Thermal & structural performance of a cast in place reinforced concrete balcony thermal break
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Date
2018-12
Authors
Boila, Sarah Nicole
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Abstract
This thesis evaluates the performance of a balcony thermal break when reinforced with carbon steel, stainless steel, or glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Thermal experimental testing was performed along with three-dimensional finite element modelling to quantify the heat transfer through each variation of the system. Structural experimental testing was performed to assess the ultimate load capacity and serviceability performance of the thermal breaks. The experimental results indicated that the GFRP reinforced system provided the best thermal performance, providing the most significant reduction in heat transfer through the balcony system. The structural experimental results found that all three of the thermal break variations satisfied the ultimate strength requirements as designed. The deflection of the cantilevered balcony was least impacted by the presence of the thermal break when GFRP reinforcement was used, indicating that GFRP is also the preferred reinforcement type for structural requirements.
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Keywords
Structural engineering, Reinforced concrete, Fiber reinforced polymer, Building science