SYSTEMS/MASONRY
A variety of thermally improved designs of floor/wall connections can be used to avoid the thermal
bridging and the associated air leakage at this location. Additional alternatives are presented for
concrete frame and steel frame buildings in Figures 4.2.15 and 4.2.16 respectively (Brand and
Turenne). In both cases the insulation is positioned in the cavity to provide a continuous layer wall
insulation with no thermal bridging by the floor slab. In addition, an air barrier is included in the wall
to control air leakage. In the case of the concrete frame, the seal at the bottom of the floor slab and
the masonry must be flexible to accommodate movement, and sufficient clearance must be
provided at this location. In the steel frame case, the air barrier across the spandrel beam is
supported by gypsum board on metal studs. The connection of the air barrier at the bottom of the
beam must be flexible to accommodate movement., and sufficient space must be provided below
the beam for deflection. The beam can also be set back from the backup wall, in which case the
masonry is carried up to the floor slab. In this case the air barrier is installed similarly to the
concrete frame case.
ACCEPTABLE
Rigid insulation
Membrane
outside of
air barrier
backup wall
Air barrier must be
able to accomodate
movement at this
location
Figure 4.2.15 Wall/Floor Connection - Concrete Frame (Brand)
PAGE 4.2-20
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