Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies in Glazing Systems Research Roadmap, Phase 2

Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies in Glazing Systems Research Roadmap, 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 Laboratory 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). The US Department of Energy is key to the project through involvement by both Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and ORNL. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is also involved with the project.

• Grant Details

  Project

  Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies in Glazing Systems Research Roadmap, Phase 2

  Grantee

  RDH Building Science Inc.

  Category

  Exterior Wall Systems

  Subcategory

  Sustainability

  Grant #

  01-23

  Award Amount

  $67,000

  Grant Period

  July 15 - October 15, 2024

  Grant Status

  Active

  Principal Investigators

  Wei Lam (RDH), Vince Cammalleri (SGH), Stephane Hoffman (MH)

  Industry Champions

  Tom Culp, Birch Point Consulting

  CPF Allies

  Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  Supporters

  International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), RCI-IIBEC Foundation, American Institute of Architects (AIA)

  Research Deliverables

   

   

• Resources / Downloads

  • RGA #04-22 Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies in Glazing Systems Research Roadmap, Phase 1

    Phase 1 Report
  • Thermal Performance of Spandrels: Sustainable Development, Leadership, and Investment Opportunities

    August 2023 Webinar
  • Webinar Recording: Thermal Performance of Spandrels

    Recording of the webinar presented on Tuesday, 8 August 2023