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Understanding the dynamic hygrothermal behavior of building elements is very important to ensure the optimal performance of buildings. The Laboratory for Quality Control in Buildings of the Basque Government tested a flat roof designed by a construction company that developed a building to be constructed using prefabricated modules. This is a five to eight floor building with ventilated façade and a flat roof covered by gravel with the possibility of changing it to a green cover. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

The interest of this research was threefold. The first objective was to accurately test, under real dynamic weather conditions, the roof design in a PASLINK test cell to obtain the U-value and the thermal capacitance of the different roof layers, and of the roof as a whole, through the precise calibration of resistance-capacitance mathematical models of the roof. Based on the parameters and experimental information of these calibrated models, a second goal was to calibrate and validate a Wufi model of the roof.

This second calibrated model was then used to simulate the dynamic hygrothermal behavior of the roof, obtaining the roof’s hourly thermal demand per square meter for a whole year in different locations considered in the Spanish Building Code. These simulations also permitted the authors to study the risk of condensation and mold growth of the tested component under different climatic conditions.

The successful combination of the PASLINK method to calibrate the Wufi hygrothermal model is the main novelty of this research.

The purpose of the paper is to prepare the hygrothermal model with fraction order theory in a mathematical aspect.

In this study, linear hygrothermoelastic theory is adopted to analyze and discuss the memory effect in a finite length hollow cylinder subjected to hygrothermal loading.

Analytical solutions of temperature, moisture and stresses are obtained in this study by using the decoupling technique and the method of Integral transform.

The paper deals with the original work based on hygrothermal response in hollow cylinder by theory of uncoupled-coupled heat and moisture.

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of cracks on external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) along the thermal insulation joints and the information available on the building pathology catalogue – PATORREB. The aim is to establish the methodology to study the cause of the pathology observed on a building which is located on the interior of Portugal based on in situ probing together with the analysis of hygrothermal and mechanical behaviour.

An in situ analysis was performed to assess the causes. The hygrothermal dynamic behaviour of the wall was analysed with a numerical simulation advanced tool considering the climatic conditions, the characteristics of the thermal insulation plates as well as the support and finishing layer properties. Moreover, a qualitatively analysis of the mechanical behaviour, based on the bonding process, thermal insulation and exterior rendering properties was performed.

It was concluded that the insulation properties – thermal expansion coefficient and stiffness, the thermal expansion coefficient of the exterior rendering, together with adverse climatic conditions were critical for the appearance of cracks along the plate joints, particularly with spot bonding. The expansion and retraction stresses and the restrained movements of the components can result in bending moments, especially when the insulation material has a high stiffness value, which will create the crack on the rendering system.

A combination between a hygrothermal and mechanical analysis of an ETICS pathology concerning the appearance of cracks with a subsequent integration into a building pathology catalogue.

This paper deals with the experimental investigation and non‐linear finite element analysis of composite wing T‐joints in hygrothermal environments. This study is concerned with T‐joints subjected to tension (pull‐out) force and their behaviour up to ultimate failure under bone dry and hygrothermal environments. The behaviour of such joints is complex due to the geometry of the joint configuration and laminated construction. T‐joints are also susceptible when exposed to moisture and temperature environments. As a consequence, the stiffness and strength properties of laminates because degraded. A three‐dimensional 20‐noded multidirectional composite element is developed using three‐dimensional super element concept to analyse both unstitched and stitched T‐joints. All the stress components are computed and the failure loads are evaluated using different failure criteria to get better insight into the behaviour of laminated composite wing T‐joints.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for evaluating the hygrothermal performance of framed wall assemblies based on design limits. This methodology allows designers to evaluate wall assemblies based on their absolute performance rather than relative performance which is typically done for most hygrothermal analysis.

The approach in developing this methodology was to evaluate wall assemblies against three typical design loads (e.g. air leakage, construction moisture, rain penetration) and determine limits in minimum insulation ratio, maximum indoor humidity and maximum rain penetration rates. This analysis was performed at both the field area of the wall and at framing junctions such as window sills.

