Hygrothermal Simulation of Interior Insulated Brick Wall—Perspectives on Uncertainty and Sensitivity

Energy retrofit of existing masonry buildings has become attractive to meet demands for reduction in energy consumption. Retrofit may, however, introduce moisture risk that needs be assessed. Hygrothermal simulation analysis is often conducted this respect. Nevertheless, hygrothermal interior insulated bare brick exposed driving rain can challenging due the many aspects involved determine heat- and moisture-transport behavior, which should addressed by an applied model. The present study highlights uncertainty encountered when establishing a Furthermore, different modeling choices or simplifications are studied impact on results. As check realism, results 2D simulations compared previous laboratory experiment wall segments subjected severe wetting subsequent drying. Rain absorption modeled conservatively, attempting envelope Conservative were not achieved relative humidity sensor placed without inclusion “leaky” mortar joint. Simultaneously, conservative approach underestimated drying experienced two three segments. Regarding beam-end content, conservatively enveloped 3D but 2D.