Comparison of the quality of building bricks in terms of thermal insulation and energy saving Using Building Information Modeling

Abstract

This study attempts to uncover the causes of the inefficient thermal performance of buildings in southern Libya. It conducted virtual tests (simulations) on some types of building bricks used in buildings in the study area. The simulations were performed using ARCHICAD, which uses Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. An operational simulation was conducted for a single-story residential building in the city of Sebha, southern Libya. The results showed that the use of lightweight sandstone bricks in the construction of external walls provides 15.5% better thermal comfort per 100 m2 compared to construction using hollow cement bricks.  Meanwhile, thermal comfort inside buildings constructed using lightweight sandstone bricks is 7.4% better per 100 m2 compared to construction using red bricks. When using electrical heating and cooling methods for a building constructed using lightweight sandstone bricks, the building will save 11.4% less annual operating costs per 100 m² compared to a building constructed using hollow cement bricks. Furthermore, the use of sandstone bricks will save 11% less annual operating costs per 100 m² compared to red bricks. It was also found that lightweight sandstone bricks prevent heat transfer into the buildings constructed from them by 343% compared to hollow cement bricks. Furthermore, buildings constructed using sandstone bricks prevent heat transfer by 226% compared to buildings constructed using red bricks. This indicates that lightweight sandstone bricks are the best construction option for building walls in the study area, thus addressing the thermal comfort problems within these buildings.