Building Envelope and Structure

NRC-IRC's Building Envelope and Structure Program develops technologies for the design, construction and operation of durable, energy-efficient and cost-effective building systems. The research applies to all types of buildings and some concrete building structures.

Heat and Moisture Performance of Envelopes
This group studies how materials, design, installation methods, interior and exterior environments, and other building components and systems affect envelope performance and durability.

Performance of Roof Systems and Insulation
This group develops technologies, test procedures and innovative approaches to improve the structural, wind and thermal performance of roofing systems and the performance of insulation.

Concrete Materials and Structural Technologies
This group focuses on improving the performance and sustainability of concrete, including new studies of this material at the nanoscale.

Research Facilities
The Building Envelope and Structure program employs highly sophisticated research facilities and equipment. These include several full-scale wall and window chambers, a research house, comprehensive roofing facilities, and specialized concrete research laboratories. These enable researchers to measure and simulate realistic indoor and outdoor environmental conditions such as heat, air and moisture transfer, wind effects, structural forces, and chemical reactions.

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Contact:
Building Envelope and Structure Program
Institute for Research in Construction
National Research Council of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6
Tel.: (613) 993-1596
Fax: (613) 954-5984
E-mail:BES.ESB@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Related Information

Building Envelope and Structure - Projects

Institutes:

• NRC Institute for Research in Construction