Condensation and Mold Risk Evaluation in a Gymnasium: In Situ Measurements and Numerical Simulation

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2017

Autores

Almeida, RMSF (Autor) Outra; Eva Barreira (Autor) FEUP

Revista

Título: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities

Vol. 31

ISSN: 0887-3828

Editora: ASCE

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citações

Scopus - 4 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00M-SKG

DOI: 10.1061/(asce)cf.1943-5509.0001047

Abstract (EN): In buildings, mold growth can have severe consequences on the occupants' health and on the durability of the construction. Mold growth is a complex process that depends on many factors, such as temperature and relative humidity, presence of nutrients, and exposure time. In sport facilities, vapor production is typically high and the temperature is compatible with mold development, enhancing the probability for the phenomenon to occur. Several mold prediction models are available in the literature, such as the time of wetness, the isopleth systems, the updated VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland) model, and the biohygrothermal model. They allow estimating the mold growth incidence in building components and performing risk analysis. This study evaluates the in-service performance of a gymnasium. Mold growth and the occurrence of condensation were assessed through in situ measurements and making use of prediction models. Infrared thermography was used in the selection of critical locations on the building and superficial temperature in six points was monitored during four months. Air temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration were also collected. These parameters were used in the evaluation of the building's performance and as input in the prediction models. The results obtained with the different models lead to different conclusions, creating the opportunity to discuss their strengths and weaknesses as well as their sensitivity to the input parameters. (C) 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 8