Therm - OnDemand

Thermal bridging is an important consideration in Low Energy Building design. Generally, the aim is to wrap the entire thermal envelope in a blanket of insulation, thereby eliminating all bridges. However, practicalities and cost may prevent this goal from being achieved. To properly assess junctions that contain thermal bridging, 2D thermal modelling is often needed. This modelling must be carefully performed using validated software to ensure accurate results.

In this two-day course, participants will learn the fundamentals of thermal bridging calculations for wood-framed construction. Common junction details and their modelling conventions will be examined. Modelling techniques will be taught using Therm. Participants will be given the opportunity to perform calculations and have them reviewed in class.

Course Objectives:

1. Gain better understanding of heat loss in buildings due to thermal bridging

1. Understand what comprises a high quality junction detail

1. Assess degree of thermal bridging in a junction qualitatively

1. Learn basic commands in the steady state numerical analysis software THERM

1. Create 2D thermal models of junction details

1. Set up the steady state models to output correct results

1. Calculate heat flows in THERM

1. Analyse the calculation results to ensure accuracy

1. Learn and apply the Passive House thermal bridging modelling conventions

1. Quantify the degree of thermal bridging at junctions

1. Gain practical experience in the calculation of thermal bridging heat loss

1. Account for thermal bridging in building energy modelling software

Intended Audience: Building energy modellers, building envelope consultants, engineers, architects and other building professionals that wish to understand and quantify thermal bridging.

Prerequisites: Participants must have a familiarity with Excel and basic building heat loss calculations.