Performance Analysis

RobPickett &Associates, LLC

Providing technical services since 2001

Performance Analysis

A look at the thermal analysis of log walls. Also published as Thermal Mass Beyond R-value, Rural Builder, March 2001, pg. 51.

Granite State Log Homes

Maine Coast Log Homes

RP&A Individual Project Clients:

REScheck® energy code compliance and/or WoodWorks® structural review

Contact Info

P.O. Box 490

11 Stimpson Hill

Hartland, V 05048

Phone & Fax: 802-436-1325

E-mail: robpickett@vemontel.net

This site was last updated

June 8, 2010

The REScheck® program developed by the U.S. Dept. of Energy is an excellent tool for checking compliance of individual home designs with the appropriate energy code. While the program is a free download from www.energycodes.gov, it is best completed by an experienced or trained estimator.

To order the REScheck analysis, please provide a set of fully dimensioned plans sent electronically (to timberlogic@gmail.com) or by mail (paper/hardcopy). Please be sure to include

-- the location/address of the building site

-- the name(s) of the homeowner and their contact information

-- the brand of windows, skylights and doors

-- and your contact information so we can reach you if more information is needed.

Using an approach submitted to the ICC IS-LOG Committee for inclusion in ICC400, REScheck adjusts the U-Factor for the log wall based on average thickness (in 1-inch increments) and wood species. It further generates a calculation of specific gravity based on moisture content, assigning an average equilibrium moisture content for the geographic region. This specific gravity is used in the calculation of density to establish thermal mass.

REScheck® Analysis for Energy Code Compliance

Custom Assembly Calculations

Using ASHRAE Fundamentals and Standards, alternative building assemblies can be documented to establish thermal properties to demonstrate compliance with energy codes. The reports showing the calculation should be attached to plans or REScheck calculations when the u-factors or R-values have been entered.

Structural Analysis

Structural calculations are provided for log walls in the TimberLogic Log Wall Performance Estimator and for lumber and timber framing systems in the TimberLogic Span Table Report (click on the TimberLogic logo on left). However, structural analysis for custom projects or specific conditions (e.g., unbalanced loading, combined point loads and uniform loads, etc.) exist, the analysis is done using WoodWorks® Design Suite software. Click on the logo above for more information on WoodWorks®.

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