Layers tab on Constructions Dialog.
Set the number of layers first, then select the material and thickness for each layer. Use the Controls in the Info Panel to insert and delete layers. For example to delete a layer, first click on the material for the layer to identify which layer you want to delete, then click on Delete layer.
You can create constructions with up to 6 layers.
You should define the layers in the same order they appear in the actual construction starting with the outermost layer and finishing with the innermost. The outermost layer will be positioned adjacent to outside (or in the case of Semi--exposed walls) adjacent to the semi-exposed unconditioned zone.
Note: You should not include surface resistance (film coefficient) layers to represent the resistance of the air films adjacent to the inner and outer surfaces. These are included automatically by DesignBuilder.
This field characterizes the thickness of the material layer. This is the dimension of the layer in the direction perpendicular to the main path of heat conduction. This value must be a positive.
Note: If the material referenced is defined as a simple R-value then the construction thickness does not have to be entered.
You can also add bridging to any layer to model the effect of a relatively more conductive material bridging a less conductive material. For example wooden joists briging an insulation layer.
Note: bridging effects are NOT yet used in EnergyPlus, but are used in energy code compliance checks requiring U-values to be calculated according to BS EN IOS 6946.