The main objective of this paper is to highlight the research works being carried out on the hygrothermal behaviour of building materials and wall systems at the National Research Council (NRC) Canada. The paper depicts selected results obtained from parametric studies conducted on wood frame stucco walls commonly used in Canadian climatic conditions, using hygIRC, an advanced hygrothermal mode...

Hygrothermal modelling is increasingly used to inform building envelope design. A key input for these calculations the material’s vapour diffusion properties. Respecting a growing international concern, this research has questioned appropriateness of current test method establish construction material This article reports on empirical measurement properties two vapour-permeable membranes common...

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of an aggressive environment and sustained load on the mechanical properties of wet lay-up fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). A total of 390 specimens, including 234 carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) specimens and 156 glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) specimens, were exposed to freeze–thaw cycles, hygrothermal aging, and wet–d...

A mathematical model for the description of drying shrinkage of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is presented, bringing together the hygrothermal and mechanical considerations. The verification of the model is done using an approximation of a real laboratory experiment. Then, the applicability of the model is demonstrated by a numerical simulation of drying shrinkage and wetting expansion of A...

The viability of a novel sustainable polymeric composite material, based on photocurable linseed oil resin was explored, with a view to exploiting its potential in marine environments. The study focused on a UV-curable resin subjected to setting through photoinitiated cationic polymerisation. Deployment of heterogeneous solid catalysts, containing isolated Brønsted acid centres, further improve...

Recent advances in computer technology have aided the development of a number of hygrothermal models. These models can predict the distribution of temperature, relative humidity, and airflow pattern through building envelope components as they vary with time. This paper presents the results of an investigation, which evaluated the applicability of fourhygrothermal computer models, viz. hygIRC, ...

The development and application of bio-based insulation materials can contribute to the minimization of the environmental impacts of buildings through reduction of embodied and in-use energy demand, in addition to many other major impacts such as resource depletion and waste generation. The hygrothermal performance of natural building materials has direct and indirect impacts on moderating indo...

Abstract—Thermal insulation materials based on natural fibers represent a very promising area of materials based on natural easy renewable row sources. These materials may be in terms of the properties of most competing synthetic insulations, but show somewhat higher moisture sensitivity and thermal insulation properties are strongly influenced by the density and orientation of fibers. The pape...