Modelling Settling of Loose-fill Insulation in Walls,Part II Determination of Coefficients

Abstract

This paper presents material parameters for theoretically estimating the necessary density of granular loose-fill insulation in walls in order to ensure volume stability. Various parameters including the friction coefficient, the horizontal stress ratio, the elastic modulus, instantaneous plastic strain and instantaneous elastic strain together with strain–time behaviour and progressive strain caused by an alternating relative humidity are determined. Parametersrelated to strain are determined from creep tests where the insulation material is exposed to a constant load. These characteristics describing the material behaviour are combined with theories describing creep of the material, thus providing a better understanding of the material behaviour of granulated loose-fill materials used as thermal insulation in walls. The theory used is outlined in ‘‘Modelling Settling of Loose-fill Insulation in Walls, Part I’’.