Case Studies of Rising Damp Treatment in Historical Buildings

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 107-119
Author(s):  
A.S. Guimarães ◽  
J.M.P.Q. Delgado ◽  
V.P. de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Technical Specification ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
Building Structures ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Salt Damage ◽  
Building Physics ◽  
Rising Damp

Salt damage can affect the service life of numerous building structures, both historical and contemporary, in a significant way. Therefore, various conservation methods have been developed for the consolidation and protection of porous building materials exposed to the salt attack. As any successful treatment of salt damage requires a multidisciplinary attitude, many different factors such as salt solution transport and crystallization, presence and origin of salts in masonry, and salt-induced deterioration are to be taken into account. The importance of pre-treatment investigations is discussed as well; in a combination with the knowledge of salt and moisture transport mechanisms they can give useful indications regarding treatment options.Another important cause of building pathologies in buildings is the rising damp and this phenomenon it is particularly more severe with the presence of salts in water. The treatment of rising damp in historic building walls is a very complex procedure. At Laboratory of Building Physics (LFC-FEUP) a wall base hygro-regulated ventilation system was developed. This system patented, HUMIVENT, has been submitted to laboratorial monitoring and to in situ validation and a numerical simplified model was developed to facilitate the practical application. Having in mind the practical application of scientific and technological knowledge from Building Physics to practice, this paper presents the design of the system (geometry, ventilation rate and hygrothermal device), the detailing and technical specification of its different components and information about the implementation in three types of buildings: a church, a museum and a residential building.

scholarly journals Salt Damage and Rising Damp Treatment in Building Structures

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. P. Q. Delgado ◽  
A. S. Guimarães ◽  
V. P. de Freitas ◽  
Iñigo Antepara ◽  
Václav Kočí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Mineral Wool ◽  
Building Structures ◽  
Salt Damage ◽  
Complex Procedure ◽  
Building Physics ◽  
Rising Damp

Salt damage can affect the service life of numerous building structures, both historical and contemporary, in a significant way. In this review, various damage mechanisms to porous building materials induced by salt action are analyzed. The importance of pretreatment investigations is discussed as well; in combination with the knowledge of salt and moisture transport mechanisms they can give useful indications regarding treatment options. The methods of salt damage treatment are assessed then, including both passive techniques based on environmental control, reduction of water transport, or conversion to less soluble salts and active procedures resulting in the removal of salts from deterioration zones. It is concluded that cellulose can still be considered as the favorite material presently used in desalination poultices but hydrophilic mineral wool can serve as its prospective alternative in future applications. Another important cause of building pathologies is the rising damp and, in this phenomenon, it is particularly severe considering the presence of salts in water. The treatment of rising damp in historic building walls is a very complex procedure and at Laboratory of Building Physics (LFC-FEUP) a wall base hygroregulated ventilation system was developed and patented.

scholarly journals Primary and Secondary Emissions of VOCs and PAHs in Indoor Air from a Waterproof Coal-Tar Membrane: Diagnosis and Remediation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12855
Author(s):  
Rafael Piñeiro ◽  
Eva Jimenez-Relinque ◽  
Roman Nevshupa ◽  
Marta Castellote
Keyword(s):  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Coal Tar ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Secondary Emission ◽  
Volatile Organic ◽  
Organic Halogens

Primary and secondary emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a waterproof coal tar membrane and their effect on the indoor air quality were investigated through a case study in a residential building situated in Madrid, Spain. The air contaminants were analyzed in situ using photoionization method and several samples of contaminants were taken using three sorbents: activated carbon, XAD2 and Tenax GR. It was found that various VOCs such as toluene, p- and m-Xylene, PAHs such as naphthalene, methyl-naphthalenes, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, phenanthrene and fluorine, volatile organic halogens including chloroform and trichlorofluoromethane, and alkylbenzene (1,2,4-trimethylbenzene) were found at concentrations, which exceeded the limits established by international and national agencies (WHO, EPA, OSHA). Some of the above organic compounds were found also in the samples of construction and building materials, which were obtained at different heights and places. The analysis of possible sources of the contaminants pointed at the original coal-tar membrane, which was applied on the terrace to be waterproof. During a posterior reparation the membrane was coated with a new one that hindered dissipation of emitted contaminants. The contaminants leached out and were absorbed by construction materials down in the dwelling. These materials then acted as secondary emission sources. To remediate the emission problem as the contaminated materials were removed and then a ventilation system was installed to force the gasses being emitted from the rest of contaminated slab outside. Follow-up has validated the success of the remediation procedure.

