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MCA initiates research with ORNL on next-generation wall and roof assemblies

The Metal Construction Association (MCA), Glenview, Ill., and the Dept. of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have agreed on a multiyear research project aimed at evaluating the future needs of advanced metal roof and wall assemblies.

The project will involve ORNL's Building Technology Research Center and will be aimed at evaluating the thermal performance of assemblies using alternative interface details. ORNL will use full-scale, steady-state, and dynamic testing of walls and roof assemblies using hot box conditions and climatic chambers, field testing, and computer modeling.

The study will specifically document thermal performance levels of systems to demonstrate compliance with the Council of American Building Officials Model Energy Code, ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, and ASHRAE 90.2.

According to MCA Technical Director Scott Kriner, "The timely research is intended to provide data to show metal's role in improving building envelope performance."