Steel connections play an important role in a building’s structural stability, but they can also create pathways for unwanted heat transfer. When steel elements connect internal and external building components, thermal bridging can affect insulation performance and overall energy efficiency. Farrat Struktra Thermal breaks address this challenge by combining thermal insulation with the strength required for structural connections.
What Are Structural Thermal Breaks?
Structural thermal breaks are specially designed insulating plates installed between connected building elements. They reduce the transfer of thermal energy while allowing structural loads to pass through the connection.
Unlike conventional insulation, which is generally applied across building surfaces, these plates address heat transfer at critical structural junctions. This makes them particularly useful in steel frameworks, balconies, facades, and other connection points.
How Farrat Struktra Thermal Breaks Improve Steel Connections
The performance of a steel structure depends on more than the strength of its individual components. Connection details also influence how efficiently the building manages heat.
Farrat Struktra Thermal breaks offer several practical advantages.
1. Reduce Thermal Bridging at Connection Points
Steel conducts heat efficiently. When an external steel element connects directly to an internal structure, heat can travel through the connection.
Installing a thermal break plate interrupts this transfer, helping maintain the building envelope’s insulation performance. This is particularly valuable around balconies, external frames, and facade connections.
2. Maintain Structural Load Transfer
Thermal insulation should not come at the expense of structural performance. STRUKTRA plates are designed to support demanding structural loads, with stated design load capacities of up to 250 MPa.
They can be incorporated into beam-to-beam, column-to-column, and beam-to-column connections, helping engineers address thermal bridging without abandoning their structural design requirements.
3. Support Flexible Architectural Designs
These plates are available in thicknesses ranging from 5 mm to 25 mm and can be CNC-cut to match connection dimensions specified in CAD drawings.
Their applications include:
- Structural steel frames
- Balcony and staircase connections
- Facade-to-frame connections
- Roof parapets and plant enclosures
- Connections between existing and new structures
This flexibility helps architects and engineers incorporate thermal separation into different building configurations.
What Should Engineers Consider Before Selecting Thermal Break Plates?
Choosing a suitable thermal break requires attention to several technical factors:
- Load requirements: Check the structural loads and connection design.
- Dimensions: Match plate thickness and geometry to the connection details.
- Material compatibility: Consider the connected structural materials.
- Compliance: Review relevant certifications and project specifications.
- Installation: Ensure correct positioning and bolting according to approved design documentation.
Professional coordination between structural engineers and building-envelope specialists helps achieve the intended results.
Why Choose Farrat Struktra Thermal Break Solutions?
Farrat STRUKTRA plates combine thermal separation with structural functionality. They are supplied with a Certificate of Conformance and have certifications and approvals including BBA certification, ESTIDAMA approval, European Technical Assessment, and CE marking.
For projects seeking better building-envelope performance, these solutions provide a practical way to address thermal bridging at structural junctions.
Final Takeaway!
Effective steel connection design requires attention to both structural strength and thermal efficiency. Farrat Struktra Thermal breaks help address these requirements by reducing heat transfer through critical connections while supporting demanding structural applications. Selecting and specifying the right solution early can contribute to better-performing building designs.
For project-specific guidance on structural thermal break plates, consult a qualified technical team.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are structural thermal break plates installed in steel buildings?
They are installed between connected structural elements, including beams, columns, facade supports, balconies, staircases, and roof parapets. Their placement depends on the connection design and the location of potential thermal bridges.
- Can Farrat STRUKTRA thermal breaks be used with concrete structures?
Yes. These plates are designed for thermal isolation in steel, concrete, and wooden structures. Their suitability for a particular application depends on the connection geometry, material compatibility, and structural loading requirements.
- Are structural thermal breaks available in custom dimensions?
Yes. STRUKTRA plates can be CNC-cut to match beam and column connection dimensions provided through CAD drawings. This allows the plates to fit specific structural details rather than relying exclusively on standard dimensions.
- Do thermal break plates affect the load-bearing capacity of steel connections?
They are specifically engineered to support structural loads while providing thermal separation. However, engineers must consider the plate’s specifications, connection arrangement, and project loading requirements when completing structural calculations.
- How do thermal breaks contribute to sustainable building design?
By reducing heat transfer through structural connections, thermal breaks help improve building-envelope performance. This can support energy-efficient design strategies and contribute towards sustainability objectives when combined with appropriate insulation and building systems.