Thermal transmittance of single and double stud LSF walls: Parametric study and simplified models

Lightweight steel framed (LSF) construction offers benefits like recyclability and reuse, but their thermal performance, especially in single and double stud wall assemblies, remain unexplored despite its significance for energy efficient and sustainable buildings. This study investigates the thermal behaviour of LSF wall assemblies, aiming to improve performance assessment methods. Validated thermal finite element models were developed to analyse U-values, incorporating ISO 10211 test cases and literature data. A parametric study examined the effects of flange width, stud type, insulation, and stud spacing. Results show that increasing stud spacing from 400 mm to 600 mm reduces U-values by up to 23 %, while wider flanges increase U-values due to thermal bridging. Double-stud walls, though structurally advantageous, have 14%–28 % higher U-values than single studs. A novel, simplified method for estimating U-values was introduced for both single and double stud configurations, offering significantly more accurate and consistent predictions than existing calculation-intensive approaches. These methods provide efficient tools for design engineers, facilitating broader use of LSF wall assemblies in sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.