scholarly journals Degradation Control of Walls with Rising Damp Problems

2013 ◽  
Vol 334-335 ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.S. Guimarães ◽  
João M.P.Q. Delgado ◽  
V.P. de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Transfer ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Treatment Technique ◽  
Historical Building ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Building Physics ◽  
Rising Damp

Degradation in walls of Historical Building with rising damp is a complex problem to solve, due to the thickness and heterogeneity of those walls. The traditionally treatment techniques used (such as watertight barriers, injection of hydrofuge products, etc.) show, sometimes, to be ineffective or too expensive, justifying the need to find a new approach. Experimental studies validate the effectiveness of a new treatment technique applied to the walls of old buildings wall base ventilation system. Building Physics Laboratory (LFC) is developing a model of this technique. The sizing of the treatment system is based on knowledge of the characteristics of the wall, of the geometry of the ventilation system and of the building being dealt with. In this work it is described the moisture transfer process between the moving air flux, inside the system, and the wall. Experimental results were used to validate the mathematical solution and the values obtained are very similar.

The Rising Damp in Cultural Heritage: From Physical and Numerical Analyse to Practical Application

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 128-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.M.P.Q. Delgado ◽  
A.S. Guimarães ◽  
V.P. de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
State Of The Art ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
General Introduction ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Rising Damp

The main goal of this work is to present a complete review of rising damp treatment in building heritage using a technique developed in our group to estimate and mitigate the height of the rising damp front and to predict the improvements of some experimental treatment techniques. The paper present a mathematical and a numerical analyse of the problem; an experimental and a practical application of the technique developed. This work is distributed into six main sections, in addition to this general Introduction: This book chapter is divided in several sections. Initially, it is presented the “state of the art” synthesis, where it is studied the techniques traditionally used for the rising damp treatment, showing the existing limitations on its application in monumental heritage and in old or ancient buildings, with specific characteristics. Then, it is performed the idea and the operating principle of the new technique, known as the wall base ventilation system, on the basis of previously conducted studies. An analytical, numerical and “in-field” study it is presented based in a case study described in detail. Finally, it is done a critical analysis of the results obtained, projecting the future work.

Characterization of a Hygro-Regulated Wall Base Ventilation System for Treatment of Rising Damp

2012 ◽  
Vol 326-328 ◽  
pp. 54-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.S. Guimarães ◽  
João M.P.Q. Delgado ◽  
V.P. de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Research ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Salt Crystallization ◽  
Historical Buildings ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Physics Laboratory ◽  
Building Physics ◽  
Rising Damp

The treatment of rising damp in the walls of historical buildings is very complex, due to the thickness and heterogeneity of the walls. The techniques traditionally used for dealing with this problem (such as watertight barriers, injection of hydrofuge products, etc.) have sometimes proved ineffective, and that is why it is necessary to find a new approach. In recent years, the Building Physics Laboratory at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto has been conducting experimental research on the effectiveness of the wall base ventilation system, using natural or mechanical higro-regulate systems to reduce the level of the damp area. This experimental research and the simulations that were performed, clearly show that wall base ventilation is a system with potential. This paper presents the characterization of the hygro-regulated systems operation based on experimental studies developed in laboratory, which allowed the influence of the velocity of the air, condensation risk and the possibility of salt crystallization.

