Empirical Investigation of the Hygrothermal Diffusion Properties of Permeable Building Membranes Subjected to Variable Relative Humidity Condition

Toba Samuel Olaoye, Mark Dewsbury and Hartwig Künzel
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Toba Samuel Olaoye: School of Architecture and Design, University of Tasmania, Inveresk, Launceston 7250, Australia
Mark Dewsbury: School of Architecture and Design, University of Tasmania, Inveresk, Launceston 7250, Australia
Hartwig Künzel: Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, Fraunhoferstr. 10, 83626 Valley, Germany

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-27

Abstract: Hygrothermal modelling is increasingly used to inform building envelope design. A key input for these calculations is the material’s vapour diffusion properties. Respecting a growing international concern, this research has questioned the appropriateness of the current test method to establish construction material for vapour diffusion properties. This article reports on the empirical measurement of the vapour diffusion properties of two vapour-permeable building membranes commonly used in Australia residential systems when subjected to variable relative humidity conditions. The method involved completing dry cup and wet cup standard tests as specified in ISO 12572, (23 °C and 50% relative humidity RH). Further tests were then conducted as temperature remained at 23 °C but the relative humidity changed to 35%, 65% and 80%, respectively, in order to know if the diffusion properties are the same or change with varying relative humidity. The results from the wet cup and dry cup tests under different relative humidity conditions were non-linear and different. These results indicate vapour-permeable membranes behave differently when exposed to different relative humidity conditions. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that the current vapour resistivity test method is inadequate, hence the need to establish more detailed diffusion resistivity properties in different humidity ranges that represent conditions experienced within a building’s external envelope.

Keywords: hygrothermal analysis; interstitial condensation; mould; diffusion resistivity; energy efficiency; moisture management; permeable building membranes; varying relative humidity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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