Application of hygrothermal analyses to optimize exterior wall design

From National Research Council Canada

Download	View accepted manuscript: Application of hygrothermal analyses to optimize exterior wall design (PDF, 417 KiB)
Author	Search for: Mukhopadhyaya, P.¹; Search for: Kumaran, M. K.¹; Search for: Rousseau, M. Z.¹; Search for: Tariku, F.¹; Search for: van Reenen, D.¹; Search for: Dalgliesh, W. A.
Affiliation	National Research Council of Canada. NRC Institute for Research in Construction
Format	Text, Article
Conference	The 2nd International Conference on Research in Building Physics, 14 September 2003, Leuven, Belgium
Subject	hygrothermal analyses; exterior wall design; hygIRC; RHT index; weather; moisture management; modeling; material properties; moisture index; Hygrothermal properties; Heat performance; Moisture performance
Abstract	The design of exterior walls in a building envelope for optimum moisture management is a challenging task. Many conventional methods or local practice guidelines are available for this purpose, based primarily on regional traditions and with limited performance assessment records. In recent years, new wall systems and unconventional materials have been introduced in every part of North America for reasons such as aesthetic appeal, cost-effectiveness etc. However, neither the long-term moisture management performance of these new wall systems nor the uses of unconventional materials have been assessed rigorously. The primary reason for this lack of such assessment is the absence of a design-oriented technical routine toperform the task. Recent studies at the Institute for Research in Construction (IRC) / National Research Council (NRC) of Canada, show that such an assessment is possible with the use of an advanced hygrothermal modelling tool, such as hygIRC, developed in-house at IRC. This paper presents results from hygrothermal modelling and discussion on walls with the four different cladding systems: stucco, exterior insulated finish systems (EIFS), masonry and siding. These walls were virtually exposed to several North American climates. Their hygrothermal responses were assessed with a novel indicator, called the RHT index, which is derived from relative humidity and temperature. The results and discussion presented in this paper clearly show the need and usefulness of an integrated design methodology for the moisture management of exterior wall systems that can help to optimise various design considerations.
Publication date	2003-09-01
In	The 2nd International Conference on Research in Building Physics [Proceedings] (1 September 2003): 417–426.
Language	English
Peer reviewed	Yes
NRC number	NRCC 46100 NRC-IRC-15154
NPARC number	20378667
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Record identifier	4523d524-c62e-407f-9214-e8733f7bd715
Record created	2012-07-24
Record modified	2021-01-05

Date modified:: 2024-04-18