| The thickened-edge slab-on-grade (TES) foundation as its name implies is a shallow foundation of an integral casting of a flat slab with thickened footings. The foundation is placed to a maximum depth of 30.5 cm (12 in) under the soil grade. This foundation has been deemed a Power Smart application by Manitoba Hydro. It is cost effective as its construction, excavation, labour and material costs are much lower than traditional foundations. This research studies the optimal amount and location of insulation in order to minimize the amount of heat loss while effectively avoiding the threat of frost heave. Steady state and transient approximations were studied using a two dimensional domain of constant composite material properties.; The study of heat transfer between a building and its surrounding soil is a complex process. In reality the problem is three dimensional with various materials all with physical properties, some of which vary with different factors such as depth and humidity. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
