Numerical analysis study on the thermal performance of buildings with bamboo-steel composite envelope

Abstract

Bamboo materials have a wide range of applications, and the thermal environment of bamboo buildings requires in-depth analysis. In this paper, the Ecotect software was used to compare the indoor thermal environment variations over time and with outdoor temperatures between bamboo-steel building and building made of conventional materials. The insulation and thermal performance of bamboo-steel buildings were summarized. The relationships between the relevant design parameters of the bamboo-steel building and the indoor thermal environment were explored, and the factors influencing the thermal performance were identified. The results are as follows: (i) The thermal performance of bamboo-steel wall is intermediate between concrete block wall and double brick veneer wall; (ii) Indoor thermal comfort is better when the per capita area of bamboo-steel buildings is larger, and the thickness of the building envelope and weather conditions significantly affect the thermal comfort; (iii) When the window-to-wall ratio is 0.4, the wall thickness is 240 mm, and the interlayer thickness is 40 mm, bamboo buildings have better insulation and higher thermal comfort. These results provide scientific evidence for the utilization of bamboo buildings.