Hygrothermal Performance and Degradation of Gypsum Houses in Different Brazilian Climates

Abstract

This work consisted of two main lines of research: one of a literature review and other of simulation. In the first part, a modular constructive system based on gypsum blocks is presented. This constructive system reduces the manpower considerably, the time of execution and the final costs of construction. However, the durability assessment should be analysed but first its implementation and performance along the country must analysed.In this work a preliminary experimental characterization of the thermal conductivity, vapour permeability and water absorption coefficient of two different samples of gypsum plasters from the northeast Brazil (plaster pole of Araripe, Pernambuco) was performed. The experimental and analytical procedures followed either international standards or well-established methodologies, supporting the analysis of gypsum walls hygrothermal behaviour. The measured properties were adopted as inputs to hygrothermal simulation software and the analysis of gypsum based exterior walls was conducted for different climate zones and exposure conditions. The study demonstrates the durability issues that may arise in each location, due to differences in hygrothermal action.The other simulation part included hygrothermal advanced modelling, using the EnergyPlus software. The numerical results carried out allow a discussion over the interior comfort and durability of this modular constructive system. In this paper, the computer simulation model and the results of a parametric analysis of the dwelling performance on the eight climatic regions defined in Brazilian regulations are presented. The model was validated using the in situ measurements of air temperature.