THERMAL SCIENCE

International Scientific Journal

Thermal Science - Online First

online first only

Main pathways for the emergence of optimized air cavity brick walls

ABSTRACT
The application of innovative construction techniques, such as the use of bricks with interconnected and well-arranged cavities, can promote enhanced insulation. Two hundred and forty-four different configurations were investigated thermally to improve their thermal performance and to promote some design guidelines. A configuration will then be selected to evaluate the thermal performance of facade walls based on several geometric morphologies, according to which they are either single or double walls. The selected house has been subjected to the climatic conditions of Ghardaia, which are hot and very severe during certain periods. The method for calculating the building's energy needs was applied to assess the energy required for heating and cooling according to the level of building compactness. The results initially indicated that longitudinal cavities improve the thermal resistance of hollow bricks and thus reduce the heat flow passing through the façade walls, while transverse walls decrease the thermal performance of these hollow bricks by creating thermal bridges within their structure. Adopting construction techniques that promote insulation, such as double walls can be beneficial. For buildings requiring thermal comfort, double-wall structures or more advanced insulation systems are generally recommended. The double-wall design helps reduce heating and cooling needs, resulting in significant energy savings of up to 36%. A compact design can lead to energy savings and a reduction in insulation needs, while still maintaining adequate thermal comfort.
KEYWORDS
PAPER SUBMITTED: 2025-03-13
PAPER REVISED: 2025-04-19
PAPER ACCEPTED: 2025-04-25
PUBLISHED ONLINE: 2025-07-05
DOI REFERENCE: https://doi.org/10.2298/TSCI250313103B
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