The Key Role of Insulation Materials in Space Frame Structures

In the field of modern construction, space frame structure is widely used because of its unique spatial modeling and good mechanical properties. Insulation materials play a crucial role in the space frame structure, from improving energy efficiency to improving the comfort of the indoor environment and other aspects play an irreplaceable role.

Energy Efficiency Improvement

Reduce heat transfer

Space frame structure usually has a large surface area, in the absence of thermal insulation measures, heat is easily passed through the roof and wall of the space rod quickly. Insulation acts as a “thermal barrier” to reduce the rate of heat exchange between indoors and outdoors. In winter, for example, it prevents heat from escaping through the space frame structure to the cold outdoors, reducing energy consumption for heating equipment. Polystyrene foam board (EPS), for example, has an extremely low thermal conductivity, which significantly reduces heat transfer when installed on the inside of the roof and walls of a space frame structure. In some industrial factory buildings with mesh frame structure, the use of EPS insulation material can reduce indoor heat loss by about 30% – 50% in winter, greatly reducing energy costs.

Realize the goal of building energy saving

With the global emphasis on energy conservation and environmental protection, building energy-saving standards are becoming increasingly stringent. The application of thermal insulation materials in the space frame structure is one of the important means to realize the goal of building energy saving. In some large sports stadiums or exhibition halls and other network structure building, through the reasonable selection and installation of insulation materials, such as rock wool insulation board, etc., can make the overall thermal insulation performance of the building has been significantly improved, to achieve the national energy-saving building standards.

Second, indoor environmental comfort improvement

1.Temperature regulation

Insulation materials can help maintain a relatively stable indoor temperature in mesh frame structure buildings. In summer, it can block the outside heat from entering the room and reduce the load on the air conditioning system; in winter, it can prevent the loss of indoor heat and keep the room warm. For example, in the space frame structure of the terminal building, the use of efficient thermal insulation materials, the range of indoor temperature fluctuations is significantly reduced, and passengers are able to wait for their flights in a comfortable temperature environment.

2.Humidity control and anti-condensation

Good insulation materials can also regulate indoor humidity to a certain extent. When the surface temperature of the space frame structure is close to the dew point temperature of the indoor air, it is easy to produce condensation. Insulation reduces the likelihood of such condensation by increasing the surface temperature of the structure. For example, in some swimming pools, the spaceframe structure roof, the use of insulation materials with a moisture-proof layer can effectively prevent condensation, protect the spaceframe structure from moisture erosion, but also create a comfortable humidity environment for the interior.

Protection of space frame structure

1.Prevent temperature deformation

The metal rods of the space frame structure will produce thermal expansion and contraction phenomenon when the temperature changes. Without the buffer of insulation materials, frequent temperature changes may lead to deformation of the rods, affecting the stability and service life of the structure. Insulation materials can reduce the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the structure, reducing the degree of temperature deformation.

2.Slow down the corrosion rate

Insulation materials can prevent the external water vapor, acid rain and other corrosive substances from directly contacting the metal rods of the space frame structure. For example, in the space frame structure building in the coastal area, the air with high salt content is easy to corrode the metal structure. The combination of thermal insulation materials and waterproof coating can form a protective barrier, effectively slowing down the corrosion rate of metal rods and extending the service life of the space frame structure.

Optimization of acoustic performance

Sound insulation and noise reduction

Some thermal insulation materials also have good sound insulation properties. In the space frame structure building, such as commercial buildings or factories located near major transportation routes, outside traffic noise can be transmitted to the interior through the space frame structure. Insulation materials can absorb and reflect some of the sound, reducing the noise level in the room. For example, glass wool insulation material can effectively isolate high-frequency noise and make the indoor environment quieter.

Improvement of acoustic environment

In some of the higher requirements for the acoustic environment of the space frame structure building, such as concert halls, theaters, etc., the combination of thermal insulation materials and acoustic design can optimize the acoustic effect of the interior. By adjusting the thickness, density and installation position of the insulation material, etc., the sound reflection, absorption and diffusion can be controlled to create a good listening experience.