PROJECT SUPPORT

Concrete Masonry Radiant Heating/Cooling Systems

CMHA TEK 06-10A

Radiant heat has long been popular due to its comfort, quiet operation and cleanliness. The radiant element is directly coupled to the adjacent room, with no drafts or convection currents common with forced air systems. Duct noise and dust distribution is also reduced.

Concrete masonry has been successfully used as an integral part of these systems in both residential and commercial applications, as both radiant floors and walls. Hollow concrete masonry cores are aligned and interconnected to form air distribution channels. Heated or cooled air in the channels heats or cools the masonry, which then radiates to the interior space. These systems are generically termed “air core.”

Concrete masonry heats up and cools down slowly, improving comfort by moderating indoor temperature swings and helping shift utility loads to off-peak hours, when utility rates are generally lower. Further economy is provided by using the building’s structure as part of the heating and air-conditioning system. Depending on the application, culls or reclaimed concrete masonry units may be utilized as well.

DOWNLOAD PDF
RELATED RESOURCES
Crack Control Strategies for Concrete Masonry Construction
Concrete masonry is a popular construction material because its inherent attributes satisfy the diverse needs of both interior walls and exterior envelopes over a wide array of applications. While these attributes are the primary basis for concrete masonry’s popularity, performance should not be taken for granted. Cracks in building assemblies and building materials may result from restrained movement originating within the material, as with volume changes due to moisture loss or gain, or from temperature expansion or contraction. Cracking may also be caused by movements of adjacent or supporting elements or systems, such as deflection of beams or settlement of foundations. In many cases, movement is inevitable and must be accommodated or controlled, which requires an understanding of the sources of stress that cause cracking. While would be a simple matter to prevent cracking if there were only one cause or variable, in reality crack mitigation requires identifying and addressing a combination of potential sources.This Tech Note reviews the common causes of cracking, from both internal and external sources, in concrete masonry construction and presents proven strategies and detailing approaches to mitigate and control shrinkage-induced cracks. The Solutions Summary section of this Tech Note provides a summary overview of these recommendations, with more detailed explanation, construction details, and background provided in the subsequent discussion.
,
VIEW RESOURCE
Concrete Masonry Highway Sound Barriers
This TEK covers acoustic requirements for concrete masonry highway sound barriers. For structural design considerations, the reader is referred to Allowable Stress Design of Pier and Panel Highway Sound Barrier Walls (refs. 3).
,
VIEW RESOURCE
Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class of Concrete Masonry Walls
Providing a quality indoor acoustic environment is becoming a higher priority in many cases; particularly in urban environments where noise from traffic and other outside sources can be a significant distraction, especially in schools, homes and the workplace. Concrete masonry walls provide excellent noise control due to their ability to effectively block airborne sound transmission over a wide range of frequencies.
,
VIEW RESOURCE
Noise Control with Concrete Masonry
Sound control is an important design consideration in most buildings. Sound control involves two important properties: sound transmission and sound absorption, as depicted in Figure 1. The International Building Code (IBC, refs. 1, 2) contains minimum requirements for sound transmission in certain situations (see Sound Transmission Class Ratings of Concrete Masonry Walls, TEK 13-01D, ref. 3). However, the IBC does not contain minimum requirements for sound absorption, although proper control of sound reflected back into the room is a very important design function in many buildings as well, such as concert halls, gymnasiums, places of assembly, rooms containing loud equipment.
,
VIEW RESOURCE
Sound Transmission Class Ratings for Concrete Masonry Walls
Unwanted noise can be a major distraction, whether at school, work or home. Concrete masonry walls are often used for their ability to isolate and dissipate noise. Concrete masonry offers excellent noise control in two ways. First, it effectively blocks airborne sound transmission over a wide range of frequencies. Second, concrete masonry effectively absorbs noise, thereby diminishing noise intensity. Because of these abilities, concrete masonry has been used successfully in applications ranging from party walls to hotel separation walls, and even highway sound barriers.
, ,
VIEW RESOURCE
Concrete Masonry Unit Shapes, Sizes, Properties, and Specifications
The most widely used standards for specifying concrete masonry units in the United States are published by ASTM International. These ASTM standards contain minimum material and property requirements that assure quality performance. These requirements include items such permitted constituent materials, minimum compressive strength, maximum linear drying shrinkage, maximum absorption, permissible variations in dimensions, and finish and appearance criteria.The letter and first number of an ASTM designation is the fixed designation for that standard. For example, ASTM C90 (REF. 1) is the fixed designation for loadbearing concrete masonry units. The number immediately following indicates the year of last revision (i.e., ASTM C90-16 would be the version of C90 published in 2016). Because significant changes can be introduced into subsequent editions of standards, the edition referenced by the building code or by a project specification is an important consideration when determining specific product requirements. For the discussion presented here, the ASTM requirements reviewed have remained relatively static unless otherwise noted.
,
VIEW RESOURCE
Design for Dry Single-Wythe Concrete Masonry Walls
Single-wythe concrete masonry walls are cost competitive because they provide structural form as well as an attractive and durable architectural facade. However, because they do not have a continuous drainage cavity (as do cavity and veneered walls), they require special attention to moisture penetration.
, , , ,
VIEW RESOURCE
Joint Sealants for Concrete Masonry Walls
Successfully sealing joints, such as control joints and around door jambs and window frames, in concrete masonry walls depends on the overall design and construction of the entire building envelope. Movement joints (also called control joints) are needed in some concrete masonry walls to accommodate drying shrinkage, thermal movements, and movements between different building components. Movement joints, joints around fenestration, doors and penetrations, and isolation joints (joints at dissimilar material interfaces) rely on joint sealants to help preserve the overall weather-tightness of the building envelope. In addition, properly sealed joints may be required to meet a specified fire resistance rating or sound transmission class.
, , , ,
VIEW RESOURCE
Flashing Details for Concrete Masonry Walls
At critical locations throughout a building, moisture that manages to penetrate a wall is collected and diverted to the outside by means of flashing. The type of flashing and its installation may vary depending upon exposure conditions, opening types, locations and wall types. This TEK includes typical flashing details that have proven effective over a wide geographical range. The reader is also encouraged to review the companion TEK 19-04A Flashing Strategies for Concrete Masonry Walls (ref. 1) which addresses the effect of moisture on masonry, design considerations, flashing materials, construction practices, and maintenance of flashing.
, , , ,
VIEW RESOURCE

We value your privacy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent.

Reject All
Accept All
Design Assistance