The findings in this paper shows example design limits for various wall assemblies in heating-dominated climates in North America. Design limits for wall assemblies with moisture membranes of different vapour permeance are provided for both the field area of the wall and at window sills. Discussions about the importance of 2D hygrothermal simulation and performance of vapour permeable sub-sill membranes are also provided.

This framework of hygrothermal analysis will enable designers to make better decisions when designing framed wall assemblies suitable to the local climate and interior specifications for their projects. It will also enable the development of a design tool that will allow designers to visually see the implications of certain design decisions and filter out designs that do not meet their design conditions.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of panel connections on the hygrothermal performance of facade panels using a coupled, transient heat and moisture transfer analysis.

A coupled, transient heat and moisture transfer analysis has been conducted to investigate the effect of panel connections in the hygrothermal behavior of facade panels. Governing partial differential equations for the coupled heat and moisture transfer were formulated. Four panel connections proposed by pre-cast/pre-stressed concrete institute were modeled for the ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete facade panel as illustrations and a finite element method was used to solve the numerical models.

The results of heat transfer analysis showed that steel connections could significantly reduce the thermal resistivity of facade panels by converging heat fluxes and acting as thermal bridges within facade panels. The results also showed that the maximum heat flux in the steel connector of the panel to foundation connection was 10 times higher compared to the other connections. Also, the results of moisture transfer showed that air gaps between the panels had higher moisture flux compared to the other layers in the models. The results show the significant importance of panel connections in the energy performance analysis of facade systems. They also highlight the importance of devising novel connection designs and materials that consider the transient, coupled heat and moisture transfer in the connections to effectively exploit the potential opportunities provided by innovative facade systems to improve building energy efficiency.

This paper, for the first time, investigates the effect of panel connections in the hygrothermal performance of building facade systems using a coupled, transient heat and moisture transfer analysis.

In this paper, a solid circular cylinder of finite length occupying the space 0⩽r⩽1, 0⩽z⩽h is considered. The purpose of this paper is to adopt a linear hygrothermal effect to analyze the unsteady state responses in a finite long solid cylinder subjected to axisymmetric hygrothermal loading T=T_R and C=C_R at the surface. The analytical solution of temperature, moisture and thermal stresses is obtained by using the integral transform technique. The coupling and uncoupling effects of temperature, moisture and thermal stresses are discussed for a graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite material (T300/5208). The numerical results of transient response hygrothermoelastic field are presented graphically.

In the present problem, hygrothermoelastic response of a finite solid circular cylinder has been investigated by integral transform technique consisting of Laplace transform, Hankel transform and Fourier-cosine transform. The problem is investigated subjected to prescribed sources. Numerical algorithm has been developed for numerical computation.

The analytical solution of temperature, moisture and thermal stresses is obtained by using the integral transform technique. The coupling and uncoupling effects of temperature, moisture and thermal stresses are discussed for a graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite material (T300/5208). The numerical results of transient response hygrothermoelastic field are presented graphically.

The work presented here is mostly hypothetical in nature and totally mathematical.

It may be useful for composite materials, composite laminated plates in hygrothermal environment. Also it is having the applications in hygrothermal field where porous media exposed to heat and moisture. The problem investigated will be beneficial for the researcher working in the field thermoelastic diffusion and hygrothermoelastic materials.

Till date, the other authors did the research work on hygrothermal effect of an infinitely long cylinder without thickness. In this paper, the authors consider finite solid cylinder with finite length and discuss the hygrothermal effect within a small range. Second, the material properties are both homogenous and isotropic and are independent of both temperature and moisture.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of moisture and temperature changes on the behavior of a semi-infinite solid cylinder made of T300/5208 composite material. This study aims to provide analytical solutions for temperature, moisture and thermal stress through the de-coupling technique and the method of integral transforms. Both coupled and uncoupled cases are considered.

