Applied Research of the Hygrothermal Behaviour of an Internally Insulated Historic Wall without Vapour Barrier: In Situ Measurements and Dynamic Simulations

Mirco Andreotti,Marta Calzolari,Dario Bottino-Leone,Elena Lucchi,Alexandra Troi,Luisa Dias Pereira,Pietromaria Davoli

doi:10.3390/en13133362

Mirco Andreotti, Marta Calzolari + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en13133362

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Abstract

The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mainly because the physical characteristics of the materials composing the historic wall are unknown. In this study, the hygrothermal assessment of an internally thermal insulated masonry wall of an historic palace located in Ferrara, in Italy, is shown. In situ non-destructive monitoring method is combined with a hygrothermal simulation tool, aiming to better analyse and discuss future refurbishment scenarios. In this context, the original U-value of the wall (not refurbished) is decreased from 1.44 W/m2K to 0.26 W/m2K (10 cm stone wool). Under the site specific conditions of this wall, not reached by the sun or rain, it was verified that even in the absence of vapour barrier, no frost damage is likely to occur and the condensation risk is very limited. Authors proposed further discussion based on simulation. The results showed that the introduction of a second gypsum board to the studied technology compensated such absence, while the reduction of the insulation material thickness provides a reduction of RH peaks in the interstitial area by 1%; this second solution proved to be more efficient, providing a 3% RH reduction and the avoidance of further thermal losses.

Highlights

One of the most efficient ways to promote historic buildings (HB) sustainability is keeping them in use
This study aims to assess thermal insulation technologies, among the most widespread in the market and used by professionals for new or existing buildings, to verify the hygrothermal behaviour when applied to HB
For the analysed 3-month period (11 December 2019 to 11 March 2020), several observations can can pointed concerning both monitored simulated at point

Summary

Introduction

One of the most efficient ways to promote historic buildings (HB) sustainability is keeping them in use. In other words, safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations means trying to support the quality implementation of energy efficiency measures, needed to mitigate climate change [1] and to keep the buildings used. This means that, at this moment, the conservation aspect of HB can no longer be dissociated from its energy refurbishment. The adaptation to such changes, e.g., adaptive re-use [2], retrofitting [3] and/or energy efficiency improvements actions [4], can bring some risks These risks are likely to occur when dealing with thermal insulation of HB with patrimonial or heritage value.

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