Glass-clad buildings have become a common sight in the Middle East despite the extremely hot summer temperatures. This research work was initiated because of the significant overheating problems and poor provision of thermal comfort experienced within such buildings. The study has specifically concentrated on the problem of overheating caused by the solar gain through the fenestration of buildings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The thermal performance of several different glass types is examined in order to predict the effect they would have on solar control and environmental conditions within the building. Four test cells were constructed in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, that were initially calibrated with clear single-sheet glass and then glazed with different solar control glasses. The thermal behavior of the cells was then monitored over a summer period under actual climatic conditions. A dynamic thermal model was then used to simulate the performance of the test cells, and experimental data were compared with computer predictions. Once confidence had been gained in the thermal model, it was then used to design retrofit glazing systems for existing buildings so as to improve their provision of thermal comfort.

AUTHOR: John A. Tinker, Ph.D., C.Eng., Khalid Al-Buijan, Ph.D.
CITATION: Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VII
KEYWORDS: December, Florida, 1998
YEAR: 1998