Initial State Sorption Measurements

2016 ◽  
Vol 824 ◽  
pp. 589-597
Author(s):  
Akos Lakatos
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Expanded Polystyrene ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Building Structures ◽  
Fibrous Materials ◽  
Initial State ◽  
Insulating Materials ◽  
Building Physics ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Building Engineering

This paper highlights wetting measurements and results carried out on four different generally used construction and some insulating materials, executed in our Building Physics laboratory in University of Debrecen, Faculty of Engineering, Debrecen, Hungary. The measurements focused on the initial state of the water up-takin procedure (240 min wetting) only, waiting for the equilibrium moisture content was not a goal of this paper. Currently, Aereated concrete, small solid brick, Porotherm and ceramsite-concrete structural members are usually applied in building structures. The measurements of water sorption investigations are so significant from the point of view of thermal sizing of the buildings. To put it simply this article can be imagined as a short time wetting sorption database comparing with our previous results, besides this article can be very useful for everyone in building physics and in building engineering. In addition building materials, insulating materials were tested and will be put forward, as well, eg.: expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, poly-urethane, and some fibrous materials. Totally, 11 materials were investigated, after drying in a Venticell 111 type desiccator apparatus at 343 K to changeless weight and then wetting in a Climacell 111 type climatic chamber, where the relative humidity was varied from 25% to 95% at 293K for 240 min. As result, new isotherm curves for this short time wetting will be presented and will be compared to the literature data, MSZ-04-140-2-1991.

Legal framework for improvement of agroecology by cultivating jerusalem artichoke

2020 ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Mykhailo Kosmii ◽  
Vasyl. Kasiianchuk ◽  
Ruslan Zhyrak ◽  
Ivan Krykhovetskyi
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Environmental Law ◽  
Jerusalem Artichoke ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Scientific Cognition

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and research the legal mechanisms which make it possible to improve agroecology through the organization of cultivation of Jerusalem artichoke.Methodology. The methodology includes comprehensive analysis and generalization of available scientific, theoretical, practical and applied material and development of relevant conclusions and recommendations. During the research, the following methods of scientific cognition were used: dialectical, terminological, historical and legal, logical and normative, systemic and structural, functional, normative and dogmatic, generalization methods. Results. The process of analysis and research highlighted the possibilities of cultivating Jerusalem artichoke for improving agroecology, namely improving the ecological state of the atmosphere air and soil, preparing them for organic farming. The article contains examples of practical application of tubers of Jerusalem artichoke and herbage for the production of therapeutic and prophylactic products, alternative energy and highly efficient building materials. Scientific novelty. The study found that the authors summarized and systematized the levels of legal regulation in the field of using Jerusalem artichoke for improving agroecology, preparing soil for organic farming, in particular: the inter-sectoral level which covers the interaction of agricultural and environmental law in terms of cultivation and use of Jerusalem artichoke; the level of integrated environmental and legal regulation; level of individual resource (floristic) legal regulation; the level of environmental protection (anthropoprotection) legislation.Practical importance. The results of the study can be used in law-making and environmental protection activities related to issues of cultivating and using the Jerusalem artichoke as a means of improving agroecology.

Resistance of Binding Systems of Various Compositions to the Action of Molds

2020 ◽  
Vol 786 (11) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
V.V. STROKOVA ◽  
◽  
V.V. NELUBOVA ◽  
M.N. SIVALNEVA ◽  
M.D. RYKUNOVA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aging Process ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Fungal Resistance ◽  
Building Structures ◽  
Vital Activity ◽  
Regulatory Documents ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Biological Corrosion ◽  
Test Objects

