Selection of insulation materials for space frame structure buildings

In the selection of thermal insulation materials for space frame structure building, it is necessary to consider a number of factors to ensure that the selected materials can achieve the optimal balance of thermal insulation performance, safety, durability and many other aspects.

Thermal insulation performance

1.Thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is a key indicator of the performance of insulation materials. The lower the coefficient of thermal conductivity, the better the thermal insulation performance of the material. For example, the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam insulation material can be as low as 0.02 – 0.03W/(m-K), which is a kind of high-efficiency thermal insulation material. In the space frame structure building, especially for the building with strict thermal insulation requirements, such as cold storage, constant temperature and humidity laboratory, etc., should give priority to the selection of materials with low thermal conductivity, in order to reduce the heat transfer.

2.Thickness of insulation material

According to the thermal design requirements of the building and the local climatic conditions to determine the thickness of the insulation material. In cold regions, in order to withstand the cold, the need for thicker insulation to prevent indoor heat loss. For example, in some mesh-framed industrial plants in the north, rock wool insulation boards up to a thickness of 10 – 15 centimeters may be required to meet the requirements for winter insulation. At the same time, but also consider the density of the insulation material and other factors on the effect of insulation, in general, within a reasonable range, the density of the appropriate increase to help improve the insulation performance.

Fire performance

1.Fire rating

As the net frame structure building is mostly a large public building or industrial building, fire safety is crucial. Insulation materials should be used according to the function of the building and fire risk to choose the appropriate fire rating. For example, in the crowded gymnasium, exhibition halls and other space frame structure building, should be used in class A non-combustible insulation materials, such as rock wool, inorganic thermal insulation mortar, etc., in order to prevent the fire when the thermal insulation material combustion, produce toxic gases and contribute to the spread of fire.

2.Combustion performance and smoke toxicity

In addition to the fire rating, but also consider the combustion performance of insulation materials and smoke toxicity. Some insulation materials may produce a lot of smoke and toxic gases when burning, posing a threat to the safety of people’s lives. Like polystyrene foam insulation materials (EPS and XPS), although the thermal insulation performance is good, but the combustion will produce smoke and harmful gases, in the higher fire protection requirements of the space frame structureof the building needs to be used in strict fire treatment, such as adding flame retardants, or consider other safer alternative materials.

Durability

1.Weather resistance

Net frame structure building is usually exposed to the outdoor environment, the insulation material needs to have good weather resistance. It should be able to withstand the wind, sun, rain, snow and other natural factors. For example, glass wool insulation material has good weather resistance and will not easily age, deform or lose its insulation properties in a long-term natural environment. For the coastal areas of the space frame structure building, but also consider the salt spray resistance of the insulation material, to prevent salt erosion of the material.

2.Anti-aging performance

The anti-aging properties of the insulation material directly affects its service life. Some organic insulation materials, such as polyurethane foam, etc., in the ultraviolet radiation, oxidation and other factors may occur under the action of aging, resulting in a decline in thermal insulation performance. Therefore, when choosing to consider whether the material after anti-aging treatment, or choose the natural anti-aging advantages of inorganic insulation materials, such as ceramic fiber insulation materials.

Physical properties

1.Strength and stability

Space frame structure building in the process of use will be subject to wind load, snow load and other external forces. Insulation materials need to have a certain degree of strength and stability to prevent deformation and fall off under these external forces. For example, the compressive strength and flexural strength of the insulation board should meet the requirements of the building. In some large-span, high-space space frame structure buildings, the selection of insulation materials with high strength, such as rigid rock wool insulation board, can be better combined with the space frame structureto ensure the stability of the insulation system.

2.Density and weight

Considering the carrying capacity of the space frame structure , the density and weight of the insulation material are also important selection factors. Excessively heavy insulation materials may increase the load of the net frame structure and affect the safety of the structure. Therefore, it is necessary to choose insulation materials with suitable density and light weight. For example, although aerogel thermal insulation material has excellent thermal insulation performance, its density is very low and its weight is very light, which is a good choice in the space frame structure building that is sensitive to structural load.

Construction performance

1.Operability

Insulation materials should be easy to operate for construction. For example, the size of the insulation board should be easy to cut and install, and be able to adapt to the complex shape and nodes of the space frame structure. For some of the need for field spraying of insulation materials, such as polyurethane spray insulation materials, its construction process should be simple and easy to implement, and can ensure the quality of construction in different climatic conditions.

2.Compatibility with the space frame structure

Insulation materials should be able to combine well with the space frame structure. For example, some thermal insulation materials can be closely connected with the space frame rod through the special bonding agent or connectors. At the same time, to consider whether the insulation material in the installation process will cause damage to the space frame structure , such as in the drilling, nailing and other operations to ensure that it will not affect the mechanical properties of the space frame structure.