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Hygrothermal performance of a new light gauge steel-framed envelope system

Salonvaara, M. and Nieminen, J.
1998
ASHRAE Transactions, v 104, n 2, p 1256-1262

Salonvaara, M. and Nieminen, J., (1998), "Hygrothermal performance of a new light gauge steel-framed envelope system", ASHRAE Transactions, v 104, n 2, p 1256-1262.
Abstract:
Hygrothermal performance of a new light gauge steel-framed building envelope system has been analyzed using three-dimensional thermal simulations, two-dimensional combined heat, air, and moisture transfer simulations, laboratory testing in a calibrated and guarded hot box (ISO 8990), weather resistance tests for full-sized structures, and corrosion tests and field measurements at experimental buildings in Ylojarvi, central Finland. The results show that a modern steel wall structure based on perforated steel studs performs satisfactorily in the cold climate of Finland. The perforations significantly reduce heat loss along the web of the profile. The field measurements show that no condensation has occurred in the frame system. Temperature measurements and infrared surveys in demonstration buildings show that temperatures on the inner surface of the wall are sufficiently high to prevent surface condensation or even increased surface humidity that could cause mold growth on the surface. According to the calculations, there are no corrosion risks in the steel frames during their estimated service life in the Finnish climate. The climate, however, has an important effect on performance, and the structures should be designed with regard to climatic conditions.
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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Salonvaara, M.
Research Scientist, VTT Building Technology, Espoo, Finland
  1. Drying capabilities of wood frame walls with wood siding
  2. EIFS hygrothermal performance due to initial construction moisture as a function of air leakage, interior cavity insulation, and climate conditions
  3. Heat and mass transfer between indoor air and a permeable and hygroscopic building envelope: part I -- field measurements
  4. Heat and mass transfer between indoor air and a permeable and hygroscopic building envelope: part II --verification and numerical studies
  5. Hygrothermal system-performance of a whole building
  6. Improving indoor climate and comfort with wooden structures
  7. Influence of material properties on the hygrothermal performance of a high-rise residential wall
  8. Integrated hygrothermal performance of building envelopes and systems
  9. Integration of simplified drying tests and numerical simulation in moisture performance analysis of the building envelope
  10. Measurements and two-dimensional computer simulations of the hygrothermal performance of a wood frame wall
  11. Measuring and modeling vapor boundary layer growth during transient diffusion heat and moisture transfer in cellulose insulation
  12. Moisture transport in building envelopes using an approximate factorization solution method
  13. Numerical simulation of mould growth in timber frame walls
  14. Prediction of hygrothermal performance of building envelope parts coupled with indoor climate
  15. Stochastic building envelope modeling -- the influence of material properties  
Nieminen, J.
     


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