Thermal Improvement of Perforated Ceramic Bricks

The main objective of this study was to decrease thermal transmittance (U value) of brick masonry, with minimum cost increase and without use of  insulation materials. Within the framework of this study, three new ceramic bricks were developed in order to improve the thermal performance of commonly used brick masonry in Chilean buildings. Design restrictions that keep external dimensions of bricks (14 cm) and fulfil structural requirements of Chilean standards, a country with high seismic activity, have been taken into account. Mathematical modelling and measurements of thermal and structural properties were carried out. The new types of bricks were manufactured by a local factory of ceramic products. Laboratory measurements showed that new masonry without stucco reached a U value between 1,64 W/m2K to 1,80 W/m2K, significantly lower than 2,22 W/m2K of the reference masonry. All structural requirements were fulfilled according to Chilean standards of gravitational and seismic loads.  Key words: ceramic bricks, brick thermal performance.