A Constructible and Durable High-Performance Walls System: Extended Plate and Beam

Lead Performer: Home Innovation Research Labs—Upper Marlboro, MD

Buildings

October 1, 2015
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Photo courtesy of Home Innovation Research Labs.

Lead Performer: Home Innovation Research Labs—Upper Marlboro, MD
Partners: American Chemistry Council, Dow Building Solutions, Forest Products Laboratory, Builders
DOE Total Funding: $256,818
Cost Share: $65,000
Project Term: October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2018
Funding Opportunity: Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

This project will conduct research into extended plate and beam (EP&B) wall systems, which were initially developed by another Building America project. EP&B offers a simplified method for incorporating 2 inches of continuous rigid insulation into a traditional 2-by-4 framed wall assembly. The EP&B wall system is based on the construction technique most commonly used by builders, which increases its chances for market adoption. The project will make this system more accessible through:

  1. Building code equivalency/compliance testing for the IRC continuous wall bracing method
  2. Field demonstration to identify and resolve constructability issues
  3. Development of an EP&B Construction Guide for wide dissemination
  4. Development of supporting information for a code change proposal to include the EP&B system into the IRC prescriptive provisions

This is one of three Home Innovation Research Labs projects focused on advancing solutions for moisture-managed, high-performance envelope systems in three climate zones: hot/humid, mixed humid, and cold.

PROJECT IMPACT

By improving the way that high-performance building envelope systems function in climates that are widespread across the United States, this project will help produce future homes that are more comfortable and durable at a lower cost.

CONTACTS

DOE Technology Manager: Eric Werling

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