Experimental Study on Hygrothermal Performances of Indoor Covering Materials

Experimental Study on Hygrothermal Performances of Indoor Covering Materials
Written by esba

Several clayey materials were prepared in the Thermophysical Laboratory of Bari. Hygrothermal properties were measured according to technical standards. In order to consider the potential of earthen materials to improve indoor comfort, the software WUFI+ was used to simulate the hygrothermal behavior of a test room, placed in a Mediterranean climate.

The analysis was carried out considering the internal surface of the walls of the building covered by five different plasters. Results demonstrated that when considering an unconditioned scenario (without HVAC system) Clay-Straw and Lime-Bentonite lead up to a greater improvement of the hygric performances, unlike traditional coverings as Gypsum or Ceramic tiles. It can be appreciated a greater damping relative humidity and sorption capacity of the earthen coatings. However, in presence of an HVAC system any significant variations occur in terms of energy saving.

Author: Liuzzi, Stefania

Link: http://www.iieta.org/sites/default/files/Journals/HTECH/IJHT.34.S2_25.pdf

About the author

esba

The European Straw Building Association is an independent European association, devoid of any profit making motive. The object of the Association is to promote and develop the use of straw, as a sustainable way of building in all the senses of the term “sustainable”: renewable, ecological, healthy, energy and climate efficient, social and economic.
The Association is a federation composed of organisations and people particularly concerned with the use of straw in buildings.