ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the detailing of concrete frame construction with light gauge steel infill. It explores good practice detailing for concrete frame with an emphasis on thermal performance. The most significant external envelope details affecting heat demand are drawn with good practice airtightness and continuous insulation where practical. Heat loss is calcuated and psi-value provided where useful for Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations. Light gauge steel acts as infill walls for the concrete frame, and must be insulated externally with a rigid board or wool insulation. Airtightness is provided by the Vapour control layer (VCL), which is vulnerable to be damage. The external door threshold is a difficult area to insulate and so thermal bridging occurs. Prevent this with a thermal break on all sides of the door construction. For improved performance and build-ability, specify a full width cavity closer with half brick reveal instead of a full brick reveal.
