Condensation and Mold Risk Evaluation in a Gymnasium: In Situ Measurements and Numerical Simulation
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 31, Issue 5
Abstract
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.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 31 • Issue 5 • October 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 9, 2016
Accepted: Jan 13, 2017
Published ahead of print: Mar 26, 2017
Published online: Mar 27, 2017
Discussion open until: Aug 27, 2017
Published in print: Oct 1, 2017
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