Technical field
[0001] The invention relates to building elements in a shape of blocks or other shape, in
particular, to building masonry elements with variable physico-constructional heat
insulation, and heat and moisture accumulation properties, provided for ensuring the
microclimate of the space in dynamic working conditions with minimal energy resources
consumption.
Background Art
[0002] There are known building blocks - bricks, containing cavities filled with heat insulating
material (
DE3100642,
FR2192226,
DE2719860,
GB2255117). Heat insulating properties of these blocks are much better than those of conventional
perforated bricks.
[0003] There is known a block, containing cavities that are partially or completely filled
with water-repellent mineral wool in cushion form (
DE10058463). The main drawback of the known block is that its structure does not provide an
adequate load-bearing capacity of the masonry wall construction, because of the area
of masonry elements cavities relative to the total block area is more than 40%. This
significantly exceeds the limits set by EN 1996-1-1, so it is not allowed to erect
load-bearing delimiting constructions from these ceramic blocks using Eurocode Building
Regulations EN 1996-1-1. In addition, the known block cannot be effectively used in
conjunction with phase transition material - the arrangement of heat insulating material
in the known block is symmetrical, both in an outer- and space-facing parts of the
delimiting construction.
[0004] A building block is known, containing a number of internal regions with different
structure and/or content (
DE19741282). Some of said block regions contain cavities, filled with ceramic foam. Said regions
are parallel to block side walls, adapted for holding of plaster layer. The main drawback
of the block is that due to cavity covering approximately 1/3 of the block or an area
that is >30% from the total area of the block, which cavity is designed in the centre
of the element, it does not provide an adequate load-bearing capacity of the masonry
wall constructions. This also exceeds the limitations set by EN 1996-1-1. In addition,
the known block does not provide adequate efficacy of the space microclimate stabilization
due to the arrangement of heat insulating material, which is symmetrical both in an
outer- and space-facing parts of the delimiting construction. In addition the cavities
of the space-facing part are not provided to be filled with phase transition material.
[0005] A building block is known (
DE202005000723 U1) containing two parts. The extending-through holes are formed in the two parts, provided
for filling therein heat insulating material. The cross-sectional area of holes of
a first part are larger than the cross-sectional area of the holes of a second part,
in addition, the ratio of cross-sectional area of the holes of the first part to the
cross-sectional area of the holes of the second part is less than 10, preferably -
less than 5. The total thickness of walls of the second part of block holes is 1.5-2.5
times larger than total thickness of walls of the block first part holes. The main
drawback of the block is that the thickness of block walls is equal for both large
and small cross-sectional holes and the vectors of their layout relative to the ceramic
element symmetry axes does not provide increased masonry constructions resistance
to tangential buckling deformations, because it does not provide an adequate increase
of wall thickness in the direction of application of tangential buckling. In addition,
when cross-sectional areas of the holes differ so significantly (for 1.5-2.5 times),
in the course of forming blocks structural interfaces develop between flows of the
material with significantly different speeds and pressures. After completion of forming
process, when forming pressure is interrupted, the process of levelling of strain
differences starts, induced by pressure, on interface of said flows, causing permanent
deformations on the flows interfaces. During further technological processes of drying
and baking these deformations increase, forms split in the ceramic walls and either
destroy product or significantly reduce its strength.
[0006] In the construction sphere phase transition materials are used as well, containing
substances with high melting enthalpy; substances capable of storing and releasing
large amount of energy and under the effect of external factors (e.g., in the result
of ambient temperature changes) changes in phases, e.g. - transfers from solid aggregative
state to liquid or vice versa. In this way heat is absorbed or emitted (C. Castellón
et.al.
"Use of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials in Building Applications". ASHRAE, 2007).
[0007] A building block is known (
CN101196067) containing four walls, one of which is convex, and the parallel wall - is concave.
Block contains three cavities, which are mutually separated by block internal walls.
One cavity is adapted to be filled with phase transition material, and the two others
- with heat insulating material. Block is provided with removable lid, adapted to
cover the upper part of the block cavity containing phase transition material. The
cavities for phase transition material are provided with reinforcing ribs adapted
to hold said removable lid. A groove is formed at the centre of the block's upper
part, which coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the block; the block concave
wall and the block convex wall also has corresponding grooves which coincide with
vertical symmetry axis of these walls. Said grooves are adapted to receive reinforcement
therein. The main drawback of the block is that one large cavity which is adapted
to be filled with phase transition material does not provide efficient utilization
of phase transition material. Firstly, due to the large thickness of the material
layer, the heat coming from the material is difficult to convey to premises and remove
from them. The impact of phase transition material to the space microclimate significantly
depends on response rate. Large thickness of phase transition material significantly
reduces the response rate. Secondly, thick layer of the phase transition material
layer defines much higher costs of production. Thirdly, in the course of time under
the effect of gravity force phase transition material becomes compacted; in the result
a relatively large gap arises at the upper part of said large cavity, reducing the
heat exchange and microclimate stabilization properties of the building block.
