Prediction of Moisture Movement in the Walls of Residences.

摘要

More energy-efficient buildings are being constructed today. This trend has increased concern about the presence of moisture in wall cavities as buildings become ''tighter.'' Moisture problems include obvious symptoms such as peeling paint and mildew, as well as less apparent symptoms such as degradation of insulation performance and damage to structural members from dry rot. This study aimed to develop a model to examine the potential for moisture accumulation in common residential construction exposed to typical Northwest climates. The report focuses first on a description of the analysis involved in heat and moisture transport through multilayered walls, and then on a mathematical description of the physical model. The mathematical model incorporates latent heat effects and time-varying external conditions. Simplifying assumptions are made in order to allow a numerical solution of the governing differential equations. 31 refs., 12 figs., 2 tabs.