Experimental and Numerical Thermal Analysis of Joint Connection «Floor Slab – Balcony Slabe» with Integrated Thermal Break

The present paper was concerned with study of concrete connection with thermal partitioning using reinforced thermal break. The results of a building diagnostics inspection with a thermal imaging camera are represented below. Thereby such building failures as thermal bridges were identified in the connection area between balcony and floor slab. The thermal behavior of a balcony board with integrated reinforced insulating elements is investigated by means of measurement as well as numerical analysis. For this reason a specimen consisting of an externally insulated brick wall and a part of a balcony is tested under a steady state temperature gradient of 34 °C in an impermeable box. In accordance with the normative requirements temperature sensors are placed on critical sites within the construction and on its surface, prior to the pouring of cement. At the same time numerical analysis was realized using Fluent ANSYS workbench. Measured and calculated results are compared and degree of thermal break efficiency is explored.