The present article investigates the hygrothermal performance of straw bale walls in Belgian climate conditions. The first part presents measured Heat, Air and Moisture (HAM) properties of the corresponding construction materials (loam, straw and tras-lime mortar). The second part of the study verifies the hygric performance of these construction elements based on transient numerical HAM-simulations on yearly basis. The simulation results demonstrate that the application of straw bale walls in Belgian climate conditions is vulnerable to high moisture contents and may result in mould growth during winter conditions.
Authors: Langmans, Jelle; Versele, Alexis; Roels, Staf
