RESEARCH GRANT AWARD: RGA #01-23 Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies in Glazing Systems, Phase 2
The current state of practice for evaluating spandrel assembly thermal performance is lacking, and analytical approaches are inconsistent. Building codes and standards are also inadequate, leading to variable design execution on projects. While energy codes have become more stringent, spandrel assembly technologies have largely remained the same. There is a need for improved design guidelines, to bring consistency to calculation methods, to identify opportunities to improve materials, details, and systems, and inform future code provisions. This is Phase 2 of a four-phase research program to produce a Design Guidance Document. This Phase 2 scope will engage in an iterative approach of testing and modeling to develop a validated thermal simulation procedure. The Engineering Team developed a detailed plan in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Labortaory and Birch Point Consulting that includes testing and modeling of six common spandrel system types (test articles), each with up to three variations for a total of 18 variants (tests). This research is conducted by the team of RDH Building Science, Inc. (RDH), Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH), and Morrison Hershfield (MH).