Thermal mass with steel

摘要

Many designers are looking to mobilise the thermal mass of a building to help minimise the energy required for cooling. It is believed in some quarters that large, heavy buildings are capable of mobilising greater amounts of thermal mass than lightweight alternatives. This has led to a situation where many designers wishing to utilise thermal mass turn to reinforced concrete frames. However, independent research has shown that optimum thermal mass is provided by the first 100mm of concrete in a floor slab.