Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/5611
Title: Moisture and freeze-thaw effects on rigid thermal insulations
Authors: Kaplar, Chester W.
Keywords: Cold weather construction
Cold weather tests
Foundations
Frost
Frost action
Insulation
Insulating boards
Thermal insulation
Cellular materials
Publisher: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Technical report (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)) ; 249.
Description: Technical Report
Abstract: This report presents data from a limited investigation of some physical properties of predominantly rigid foamed plastic thermal insulations of various types. Included in the study were boards of mineral wool, cork, perlite, calcium silicate, urethane, extruded polystyrene and polystyrene beadboard. Long term moisture absorption tests were conducted both in water and after burial in moist soil. Simulated deep submersion tests (1 atmospheric pressure) were made and wetted insulations were subjected to 30 freeze-thaw cycles to observe the effect of these parameters. Strength and flammability characteristics were also evaluated. The results of these studies indicated the following: 1) None of the insulating boards were completely moisture resistant. 2) Many foamed plastics were relatively resistant to excessive water absorption. 3) Fused polystyrene beadboards were more absorbent than extruded polystyrene. 4) The two extruded polyurethanes in these tests were generally more absorbent than the polystyrenes. 5) Special surface densification treatment on some of the extruded polystyrene boards appeared effective in reducing moisture absorption.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/5611
Appears in Collections:Technical Report

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
CRREL-Technical-Report-249.pdf1.6 MBAdobe PDFThumbnail
View/Open