Develops a simplified ground heat loss calculation method for slab-on-grade floors and basements. The method is based on the interzone temperature profile estimation (ITPE) method and is suitable for seasonal heat loss calculation. The simplified method consists of a set of equations for estimating the monthly total heat flow between a building and the ground as a function of variables such as building dimensions, insulation configurations and soil thermal properties. The equations are designed to accept continuously variable input values. Tests the simplified method predictions against Mitalas' and ITPE results. Agreement with ITPE is within 10% for the annual mean, amplitude and phase angle of total building heat loss.

KEYWORDS: year 1996, Heat flow, heat loss, calculating, foundations, ground, buildings, comparing, accuracy