scope:

Introduction

The recurrence of energy crises, coupled with increased public awareness and government action, have encouraged the development of building codes that include energy-conservation requirements. To reduce the use of nonrecoverable energy sources, almost all states and authorities have now adopted energy-conservation building codes and standards that apply to the design and construction of buildings. The design of energy-conserving buildings now requires an expanded understanding of the thermal properties of the building envelope and the materials that comprise the envelope system.

This guide provides thermal-property data and design techniques that are useful in designing concrete and masonry building envelopes for energy code compliance. The guide is intended for use by owners, architects, engineers, building inspectors, code-enforcement officials, and all those interested in the energy-efficient design of concrete and masonry buildings.