Analyses on Thermal Insulation Performance of Earth-Covered Wall for Residential Underground Space by Using a Numerical Simulation Program

The purpose of this study is to provide the regional insulation criterion of earth-covered walls for underground residential buildings in Korea by using a numerical simulation program. This study was started from the idea that thermal condition of underground residential space must be closer to that of aboveground residential space. According to the result of this study, the underground temperature declines as the depth from the ground level goes deeper and closer to about 9m, and then maintain some steady value from about 9m of the depth. The minimum thermal insulation by depths was deduced by finding the U-factors that make the inside-surface temperature of the earth-covered wall closer to that of the aboveground wall.