Development and Performance Assessment of Prefabricated Insulation Elements for Deep Energy Renovation of Apartment Buildings

Abstract

A need for the refurbishment and renewal of the existing building stock has been in focus for many decades, principally because of excessive global energy consumption and pollution. This paper presents a methodology and the results of analysis of choices of realizable sets of timber frame prefabricated insulation elements for major renovation of apartment buildings. Numerous combinations of elements with different characteristics were analyzed by applying measurements, interviews, and building performance simulation software, and thereupon their performance, installation eligibility, and concurrent cost levels were compared. Mineral wool board with a special wind barrier facing was found to be the best material as a wind barrier from the perspective of hygrothermal performance. An air and vapor barrier should have sufficient vapor permeability to allow dry-out of constructional moisture. It is possible to renovate apartment buildings to meet the nZEB energy performance requirements and their moisture safety can be guaranteed without paying high relative difference cost. Calculations showed that the global cost was lower for solutions with some mold growth risk. Great care is needed when decreasing costs without simultaneous hygrothermal analyses. The facade cladding was found to have the highest influence on the initial cost of the prefabricated insulation element.

Hygrothermal Performance of Prefabricated Insulation Elements for Serial Renovation of Apartment Buildings in a Moderately Continental German Climate

“…The fiber cement board gave better results compared to the membrane (although it has lower water vapor permeability) due to its larger buffering capacity. The results obtained in the current research agree with earlier studies on large concrete panels [11] and aerated autoclaved external walls [21], insulated with prefabricated insulation elements in a cold and humid climate.…”

“…The challenge is to adapt industrialization to the renovation market as a modern and commercial approach to renovations [8]. The use of prefabricated multifunctional modular renovation elements could help to fulfil all these ambitions [9][10][11].…”

Risk index evaluation of prefabricated buildings based on Monte Carlo and visual recognition neural network

“…Prefabricated building means that after the components that have been standardized, they are hoisted by various types of machinery and equipment, and then the components are connected by bolts, nails, post-cast concrete or mortar anchors and other processes. It becomes a safe and reliable building structure with a certain bearing capacity [13]. The classification of prefabricated buildings varies according to different standards, and the existing classifications are mainly based on the differences in the materials and structural forms that constitute the building.…”

“…Due to the differences in materials and the differences in the combination of different materials, the classifications are: steel bars, reinforced concrete, steel skeleton concrete, section steel concrete, light steel and wood, etc. [14]. According to the different structural stress and materials, there are prefabricated concrete structures, prefabricated steel structures, prefabricated reinforced concrete structures, prefabricated wood structures, etc.…”

Benefit Evaluation Model of Prefabricated Buildings in Seasonally Frozen Regions

“…Kebeckova et al [2] studied the adverse effects of the internal microclimate of prefabricated buildings from 1950 to 1990 on the health of users, and proposed corresponding remedial measures, but the research scope was narrow and Energies 2021, 14, 7119 2 of 18 could not be combined with modern prefabricated building technology. Pihelo et al [3] conducted research and development and performance evaluation of prefabricated thermal insulation components in prefabricated apartment floors. The paper proposes the use of mineral wool boards with special wind-proof panels and aerated autoclaved concrete walls to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in apartment buildings.…”