Changes in Clay Hollow Block Geometry for Energy Efficiency Benefits—Thermal Simulation for Brazil

Abstract

Masonry, which constitutes a large area of many buildings’ envelopes, represents important thermal performance and energy consumption functions. Clay hollow block geometry can influence these results. In this sense, this work aims to numerically evaluate the thermal properties and energy efficiency improvement provided by new geometries of clay blocks in the Brazilian context. Two commercial block geometries were selected, and new internal void geometries were proposed, maintaining approximately the same percentage of voids. The new formats were submitted to numerical simulation using Abaqus/CAE 2020 software, to obtain their thermal resistance. Finally, an energy simulation study was carried out in three housing typologies located in two Brazilian cities, Curitiba and Fortaleza, using EnergyPlus 9.2 software. Geometric changes resulted in reductions in thermal transmittance values of greater than 30% for the blocks and 20% for the walls. Regarding possible energy reduction, the study demonstrated that there is a non-significant reduction in values for periods of higher temperature (hottest month), in the evaluated schedule use, as well as a potential for savings (34% in the apartment typology for the coldest month) at lower temperatures. Findings of this study serve as a reference to discuss improvements in clay hollow brick geometry regarding energy efficiency and thermal comfort in the Brazilian context.