Concrete @ your Fingertips

Example of U value calculation

The example uses the following formulae.

Resistivity (R) = material thickness (d)
Thermal conductivity coefficient (k)

Thermal transmittance (U value) = 1/R

For a cavity wall system, two elements R1 and R2 exist:

R1 - The resistivity of the exterior wall plus cavity.
This is made up from the following components:

Resistivity of exterior wall surface - Rso
Resistivity of external render - Re
Resistivity of external blockwork (with mortar joints) - Reb
Resistivity of air gap in cavity - Ra

R2 - Resistivity of the interior wall.
This is made up from the following components:

Resistivity of expanded polystyrene insulation - Rix
Resistivity of internal blockwork (with mortar joints) - Rib
Resistivity of internal plaster - Rip
Resistivity of interior wall surface - Rso

Sum the resistivities for each componant through which heat will pass to find R1 and R2.
Add R1 and R2 to find R.
Calculate the U value from the inverse of the total resistivity R.

Allowance for the mortar joints around the blockwork should be made by using the resistivity of the mortar. This adjustment is calculated from the relative surface area of the mortar to the area of the blocks within the wall.

Note: This is a simplified method. For a more comprehensive calculation method, see BS EN ISO 6946:2007 Building components and building elements - Thermal resistance and thermal transmittance - Calculation method (ISO 6946:2007).

For an online calculator see https://mpamasonry.org/Housing-Structures/U-Values/U-Value-calculator.aspx

Acknowledgement: UKQAA