Cambrian prof develops heat-saving construction technique

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Cambrian College professor Kameal Mina discovered that a construction method which uses staggered studs reduces heat loss from buildings. Supplied photo.

Cambrian College professor Kameal Mina discovered that a construction method which uses staggered studs reduces heat loss from buildings. Supplied photo.

Aug 18, 2010- 2:54 PM

By: Sudbury Northern Life Staff

Research recently published by Kameal Mina, professor and program co-ordinator for the Energy Systems Technology program at Cambrian College, proves a building’s conductive heat loss can be reduced by using an alternative construction technique.

Traditionally, buildings have been constructed with wooden frames that are supported by parallel studs, stated a press release from Cambrian College.

Using applied research labs at Cambrian College, Mina compared this technique to an alternative framing method that uses staggered studs.

The science behind the concept is that heat escapes more quickly through wood studs than insulation, so by reducing the number of studs and increasing the amount of insulation used, more heat can be
retained by a building.

This technique has been used by builders before, but Mina is the first to develop a mathematical formula that objectively proves staggered studs retain more heat than parallel studs, the press release said.

Specifically, his research produced three main findings:

-Staggered studs enhanced the thermal resistance (R-value) of the walls.
-The increase in R-value reached more than 16 per cent in the case study considered in his paper.
-Staggered studs reduced the amount of lumber required for framing, thereby reducing construction costs. A 41 per cent reduction was achieved in the case study considered in his paper.
-The weight load on the floor below the staggered stud frame was significantly reduced, thereby increasing the long-term stability of the building.

This research project was inspired by Energy Systems Technology (ESTY) students in Mina’s energy modeling class who questioned whether staggering the studs in a wall would improve overall building insulation.

Future ESTY students will have the opportunity to explore this concept on their own as part of the
program’s curriculum.

Mina’s next two projects are supported by a grant from the Natural Sciences and Research Council (NSERC) and will be focused on wind-to-hydrogen design and development of a prototype heat battery for the optimal storage of solar energy.

“Kameal’s research is contributing to the economic development of our region as well as the sustainable energy industry as a whole,” Sherrill McCall, director of planning and research at Cambrian College, said in a press release.

“By working in collaboration with industry partners and students, his projects are helping contribute to local research and development that will generate business and job opportunities in Northern Ontario.”

Mina presented his findings at the 2010 International Conference on Building Envelope Systems and Technologies (ICBEST) organized by National Research Council of Canada and held June 27-30 in Vancouver.

The complete research paper has been published in ICBEST 2010 Vancouver Proceedings, Volume 1,
now available at Cambrian College’s Library and Learning Commons. 

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2 Comments

  • noofie 8/20/2010 2:25:01 PM - Report Abuse

    This article is another narrow academic study with the only purpose being getting to go to conventions and trade gatherings on the Cambrian ticket to deliver the paper and to suck more research money out of our government.

    41% cheaper? I doubt it. With this system your headers and footers have to be 2x12 rather than 2x4 to accomodate the staggered studs.

    The oc spacing between the staggered studs on the wall will be 32 or 48". This messes up the drywall joint spacing and will require thicker drywall to withstand the wider gap to prevent a wall so flimsy a 4 year old will break it by running into it in normal childs play.

    Added insulation will be from typically 6" to what appears to be 10 1/2". While this can be justified in part by reduced heating, it will double the capital cost and add to the installation labour.

    From the aesthetic point of view, the windows will now be set so deep in the walls the sills will be 12" wide with a major reduction in heat gain and ambiant lighting.

    Northern Life...you have to stop writing down everything these people with an agenda tells you without asking questions or verifying what they tell you.

  • sandman 8/20/2010 12:44:46 PM - Report Abuse

    this is great!
    I don't think the construction companies will take kindly to 41% cheaper though... I doubt that would factor in to your pocket. more for less? there is no profit in that!

    great work though, it makes sense.
    hopefully we can work towards cost effetive sooner than later in this "Green" initiative of sustainability.

    then more folks can actually get on board!!!
    rather than only the trendy rich folks.

    PEACE
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