Author

DR. B. BAICHE, MR. C. KENDRICK, PROF. R. OGDEN and DR. N. WALLIMAN

Department of Architecture, School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University

Abstract

This paper explores the potential to develop a successful composite masonry unit comprising of two brick slips, a concrete block and a specially profiled polyurethane (or polystyrene). Part one of the paper investigates solutions to air and water penetration. The challenge was to design a prototype masonry unit that would exclude air and rainwater from the insulation layer, under the assumption that mortar cannot be relied upon to perform this function. In part two, the incidence of interstitial condensation within the composite block is calculated, based on the method in BRE Digest 110. Using thermal conduction model, U-value of the proposed composite unit is predicted, and to conform to Part L1 of current and future Building Regulations, respective thicknesses of insulation core are estimated. The results of buildability tests, carried out as part of constructing composite masonry panels to be tested for flexural strength, are reported. Composite masonry and lightweight concrete panels were tested for flexural strength parallel to the bed joints in accordance with BS5628: 1992, and their individual bending stresses are compared.