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Prediction of mould growth by hygrothermal calculation

Sedlbauer, K.
2002
Journal of Thermal Envelope and Building Science, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 321-336

Sedlbauer, K., (2002), "Prediction of mould growth by hygrothermal calculation", Journal of Thermal Envelope and Building Science, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 321-336.
Abstract:
In buildings growing conditions for mould fungi can occur and cause fungus infestation. The danger for the occupants of dwellings lies in the production and spreading of pathogens (disease causing agents). Therefore, consequent measures have to be taken to avoid health dangers that come from mould fungi in buildings. In order to avoid the mould fungus formation, a strategy has to be set up that focuses on the growth conditions for mould fungi and also considers the complex transient processes of building physics. The boundary conditions for the growth of fungi are temperature, humidity and substrate conditions which have to be simultaneously available over a certain period of time. In [15] a biohygrothermal procedure is developed, which allows the prediction of mould growth under transient boundary conditions. The assessment results from a comparison of the water content in a modelled mould spore determined by transient calculations, with the critical water content, above which the spore germinates and grows. This means that long-term humidity values exceeding this critical water content indicate mould growth. This new method is described in this article and the functions are shown within an example.
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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Sedlbauer, K.
Klaus Sedlbauer Fraunhofer-Institute for Building Physics, Holzkirchen
  1. A new model for mould prediction and its application on a test roof
  2. A new model for mould prediction and its application on dwellings with mould on the outer facades
  3. Ecological insulation materials - does sorption moisture affect their insulation performance?
  4. Information and Technology Transfer from IBP: Mold Growth on ETICS (EIFS) as a Result of "Bad Workmanship"?
  5. Moisture buffering effects of interior linings made from wood or wood based products
  6. Mold growth prediction by computational simulation
  7. Prediction of mould fungus formation on the surface of and inside building components
  8. The hygrothermal behaviour of rooms: combining thermal building simulation and hygrothermal envelope calculation  


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