|
This book presents recent research in the area of construction pathology, hygrothermal behaviour of buildings, service life and diagnostic techniques, and highlights the latest developments in building physics, hygrothermal behaviour, durability and numerical models applied to building materials analysis. Discussing the state of the art in the field, and covering topics relevant to variety of engineering disciplines, such as civil, materials and mechanical engineering, it will appeal to scientists, students, practitioners, lecturers and other stakeholders.
The hygrothermal behaviour of a building component or material exposed to
weather is an important aspect of the overall performance of a building. In the case
of a material, the hygrothermal behaviour can be defined as the change in functional
properties that occur as a result of simultaneous heat and moisture exchange (with
the surrounding environment) and storage within the material. The knowledge
of the physical processes that define hygrothermal behaviour allows for the pre
diction of a building response to climatic solicitation and for the selection of
envelope solutions that will lead to required feasibility.
Building pathologies originated by moisture are frequently responsible for the
degradation of building components and can affect users’ health and comfort. The
solutions for treating moisture-related pathologies are complex and, many times, of
difficult implementation. Several of these pathologies are due to innovative tech
niques combined with new materials of poorly predicted performance and the
eventual identification of potential hidden defects is extremely useful, which can
compromise the building’s performance and, if identified late, can have very costly
repairs or be out of warranty terms.
The main purpose of this book, Hygrothermal Behaviour and Building
Pathologies, is to provide a collection of recent research works to contribute to the
systematization and dissemination of knowledge related to construction pathology,
hygrothermal behaviour of buildings, service life and diagnostic techniques and,
simultaneously, to show the most recent advances in this domain. It includes a set
of new developments in the field of building physics and hygrothermal behaviour,
durability and numerical models applied to building materials analysed. The book is
divided into six chapters that intend to be a resume of the current state of knowl-
edge for benefit of professional colleagues, scientists, students, practitioners, lec
turers and other interested parties to network. At the same time, these topics will be
going to the encounter of a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines, such as
civil, materials and mechanical engineering. |
|