- Author
-
Martin, H. R.
|
Achenbach, P. R.
|
Dill, R. S.
- Title
- Effect of Edge Insulation Upon Temperature and Condensation on Concrete-Slab Floors.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Report
-
BMS 138
October 9, 1953
23 p.
- Keywords
-
floors
|
concret slabs
|
insulation
|
temperature
|
condensation reactions
|
structures
|
concrete slabs
- Abstract
- By means of a special structure, with necessary refrigerating apparatus and auxiliary equipment, nine concrete-slab floor specimens, each about 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 ft, were subjected to temperature conditions simulating those to which such floors in basementless houses are exposed during cold weather. As installed in the structure, the exposed edge of each specimen abutted or overlapped a foundation typical of that around the perimeter of a house; the other three edges were insulated to reduce the heat exchange to a negligible amount. The air in the structure above the specimen was maintained at about 70 deg F, and that above the earth beyond the exposed edge was maintained at 32 deg F and 0 deg F for the different tests in different ways to determine the effect of edge insulation on floor-surface temperatures and the possibility of condensation. It was found that the temperature of the floors with edge insulation was from 9 to 13 deg F higher at a point 1 in. from the cold wall and the average temperature of the 30-in. border next to the cold wall from 3 to 5 deg F higher than that of the floor without edge insulation, the simulated outdoor temperature being about 0 deg F in both cases. Condensation, which probably would occur on uninsulated floors under certain conditions, can be prevented by the use of edge insulation. Some recommendations concerning types and arrangements of edge insulation are included for outdoor temperatures as low as 0 deg R.