Abstract

In the present work, single-leaf walls built of large-format lightweight ceramic clay blocks are taken as the starting point. Several types of block, tongue and groove systems and horizontal joint are examined. To compare the improvements provided by each of the systems studied in terms of energy, the equivalent thermal transmittance levels of the shell of the wall are compared. Recent studies have optimised the geometry of the voided clay bricks [7–10] and the tongue and groove system [11], but the influence of the mortar horizontal joint has not been studied. The mortars suppose one of the principal weak points of the wall due to his high conductivity, his penetration and his great thickness. Calculations are drawn up in line with Spanish UNE [16], AENOR [14], European EN [17–19], and international ISO [20–23] standards. It is concluded that the type of exterior wall used has a great impact on the energy consumption of buildings. By using blocks with the optimal geometric distribution, optimal vertical joints and thin horizontal joints energy savings of up to 37%.