Thermal and sound insulation of lightweight steel-framed façade walls

Lightweight steel-framed (LSF) construction has the potential to reach high standards regarding the functional performance of buildings. Despite the benefits of this construction system, the effect of thermal bridges caused by the high thermal conductivity of the steel structure can be a disadvantage. Furthermore, because LSF buildings have low mass and the connections between the outer and the inner sheathing of the walls are usually rigid, provided by steel studs, some acoustic performance drawbacks are also possible. Excessive heat loss or poor sound insulation are related to the external envelope behavior of buildings. Although several studies can be found regarding the influence of the steel frame on the thermal or sound insulation performance of LSF façade walls, the study of this influence from both perspectives at the same time is not widespread. In this work, the influence of the steel frame on both the thermal and sound insulation performance of LSF façade walls is studied. The thermal behavior and sound insulation are assessed using specialized software, namely THERM and INSUL, respectively. With this work it is intended to provide guidelines which can contribute to an effective design of LSF façade walls, considering both functional performances.