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Building Foundations Research

On this page you'll find information about the Building Technologies Program envelope systems R&D project on building foundations research, including objectives, benefits, and approach.

Objectives

Focus on advanced foundation system characterization, development, and demonstration. These systems must be acceptable to both the construction and pest control industries. In addition, building designers and code developers are demanding better calculation procedures for systematically addressing foundation insulation optimization.

Benefits

Provide guidelines for energy-efficient foundation systems that are environmentally acceptable and resistant to termite intrusion.

Approach

The building foundation energy efficiency gains made previously are threatened by the resistance of existing insulation methods to termite inspection. The problem is so severe that below-grade exterior insulation systems have been banned in several termite-infested regions. A survey will be conducted to develop an understanding of how the different insulated foundations are influencing termite control. Ideas have been proposed for new insulating systems that are both energy-efficient and resistant to termites. This task will attempt to leverage DOE funds with private sector funding to develop a test protocol for determining the energy efficiency and termite resistance of two of these proposed below-grade insulation systems.