New National Museum in Oslo. Analysis of risk for condensation and possible mold growth in internal climatic sectioning walls and floors

Abstract

The new Norwegian National Museum in Oslo is currently under construction. The building contains a variety of climatic zones including cooled storage rooms and climatized exhibition halls, which are partially adjacent. To prevent large internal loss of cooling and heating energy between the rooms, the partitioning walls and floors are insulated. Multiconsult have identified several possible critical points where cooled rooms are placed adjacent to rooms with high moisture levels, and analyzed the risk for condensation (100 % RH) and mold growth (80 % RH) on surfaces and internally between concrete or masonry and insulation layers. The analysis included a preliminary, stationary evaluation and a comprehensive dynamic evaluation. After performing dynamic moisture analyses, it has been recommended to use diffusion tight insulation in some critical areas to reduce the risk for moisture related problems during operations.