The dynamic development of urbanization contributes to an increase in emissions of industrial waste, which is the cause dysfunction of the ecosystem balance and leads to the development of biological corrosion on building materials associated with the products of the vital activity of microorganisms. In this regard, it is necessary to assess the resistance of composites to predict the durability of building structures under conditions of biological influence of microorganisms. Binder systems of various compositions were studied: cementless nanostructured binders (NB) based on quartz sand and granodiorite, gypsum, Portland cement and alumina cement. The toxicity of binders was assessed by biotesting on living organisms – cladocerans Daphnia Magna – according to the criteria of the intensity of their growth and viability. As a result, the high environmental safety of NB is substantiated, and the ranking of the studied binders according to the degree of increase in their toxicity to test objects is presented. Fungal resistance was assessed by the ability of molds for growing and reproduction on the studied samples. It was found that the most active in terms of the development of binders were representatives of the genus Aspergillus, the intensity of growing of which in all variants did not decrease below 3 points. Gypsum and NB were especially vulnerable, where the degree of fouling repeatedly reached 5 points. Even the initially biostable cement, after the aging process, lost its stability at different extent. The obtained results indicate the need to increase the resistance of composites for various purposes under conditions of biocorrosion at the stage of design and updating of regulatory documents, including tests for fungal resistance in the list of mandatory.

scholarly journals Architectural ruins: geoculture of the anatomy of buildings as illustrated by Casa Ippolito, Malta

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lino Bianco
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
History Of ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Building Physics

AbstractRuins are a statement on the building materials used and the construction method employed. Casa Ippolito, now in ruins, is typical of 17th-century Maltese aristocratic country residences. It represents an illustration of secondary or anthropogenic geodiversity. This paper scrutinises these ruins as a primary source in reconstructing the building’s architecture. The methodology involved on-site geographical surveying, including visual inspection and non-invasive tests, a geological survey of the local lithostratigraphy, and examination of notarial deeds and secondary sources to support findings about the building’s history as read from its ruins. An unmanned aerial vehicle was used to digitally record the parlous state of the architectural structure and karsten tubes were used to quantify the surface porosity of the limestone. The results are expressed from four perspectives. The anatomy of Casa Ippolito, as revealed in its ruins, provides a cross-section of its building history and shows two distinct phases in its construction. The tissue of Casa Ippolito—the building elements and materials—speaks of the knowledge of raw materials and their properties among the builders who worked on both phases. The architectural history of Casa Ippolito reveals how it supported its inhabitants’ wellbeing in terms of shelter, water and food. Finally, the ruins in their present state bring to the fore the site’s potential for cultural tourism. This case study aims to show that such ruins are not just geocultural remains of historical built fabric. They are open wounds in the built structure; they underpin the anatomy of the building and support insights into its former dynamics. Ruins offer an essay in material culture and building physics. Architectural ruins of masonry structures are anthropogenic discourse rendered in stone which facilitate not only the reconstruction of spaces but also places for human users; they are a statement on the wellbeing of humanity throughout history.

scholarly journals Proposing Alternative Solutions to Enhance Natural Ventilation Rates in Residential Buildings in the Cfa Climate Zone of Rasht

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 679
Author(s):  
Roya Aeinehvand ◽  
Amiraslan Darvish ◽  
Abdollah Baghaei Daemei ◽  
Shima Barati ◽  
Asma Jamali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Passive Strategies ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Ventilation Rates ◽  
Ventilation Systems

Today, renewable resources and the crucial role of passive strategies in energy efficiency in the building sector toward the sustainable development goals are more indispensable than ever. Natural ventilation has traditionally been considered as one of the most fundamental techniques to decrease energy usage by building dwellers and designers. The main purpose of the present study is to enhance the natural ventilation rates in an existing six-story residential building situated in the humid climate of Rasht during the summertime. On this basis, two types of ventilation systems, the Double-Skin Facade Twin Face System (DSF-TFS) and Single-Sided Wind Tower (SSWT), were simulated through DesignBuilder version 4.5. Then, two types of additional ventilation systems were proposed in order to accelerate the airflow, including four-sided as well as multi-opening wind towers. The wind foldable directions were at about 45 degrees (northwest to southeast). The simulation results show that SSWT could have a better performance than the aforementioned systems by about 38%. Therefore, the multi-opening system was able to enhance the ventilation rate by approximately 10% during the summertime.

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