Study of the influence of temperature on the moisture buffering capacity of bio-based concretes

Abstract

The aim of this article is investigate the hygric performances of bio-based materials. The MBV value characterizes the ability of a material or multi-layer component to moderate the variation of indoor relative humidity (RH). In the literature, the moisture buffer value was determined at a constant temperature, normally at 23°C. However, in reality, the indoor temperature of the buildings is variable. Therefore, this study will examine the influence of temperature on the moisture buffer value (MBV). First, the physical models are presented. Second, the numerical models have been implemented in the Simulation Problem Analysis and Research Kernel (SPARK) suite to the complex problems. Then, the simulation tools are validated with the experimental results found in the literature. The study will be carried out on a building envelope made of palm and sunflower concretes (bio-based concretes). The boundary conditions of the studied wall are chosen according to the protocol proposed in the NordTest to calculate MBV value as function of temperature. The results showed that the increase in temperature induces an increase in the MBV value. Using this numerical model presented in this paper can predict and optimize the hygric performance of bio- based materials designed for building application.