Disclosure of the invention
[0008] The aim of the invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art solutions
and to propose a building block, provided to ensure set microclimate in premises in
dynamic working conditions with minimum energy resources consumption.
[0009] The set aim is achieved by the proposed structure of the masonry building unit, where
the masonry unit contains two parts: part (A) and part (B); part (A) contains outer
walls of the unit, a number of cavities, adapted to be filled with heat insulation
material, walls of the cavities, which are perpendicular to heat flow direction and
walls of the cavities, which are parallel to heat flow direction; part (B) contains
a number of cavities, adapted to be filled with phase transition material; the cross-sectional
area of the part (A) cavities is larger than the cross-sectional area of the part
(B) cavities, where the cross-sectional shape of part (B) cavities is such, that its
perimeter is larger than perimeter of the same cross-sectional area having rectangular
shape, and the material volume of the walls of masonry unit parts (A) and (B) is in
the ranges between 45% and 70% of the volume of cavities, and the volume ratio of
the material and cavities in each of the parts (A, B) of the masonry unit is in the
range between 1% and10%, preferably - between 4% and 6%.
[0010] One embodiment of the masonry building unit is shown in Fig. 1, which is the longitudinal
section of the masonry unit.
[0011] The part A of the masonry unit is designed to be located in the outside-facing wall
part of the building, and the part B - to be located in the inside-facing part. The
part A of the unit contains the unit's outer wall 1. The part A contains cavities
2, and the part B - cavities 6. Cavities 2 and 6 are asymmetrical and, preferably
- extending-through.
[0012] Cavities 2 are mutually separated from each other with walls 3 and 4. Walls 3 are
perpendicular to the heat flow direction, and walls 4 - are parallel to the heat flow
direction. According to the preferred embodiment the unit contains two or more parallel
rows of the cavities 2 (e.g., as it is shown in Fig. 1), preferably from 3 to 7 rows.
In addition, the preferable mutual arrangement of the cavities 2 in the part A of
the unit - is staggered.
[0013] Cavities 2 have greater cross-section than cavities 6. Cavities 6 are separated from
each other with walls 5. According to the preferred embodiment the unit contains three
or more parallel rows of cavities 6 (e.g., as it is shown in Fig. 1), preferably from
4 to 15 rows. The preferable mutual arrangement of the cavities 2 in the part B of
the unit - staggered.
[0014] The cavities of the part A are adapted to be filled with heat insulation material
(e.g., glass or rock-wool, eco-wool, synthetic foam material - foam polystyrene, polyurethane
or polyamide foam or geo-polymer foam with low volume weight). The cavities of the
part B are adapted to be filled with material, containing the carrier of phase transition
material and phase transition material pellets. A shredded fibre of mineral origin,
such as rock-wool or glass-wool fibre, and plant-based fibre - hemp or flax sheave,
eco-wool can be used as the carrier of the phase transition material. Said phase transition
material is selected with the aim to achieve larger interval of thermal effect of
the phase transition.
[0015] When masonry units are designed to be used for premises, where moisture content is
to be stabilized (exhibition galleries, museums, libraries) - hygroscopic fibre (eco-wool,
hemp fibre, wood-fibre, geo-polymer filling, gypsum mortar) is preferred. When the
priority is stabilization of temperature in the premises and the moisture stabilization
is not required, mineral fibres and materials without expressed hygroscopic properties
(rock or glass wool fibres sealing, fast-setting cement mortar or organic polymers)
are preferred. Geo-polymer mineral foam also can be used as phase transition material.
In this case foam can have higher volume weight than foam, provided as a filling for
the outer-wall facing part of the block.
[0016] The division and filling of the cavities of the parts A and B of the unit can be
varied depending on designed energy efficiency of premises, heat and moisture change
intensity and the planned comfort categories level of microclimate in premises.
[0017] For premises with high energy efficiency requirements the increased thickness of
outer heat insulating layer is preferred. For premises with increased microclimate
criteria the thickness of the space internal heat and moisture accumulating and stabilizing
layer is preferred.
[0018] The proposed masonry unit can be ceramic. The volume ratio of the ceramic element's
wall material in the parts A and B of the block is equal and ranges between 45% and
70% of the volume of the cavities, wherein the allowed difference of the volume part
of cavities in the parts A and B does not exceed 10%, preferably does not exceed 5%.
This provides a possibility for making units by extrusion of clay and burnt-out additives
paste, using traditional building ceramics technical equipment.
[0019] The increased cross-sectional area of the masonry unit part A cavities 2 allows to
fill them by heat insulating material with less degree of compression. For this purpose
both - preformed cores of corresponding size from heat insulating material can be
used, by inserting them in the cavities 2 by using core shove-in technique, and fibre
pieces of corresponding length from heat insulating material, by inserting them in
the cavities 2 (e.g., by filling shredded fibre in the cavities 2 on vibrating conveyor
by rotating brushes).
