Moisture and Buildings
Durability Issues, Health Implications and Strategies to Mitigate the Risks
- 1st Edition - May 28, 2021
- Imprint: Woodhead Publishing
- Authors: Arianna Brambilla, Alberto Sangiorgio
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 2 1 0 9 7 - 0
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 2 1 0 9 8 - 7
One in three homes, on average, suffer from excessive dampness and mould proliferation, with significant health and economic impacts. The combination of new construction me… Read more
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Request a sales quoteOne in three homes, on average, suffer from excessive dampness and mould proliferation, with significant health and economic impacts. The combination of new construction methodologies, stricter airtightness requirements and the changing social and cultural context that influences the way we live inside buildings has created unprecedented challenges for the built environment. In modifying indoor and outdoor environments and the building envelopes that serve as a filter between the two, we are changing the physical parameters of the ways in which buildings behave and respond to climatic stimuli. Understanding and predicting the way in which buildings and moisture may interact should be an important step in the design process, aiming to minimise possible negative long-term consequences. Understanding and predicting the way in which buildings and moisture may interact is, today more than ever, essential yet difficult, as the experience of the past has lost its applicability. Moisture-related issues never have a simple solution, since they involve multiple factors, including design, construction, maintenance, materials, climate and occupation pattern. Thus, while the topic is attracting growing attention among researchers, designers and practitioners, the pace with which actual change is occurring is still too slow.
Moisture and Buildings
provides a critical overview of current research, knowledge and policy frameworks, and presents a comprehensive analysis of the implications of moisture and the importance of accounting for it during the design process. It responds to the urgent need for a systematic organization of the existing knowledge to identify research gaps and provide directions for future developments. The ultimate goal is to increase awareness of the multifaceted implications of hygrothermal phenomena and promote integrated design processes that lead to healthier and more durable constructions.- Presents advanced knowledge on hygrothermal processes and their interaction with buildings
- Integrates the three key areas of moisture transport and its impact on buildings, including durability, human health and comfort
- Considers the most useful computational tools for assessing moisture and building interactions
- Includes a section on the main European, American and Australian building codes
- Explains the risks of mold growth to human health, including growth models to assessment methods
Researchers in building physics, building simulations, and architectural science; Façade engineers, architectural technologists, architects, building engineers; Designers, including those specialized in energy efficiency and indoor comfort.Researchers interested in human health in relation to buildings; researchers with interest in mold growth in buildings; Policymakers relating to building regulations and codes; Public health specialists; Researchers in social scientific fields such as urban studies, cities, and behaviour.
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Foreword
- 1. Moisture and buildings
- Abstract
- 1.1 Moisture-related risk and trends in construction and design
- 1.2 Dampness-related impacts on humans
- 1.3 Book structure
- References
- 2. Principles of hygrothermal processes
- Abstract
- 2.1 Moisture in buildings
- 2.2 Vapour in open porous materials
- 2.3 Moisture transfer in porous media
- 2.4 Combined heat, air and moisture transfer
- References
- 3. Durability, condensation assessment and prevention
- Abstract
- 3.1 Durability
- 3.2 Moisture and durability
- 3.3 Condensation in buildings
- 3.4 Condensation risk assessment
- 3.5 Moisture-safe buildings
- 3.6 Durability in energy efficiency codes
- 3.7 Concluding remarks
- References
- 4. Health and mould growth
- Abstract
- 4.1 Fungi, mites and bacteria in buildings
- 4.2 Mould growth and health risks
- 4.3 Favourable conditions for growth
- 4.4 Mould growth assessment: models
- 4.5 Mould-free constructions: design for safety and remediation strategies
- 4.6 Mycelium as innovative building material
- 4.7 Future outlook
- References
- 5. Moisture buffering of building materials
- Abstract
- 5.1 Moisture uptake and release
- 5.2 Moisture buffering at the material level
- 5.3 Moisture buffering at the system level
- 5.4 Moisture buffer performance at the building level
- 5.5 Prediction of the moisture buffering effects on a building’s hygrothermal behaviour
- 5.6 Moisture buffering-aware design
- 5.7 Concluding remark
- References
- 6. Hygrothermal modelling
- Abstract
- 6.1 Hygrothermal modelling and assessment
- 6.2 Transient hygrothermal simulation software
- 6.3 Concluding remarks
- References
- 7. Building codes and standards
- Abstract
- 7.1 European/British building regulations
- 7.2 American building code
- 7.3 Building Code of Australia
- 7.4 Concluding remarks
- References
- Glossary
- Index
- Edition: 1
- Published: May 28, 2021
- No. of pages (Paperback): 202
- No. of pages (eBook): 202
- Imprint: Woodhead Publishing
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780128210970
- eBook ISBN: 9780128210987
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Arianna Brambilla
Arianna Brambilla is a Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Sydney. Her research draws upon architecture, building physics, and engineering to assess and interpret construction as a holistic concept, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Affiliations and expertise
Lecturer in Architecture, School of Architecture, Design, and Planning, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.AS
Alberto Sangiorgio
Alberto Sangiorgio is an Associate at Grimshaw Architects (Sydney) where he operates as façade engineer and sustainability manager. He has extensive international experience in the design, optimization, and construction of high-performing building envelopes.
Affiliations and expertise
Associate and Sustainability Manager, Grimshaw Architects, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaRead Moisture and Buildings on ScienceDirect