Effect of Floor Geometry on Building Heat Loss via the Ground

This paper analyzes the heat loss from an insulated slab on the ground, focusing on the influence of floor geometry on thermal processes in the ground. The calculation model includes the vertical and horizontal structures of the building; the foundation is also included. A building with a rectangular floor is considered; the ratio between the sides of floor (defined as aspect ratio) changes from 0 to 1. The thermal analysis is carried out resorting to a finite element code, validated in accordance with the requirements of International Standard ISO 10211. Numerical results show that floor geometry has a significant influence on steady-state ground global heat transfer coefficient; ranging from a narrow rectangular floor to a square one the steady-state ground global heat transfer coefficient decreases by about 15%. The effects of the perimeter insulation are also investigated; depending on the insulating layer thickness, the decrease of the heat transfer coefficient ranges from 8% to 13%. A comparison with the results obtained by applying the International Standard method ISO 13370 is also presented.