flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

New document to determine THERM finite element modeling surface temperatures released

Codes and Standards

New document to determine THERM finite element modeling surface temperatures released

Process often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | February 6, 2020

Courtesy Pixabay

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has released a new publication addressing aspects of the finite element (FE) thermal modeling process.

This procedure is often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration including non-residential windows, terrace and patio doors, curtain wall, storefront, and entrances. AAMA 515-19, “Voluntary Procedure for Determination of Fenestration Surface Temperatures by THERM Finite Element Modeling,” an FGIA standard, is now available for purchase.

This voluntary procedure helps designers determine what temperatures and film coefficients to use when running a project-specific condensation analysis. Per AAMA 515, condensation will occur on any interior surface that falls below the dew point temperature of interior ambient air. “Condensation can be unsightly, unsanitary, and over long periods of time can damage adjacent building materials,” according to an FGIA news release.

“This new, voluntary procedure, a result of seven years of detailed development, is intended to make application of the software tool uniform between users,” said Steve Fronek (Wausau Window and Wall Systems), chair of the Architectural Finite Element Thermal Modeling Task Group. “It addresses key variables, such as boundary conditions, substrates and THERM parameters, as well as the accuracy of modeling and testing. The scope is clearly outlined and guidance provided for the specifier.”

Related Stories

| Dec 13, 2011

LEED-EB outpaces LEED for new construction

The U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC's) LEED certifications for existing buildings standard is outpacing LEED for new buildings for the first time.

| Dec 13, 2011

Regulators charge pervasive abuse of construction workers in Connecticut

Federal and state regulators say they have uncovered what they call "widespread noncompliance" with minimum wage and overtime laws in Connecticut's construction industry.

| Dec 13, 2011

Philadelphia mayor signs order for project labor agreements

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed an executive order establishing project labor agreements for major public works projects in Philadelphia.

| Dec 13, 2011

Improved code requirements for attic ventilation

The Roof Assembly Ventilation Coalition (RAVC) participated in the development of the code.

| Dec 12, 2011

LEED-EB Outpaces LEED for New Construction

The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED certifications for existing buildings standard is outpacing LEED for new buildings for the first time.

| Dec 12, 2011

Philadelphia Mayor Signs Order for Project Labor Agreements

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed an executive order establishing project labor agreements for major public works projects in Philadelphia.

| Dec 12, 2011

Improved Code Requirements for Attic Ventilation

The International Code Council (ICC) recently published the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) that includes improved code requirements for balanced intake and exhaust for ventilated attics.

| Dec 12, 2011

DOE makes 2010 ASHRAE energy standard the reference for state energy codes

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a ruling that establishes the 2010 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE’s) 2010 energy efficiency standard as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes.

| Dec 1, 2011

Chinese cabinet approves regulation to prevent fraud in construction bidding

China’s State Council approved a regulation to standardize bidding processes for construction and other business-related projects in order to prevent fraud and misconduct.

| Dec 1, 2011

More stringent efficiency codes driving growth in green building industry

Thanks partly to upgraded building codes, the building energy efficiency market will soar more than 50% between now and 2017 to $103.5 billion, according to Pike Research.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021