Improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Brazil by changing the geometry of ceramic bricks

Resumo

The performance of a building's thermal and energy systems is greatly affected by its building envelope. In Brazil, residential buildings typically utilize masonry walls with coatings, and the materials used, such as the block models, have a significant impact on their energy efficiency. However, cost is a limiting factor when it comes to improving performance. One way to modify thermal properties without significantly increasing manufacturing inputs is to explore new geometries of ceramic blocks. This study introduces a new ceramic block geometry for structural masonry, adapted from a commonly used 14cm thick commercial model in Brazil. The thermal properties of this new model are evaluated numerically using Abaqus software. Additionally, the study presents the findings of an energy simulation conducted on housing models in cities like Fortaleza, Brasília, and Curitiba using Energyplus software. The results show potential for reducing energy consumption in colder months while having a minimal impact on energy consumption in hotter climates, while still maintaining a comfortable temperature.