Conceptual Reference Database for Building Envelope Research Prev
Next

The effect of temperature on the moisture permeability of building materials

Galbraith, G. H., Guo, J.S. and McLean, R.C
2000
Building Research and Information 28(4): 245-259

Galbraith, G. H., Guo, J.S. and McLean, R.C, (2000), "The effect of temperature on the moisture permeability of building materials", Building Research and Information 28(4): 245-259.
Abstract:
This paper presents the results of an investigation into the temperature dependence of moisture permeability for several commonly-used building materials. The experimental programme was conducted using the standard CEN Cup test method. In total, four representative materials - plasterboard, phenolic foam insulation, plywood and medium density fibreboard (MDF) - were tested at a minimum of three different temperatures. At each temperature, four relative humidity gradients were applied which enabled the variation of moisture permeability with relative humidity to be described mathematically using the concept of differential permeability. For each test condition, six samples were tested to provide adequate information for statistical analysis. Results indicate that the temperature influence on permeability is not only related to relative humidity but also depends upon the properties of the materials themselves and the proportion of liquid to vapour flow. For the plasterboard and phenolic foam insulation, the temperature effect was found to be minor. However, a significant difference in the differential permeability for the plywood and MDF was observed, particularly in the critical high humidity (liquid dominated) regime.
Related Resources:

This publication in whole or part might be found online. Check the sources on the related article below. Or use search engines on the web.
Related Concepts

Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Galbraith, G. H.
'Department of Bziilding & Stirz,eying, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cozvcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 OBA, UK E-mail: ghga@gcal.ac.iik
  1. Evaluation of discretized transport properties for numerical modelling of heat and moisture transfer in building structures
  2. Moisture permeability data presented as a mathematical relationship
  3. Non-contact methods of measuring moisture concentration in external layers of building partitions. I--The influence of geometrical microstructure on the kinetics of moisture condensation on glass surfaces
  4. Nonisothermal moisture diffusion in porous building materials
  5. The application of X-ray absorption to building moisture transport studies
  6. The determination of vapour and liquid transport coefficients as input to combined heat mass transfer models
  7. The influence of space discretization on the accuracy of numerical simulation of heat and moisture transport in porous building materials
  8. The selection of appropriate flow potentials for moisture transport models
  9. The use of differential permeabilty in moisture transport modelling  
Guo, J. S.
     
McLean, R. C.
Energy Systems Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
  1. A technique for the prediction of the conditions leading to mould growth in buildings
  2. Development of a simulation tool for mould growth prediction in buildings
  3. Evaluation of discretized transport properties for numerical modelling of heat and moisture transfer in building structures
  4. Moisture permeability data presented as a mathematical relationship
  5. Nonisothermal moisture diffusion in porous building materials
  6. Prediction of toxigenic fungal growth in buildings by using a novel modelling system
  7. The application of X-ray absorption to building moisture transport studies
  8. The determination of vapour and liquid transport coefficients as input to combined heat mass transfer models
  9. The selection of appropriate flow potentials for moisture transport models
  10. The use of differential permeabilty in moisture transport modelling  


CRDBER, at CBS, BCEE, ENCS, Concordia,