A structural thermal break product that ensures structural s…
▲ Structural Thermal Break Product: Exterior-Insulated BalconiesOne of the key technologies for reducing carbon emissions from building heating and cooling is improving the thermal performance of the building envelope. While using higher-performance insulation and increasing insulation thickness are important, the most critical factor is ensuring that the insulation layer remains continuous throughout the entire building. Exterior insulation is widely recognized as more effective than interior insulation in improving energy efficiency. However, when exterior insulation is applied, protruding structural elements such as balconies and parapets can interrupt the insulation layer, making these areas particularly vulnerable to thermal bridging.Thermal bridging occurs when heat from the interior is rapidly transferred outdoors through structural components during winter. Its impact becomes more significant in highly insulated buildings. Heat loss caused by thermal bridges can account for approximately 30% of a building’s total energy consumption and is a major cause of persistent building defects such as condensation and mold, as well as reduced insulation performance. For this reason, thermal bridge prevention is increasingly recognized as essential to achieving zero-energy buildings and creating comfortable indoor environments, particularly in highly insulated and airtight buildings.The application of structural thermal break products at the building design stage has therefore become increasingly important. Major U.S. cities, including New York, Seattle, and Washington, require thermal break products in new buildings. Korea has also strengthened insulation requirements and introduced quantitative performance evaluation for thermal bridge areas in building envelopes through its Building Energy Conservation Design Standards. However, current practices remain largely limited to indirect measures using anti-condensation materials. Because heat loss at thermal bridges cannot be effectively addressed through high-performance insulation alone, technologies that fundamentally prevent thermal bridging are urgently needed.[ An Innovative Solution: Jeongyang SG’s LBN Modular ]To overcome the limitations of conventional technologies, Jeongyang SG developed LBN Modular, a structural thermal break product. Designed to prevent thermal bridging at its source within the building structure, LBN Modular is a load-bearing insulation system that resists external forces through the thermal break product itself rather than through concrete, providing both thermal insulation and structural performance.The main body of the product consists of insulation material, with reinforcing steel components and compression blocks installed inside. The reinforcing components integrate tensile and shear reinforcement to minimize joint deformation, control deflection, and provide stable load-bearing performance. Stainless steel is used instead of conventional reinforcing steel to reduce thermal conductivity and improve thermal insulation performance by more than three times.The lower compression block incorporates ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with a compressive strength of 180 MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.4 W/m·K, providing both resistance to buckling and high initial stiffness. By overcoming the limitations of conventional concrete, LBN Modular is recognized as a core technology that achieves both high structural strength and superior thermal insulation performance.[ Verified Structural Performance and Energy-Saving Benefits ]Byung-kwon Ahn, CEO of Jeongyang SG, explained, “Structural thermal break products must provide sufficient strength, but it is also essential to minimize deflection because abrupt changes in the cross-section at the installation point can reduce structural stiffness. LBN Modular optimizes material properties to ensure stable structural performance.”In testing, a cantilever balcony specimen incorporating a 210 mm-high LBN Modular unit with a projection length of 2 m demonstrated strength and stiffness equal to or greater than those of a conventional reinforced concrete structure. Its structural safety was verified through test reports issued by an accredited testing institution.Related research has also been published in four SCI-indexed international journal articles and four KCI-indexed journal articles, providing academic validation of the product’s originality and technological excellence.Energy performance analysis showed that applying LBN Modular can reduce heating energy consumption by approximately 34% compared with a structure without the product. It also raises interior surface temperatures by approximately 6–8°C, helping prevent condensation and mold growth. These benefits improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality while reducing building life-cycle costs and increasing economic value.[ Jeongyang SG: An R&D-Driven Technology Company ]Since its establishment in 1986, Jeongyang SG has grown into a specialized manufacturer of insulation and thermal break technologies over nearly four decades. Approximately 15% of its workforce is dedicated to research, and the company consistently invests more than 6% of its revenue in research and development.LBN Modular was developed through R&D projects supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport beginning in 2016. Its technology and quality have been officially recognized through New Excellent Product (NEP) certification, designation as an Innovative Product, and designation as an Excellent Procurement Product.The technology was also selected for both the 2024 Top 50 Outstanding SME R&D Achievements and the 2024 Outstanding R&D Achievements for Solving Social Problems by the Ministry of Science and ICT, recognizing its innovation in insulation technology and contribution to society.[ A Vision for Zero-Energy Buildings ]In addition to products for reinforced concrete structures, the company is expanding its product portfolio to support a range of structural systems, including steel structures, precast concrete structures, and modular housing.To fundamentally address thermal bridging across building envelopes, the company believes that a stronger institutional framework is needed. This includes adopting component-specific thermal transmittance calculation methods, as practiced in overseas markets, and awarding additional points under the Zero Energy Building certification system when structural thermal break products are applied.▼ View Related Articleshttp://www.engjournal.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=3013
