CEM Building Envelope and Insulation 3

Question 1

Earth coupling (ground-source) benefits in building design come from:

Accepted Answer

The relatively constant ground temperature moderating both heating and cooling loads

Answer

The ground reflecting solar radiation upward to heat foundations

Answer

Ground moisture increasing wall R-value

Answer

Thermal bridging through foundation elements

Question 2

The purpose of a thermal break in a curtain wall system is to:

Accepted Answer

Interrupt the conductive metal path to reduce heat transfer through the frame

Answer

Increase the visible light transmittance of the glass

Answer

Provide structural support for the glass panels

Answer

Increase air infiltration for code-required ventilation

Question 3

Low-e (low-emissivity) coatings on window glazing primarily reduce heat transfer by:

Accepted Answer

Reflecting long-wave infrared radiation to reduce radiative heat exchange

Answer

Blocking visible light from entering the building

Answer

Increasing convective resistance of the air gap

Answer

Absorbing UV radiation and converting it to heat

Question 4

Weatherstripping around doors and windows is an energy conservation measure because it:

Accepted Answer

Reduces air infiltration and exfiltration at openings

Answer

Increases the thermal mass of the door assembly

Answer

Improves the structural integrity of window frames

Answer

Increases the R-value of the door slab

Question 5

A building energy simulation model uses envelope data primarily to calculate:

Accepted Answer

Hourly heating and cooling loads driven by conduction, infiltration, and solar gains

Answer

Lighting power density limits

Answer

Domestic hot water demand

Answer

Plug load diversity factors

Question 6

The primary purpose of a vestibule (airlock entry) in a commercial building is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce infiltration by preventing direct outdoor air connection when doors open

Answer

Provide additional retail display space at entries

Answer

Increase natural daylighting at building entries

Answer

Serve as a fire-rated exit enclosure