manufactured in a variety of thicknesses for the building of load and non-load bearing walls. The Double C Block is a novel composite CMU developed to offer enhanced thermal performance over the standard blocks. It features an original design registration where a polyurethane foam is inserted in between two concrete c-shape layers, thus acting as the insulating layer and the binding agent of the two concrete elements. The scope of the research is to describe the preliminary test results obtained when assessing the thermal performance of the block against three different methodologies: theoretical steady-state U-value calculations; a two-dimensional conduction steady-state heat-transfer simulation based on the finite-element method; and in situ monitoring of the U-value by means of the Heat Flow method. The results obtained thus far, show that the first two methodologies are corroborating each other, the U-Value of the Double C Block is 0.71 W/m2K including mortar. Whereas in-situ measurements are ongoing, results have so far given a range 1-1.5 W/m2K