Limitations of building performance simulation: modelling a building with gabion walls

Abstract

Simulations were conducted to optimize the design of a small building with walls constructed of limestone filled gabion baskets. Different methods of insulating and weatherproofing the gabion walls were compared, with the indoor operative temperatures in the summer design week providing the critical comparison. The performance of the gabion building was compared with that of more conventional construction types to demonstrate the superior thermal performance of gabions in a temperate climate (Australia). This paper also addresses an issue with simulating gabion walls. Due to the inconsistent nature of gabion walls, the simulation requires the thermal properties of the gabion walls to be approximated as the simulation program cannot accurately model the voids and variations in a gabion wall. The material simplifications are discussed and the buildings thermal performance with these assumptions are analysed.