This study investigates the hygrothermo-elastic response of a semi-infinite solid circular cylinder using an integral transform technique that includes Hankel and Fourier transforms. The cylinder is subjected to prescribed sources, and a numerical algorithm is developed for the numerical computation of the results. The goal is to understand how the cylinder responds to changes in temperature and moisture.

The paper presents an analytical solution for temperature, moisture and thermal stress in a semi-infinite solid cylinder obtained through the use of an integral transform technique. The study focuses on a graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite material (T300/5208) and discusses the coupled and uncoupled effects of temperature, moisture and thermal stress on the material. The results of the transient response hygrothermo-elastic field are presented graphically to provide a visual representation of the findings.

The research presented in this article is primarily hypothetical and focused on the analysis of mathematical models.

To the authors' best knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the hygrothermal effect in a semi-infinite circular cylinder. Additionally, the material properties used in the analysis are both homogenous and isotropic and independent of both temperature and moisture. These unique aspects of the study make it a novel contribution to the field.

The residential sector in Ireland accounted for 25 per cent of energy related CO2 emissions in 2016 through burning fossil fuels, a major contributor to climate change. In support of Ireland’s CO2 reduction targets, the existing housing stock could contribute greatly to the reduction of space-heating energy demand through retrofit. Approximately 50 per cent of Ireland’s 2m dwellings pre-date building regulations and are predominantly of cavity and solid wall construction, the performance of which has not been extensively investigated at present. Although commitment to thermal upgrade/retrofit of existing buildings may increase under future government policies, the poor characterisation of actual thermal performance of external walls may hinder the realisation of these targets. Thermal transmittance (U-values) of exterior walls represents a source of uncertainty when estimating the energy performance of dwellings. It has been noted in research that the standard calculation methodology for thermal transmittance should be improved. Implementing current U-value calculation methods may result in misguided retrofit strategies due to the considerable discrepancies between in situ measurements and calculated wall U-values as documented in the case studies carried out in this research. If the method of hygrothermal analysis were to be employed as a replacement for the current standard calculation, it could have significant implications for policy and retrofit decision making. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

This research project analysed a case study situated in Dublin, Ireland. The case studies offer an account of the in situ thermal transmittance of exterior walls and link these to hygrothermally simulated comparisons along with more traditional design U-values.

The findings of this research identify discrepancies between in situ and design U-values, using measurement, hygrothermal simulation and standard method U-value calculations. The outcomes of the research serve as an introduction to issues emanating from a larger research project in order to encourage researchers to understand and further explore the topic.

It has previously been highlighted that moisture content is linked to the increase in thermal conductivity of building materials, thus reducing the thermal effectiveness and increasing the elemental U-value. Therefore, it is vital to implement reliable prediction tools to assess potential thermal performance values. This paper presents the findings of a critical instance case study in Dublin, Ireland in which an existing west facing external wall in a semi-detached dwelling was analysed, simulated and measured to verify the elemental wall assembly and quantify thermal transmittance (U-value) incorporating the major criteria required for building performance simulation.

Effects of moisture and temperature on the behaviour of composite T‐joints made of carbon fibre composite (CFC) materials are investigated. T‐joints may be exposed to moisture and temperature during their service life. Under such circumstances moisture and temperature diffuse into T‐joints. As a consequence, the stiffness and strength properties of the laminates are degraded. Moreover, since the laminae in the laminate cannot deform freely, residual stresses are introduced. The analysis is carried out by the finite element method using a modified thick shell element that takes into account the hygrothermal effects. The analysis also accounts for the lamina material properties at elevated moisture concentration and temperature. Deflections are presented in the form of contours, and maximum stresses developed in the Redux layer are presented in tabular forms. Two stacking sequences with clamped boundary conditions are considered for each variation in moisture and temperature