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Questions about buildings without foundations

asked 2025-10-17 07:04:35 -0500

Ne's avatar

I am using EnergyPlus to simulate a structure made from modified shipping containers. This structure has no foundation, which distinguishes it from typical buildings. It consists simply of shipping containers placed on the ground with interior insulation installed. In this case, is it appropriate to use Kiva for calculating ground heat conduction? Or would it be acceptable to use Ground Surface Temperature? Note that I do not have data on the ground temperature at the building surface. Undisturbed ground temperature data can be obtained from EPW files.

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answered 2025-10-17 12:20:42 -0500

In your case, the structure is still in contact with the ground and will influence the surrounding ground temperature. You can model this in Kiva by making the footing wall construction use the same material properties the soil, with "Wall Height Above Grade" and "Wall Depth Below Slab" close to zero.

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Asked: 2025-10-17 07:04:35 -0500

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Last updated: 20 hours ago