Lightweight steel-framed (LSF) construction, given its advantages, has the potential to reach\nhigh standards in energy and environmental performance of buildings, such as nearly zero-energy\nbuildings (nZEB). When compared with traditional construction, LSF system offers distinct benefits\nin such fields as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, constructive process, and safety at work. Despite\nthe benefits of this constructive system, the effect of thermal bridges in LSF elements, caused by the\nhigh thermal conductivity of the steel structure, can be a disadvantage. The excessive heat losses or\ngains through these thermal bridges are more relevant in buildings� exterior envelope, such as facade\nwalls. These building components� thermal performance is crucial in the buildings� overall energetic\nbehaviour, with a direct impact on energy consumption and resulting monetary costs during their\noperational stage. In this work the influence of the thermal insulation position on its effectiveness is\nevaluated in LSF facade walls. For this purpose, several LSF wall types are assessed, namely cold,\nwarm, and hybrid construction. The influence of thermal bridges instigated by the steel studs in the\nLSF walls� overall thermal performance is evaluated as well. The computations are performed using\nspecialized finite element software (THERM).
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