ACI 122R-14 PDF

Full title and description

ACI/TMS 122R-14 — Guide to Thermal Properties of Concrete and Masonry Systems. This guide compiles data and recommended values for thermal properties of concrete and masonry constituents, masonry units, assemblies, and common building-component systems; it also addresses thermal mass, passive-solar considerations, and methods to limit condensation in assemblies.

Abstract

This report presents measured and reported thermal-property data (for example, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and moisture-corrected values) for concrete and masonry materials and systems, provides tables and guidance for designers and researchers, and explains how thermal mass and material layering affect building thermal performance. The guide summarizes test-method considerations and recommended reference values for use in heat-transfer and energy analyses.

General information

• Status: Active / Most recent edition.
• Publication date: December 1, 2014.
• Publisher: American Concrete Institute (ACI); published as ACI (in cooperation with The Masonry Society for related content).
• ICS / categories: Construction materials and building thermal performance — typical ICS references: 91.100 (Construction materials: concrete, masonry) and 91.120 (Thermal insulation / building protection).
• Edition / version: ACI 122R-14 (2014 edition).
• Number of pages: 36 pages.

Scope

The guide provides tabulated thermal-property data and explanatory guidance for single materials (concrete constituents, mortars, masonry units), composite elements (walls, floors, masonry assemblies), and typical construction detail variations. It covers thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, heat capacity (per unit volume), moisture corrections, and the influence of density and porosity on thermal behavior; it also discusses the role of thermal mass and recommendations for passive and condensation-control design.

Key topics and requirements

• Measured and recommended values for thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat for concrete and masonry materials.
• Data tables and guidance for moisture-corrected thermal properties and density-dependent values.
• Discussion of thermal mass effects for building energy and passive-solar design.
• Procedures and considerations for limiting condensation within assemblies and for hygrothermal interactions.
• Recommended reference values and use cases for heat-transfer and building-energy simulations.
• Cross-references to relevant test methods and standards used to determine thermal properties.

Typical use and users

Used by architects, structural and materials engineers, building-envelope designers, energy modelers, researchers, code officials, and manufacturers of concrete and masonry products when selecting material properties for thermal analyses, energy simulations, hygrothermal assessments, and passive-solar or condensation-control design. The guide is a reference for practitioners who need validated thermal-property values and guidance on how to apply them in assemblies and models.

Related standards

Related documents include the earlier edition ACI 122R-02 (previous edition of this guide), ASTM and ISO test methods for thermal conductivity and related properties (for example ASTM C177, ASTM C518 and relevant ISO methods), and other ACI and masonry guidance on mass concrete, durability, and hygrothermal behavior. The document is published within ACI’s guides and reports portfolio and is commonly paired with energy and building-envelope standards in design practice.

Keywords

thermal properties, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, thermal mass, concrete, masonry, masonry units, building envelope, condensation control, passive solar, hygrothermal, thermal resistance, moisture correction

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ACI/TMS 122R-14 is a guide published by the American Concrete Institute that compiles thermal-property data and provides guidance for the thermal performance of concrete and masonry materials and assemblies.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measured and recommended values for thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat (and related volumetric heat capacity), moisture corrections, thermal-mass effects, and practical guidance for applying these values in energy, hygrothermal, and condensation-control analyses.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Architects, structural and materials engineers, building-envelope designers, energy modelers, researchers, code officials, and material manufacturers use the guide as a reference for selecting and applying thermal-property values in design and research.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2014 edition (ACI 122R-14) is shown in major standards stores as the most recent edition published in December 2014. Users should check ACI’s publications or the ACI bookstore for any errata, amendments, or a newer edition that may have been released after 2014.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ACI’s series of reports and guides on concrete and masonry materials and practice; a previous edition was ACI 122R-02, and it is often referenced alongside other ACI guides on mass concrete, durability, and masonry design.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Thermal properties, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, thermal mass, concrete, masonry, condensation, building envelope, moisture correction.