[0020] According to the preferable embodiment, the cavities 2 of the part A of the masonry
unit in cross-section have a rectangular shape, wherein the layout axis of the longitudinal
side of the of the rectangular is parallel to the axis of the section of wall placement
plan, and the length of the transverse side of the rectangular cavity 2 is ½ from
the length of the cavity 2 longitudinal side. This construction provides a suspension
of potential cold bridges, and economic benefits for the preparation of heat insulating
cores of uniform size due to possibility to use a single core for filling the small
aperture, and two cores for filling the large aperture, accordingly.
[0021] The preferred thickness of the walls 3 and 4 of the masonry unit part A cavities
is ≥3 mm, preferably ≥ 5 mm, and thickness of the outer wall 1 of the unit is ≥ 5,
preferably
> 8 mm. The thickness of the walls 4 of the cavities 2, when viewed parallel to the
heat flow direction, is between 0.3 to 1, preferably 0.5 of the thickness of the walls
3 of the cavities 2, when viewed transverse to the heat flow direction. An observation
of this condition ensures the static load resistance of the unit to buckling deformations
and provides compliance of the unit to the requirements of Table 3.1. "Geometrical
requirements for Grouping of Masonry Units", "EN 1996-1-1, set forth in "Eurocode
6 - Design of masonry structures - Part 1-1" for ceramic masonry units of the groups
2 and 3.
[0022] The reduced cross-sectional area of the masonry unit part B cavities 6 allows inserting
there phase transition material with higher degree of compression. For this purpose
fast-setting paste can be used prepared from phase transition material microgranules
and mortar binder material (e.g. gypsum, fast-setting cement, fast-setting organic
polymer or geo-polymer), and mixture from phase transition material microgranules
and shredded fibre of mineral or organic origin (glass or rock wool, hemp fibre, wood-fibre
and eco-wool, synthetic fibres with a fibre length ≤4 mm; shredded fibre in the block
cavities can be filled on the vibrating conveyor by rotating brushes). An observation
of this condition ensures efficient realization of heat exchange process of the phase
transition material in the space heat accumulation or emission.
[0023] The preferable shape of the unit part B cavities 6 cross-section is trapezoidal or
rhombic - with an increased surface area per volume unit.
[0024] As phase transition material can be used known microcapsules of phase transition
materials, e.g.: Basf SE Micronal DS 5008 X (polymer dispersions for construction);
Rubitherm Technologies GmbH Rubitherm SP 25 A8; Microtek Laboratories, Inc. MPCM 24,
24D , MPCM 18D; RGEES LLC, savEnrg PCM 21P.
1. A masonry unit containing two parts: part (A) and part (B), where
- part (A) contains outer wall (1) of the unit, a number of cavities (2) adapted to
be filled with heat insulating material, walls (3) of the cavities (2) being perpendicular
to heat flow direction and walls (4) of the cavities (2) being parallel to heat flow
direction;
- part (B) contains a number of cavities (6) adapted to be filled with phase transition
material, and walls (5) of the cavities (6), characterized in that the cavities (2) have larger cross-sectional area than cavities (6), wherein cavities
(6) cross-sectional shape is such, that its perimeter is larger than the perimeter
of the same cross-sectional area having rectangular shape, and the material volume
of the parts (A) and (B) of the masonry unit walls (1, 3, 4, 5) is in the range between
45% and 70% from the volume of cavities (2, 6), and the volume ratio of masonry unit
material and cavities (2, 6) in each of the parts (A, B) is in the range between 1%
and 10%, preferably - between 4% and 6%.
2. The masonry unit according to claim 1, characterized in that thickness of the walls (4) is between 0.3 and 1, preferably 0.5 of thickness of the
walls (3).
3. The masonry unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that cavities' volume difference in the parts (A) and (B) does not exceed 10%, preferably
- does not exceed 5%.
4. The masonry unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavities' (2) cross-section has rectangular shape, hereto the cavities' (2) longitudinal
side is parallel to the wall's (1) longitudinal axis, and the length of the shortest
side of the rectangular cavity (2) is 0.5 of the length of the cavity's (2) longitudinal
side.
5. The masonry unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavities' (6) cross-section has trapezoidal or rhombic shape.
6. The masonry unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains two or more cavities (2) in parallel rows, preferably between three and
seven rows or three and more cavities (6) in parallel rows, preferably between four
to fifteen rows; the preferable mutual arrangement of the cavities (2) of the unit
part (A) and preferable mutual arrangement of the cavities (6) of the unit part (B)
- staggered.
7. The masonry unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that thickness of the walls (3) and (4) is ≥3 mm, preferably ≥ 5 mm, and thickness of
the wall (1) is ≥ 5, preferably ≥ 8 mm.
8. The masonry unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavities (2) are filled with heat insulating material.
9. The masonry unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavities (6) are filled with phase transition material.
10. The masonry unit according to the claim 8 and/or 9, where heat insulation material
is selected from the group containing: glass wool, rock-wool, eco-wool, foam polystyrene,
polyurethane or polyamide foam or geo-polymer foam.