Prp-1018 Thermal & Moisture Transport Database For Common BLDG & Insulating Materials

A Thermal and Moisture Transport Property Database for Common
Building and Insulating Materials

Final Report from ASHRAE Research Project 1018-RP

Principal Investigator : Mavinkal K Kumaran

Key Researchers: John C Lackey
Nicole Normandin
Fitsum Tariku
David van Reenen

04 July 2002
2

Table of Content Page No.
Executive Summary 4
Examples of Applications of Various Test Methods:
Hygrothermal Properties of Aerated Concrete and Gypsum Board 12
Hygrothermal Properties of OSB 1 29
Hygrothermal Properties of Plywood 1 50
Hygrothermal Properties of Fibreboard 71
Hygrothermal Properties of Eastern White Cedar 78
Hygrothermal Properties of Western Red Cedar 85
Hygrothermal Properties of Spruce 92
Hygrothermal Properties of Eastern White Pine 99
Hygrothermal Properties of Southern Yellow Pine 106
Hygrothermal Properties of Composite Wood Siding 113
Hygrothermal Properties of Clay Brick 120
Hygrothermal Properties of Mortar 127
Hygrothermal Properties of Stucco 134
Hygrothermal Properties of Fibre Cement Board 141
Hygrothermal Properties of Cement Board 148
Hygrothermal Properties of Lime Stone 154
Hygrothermal Properties of Low-density Glassfibre Batt Insulation 160
Hygrothermal Properties of Cellulose Insulation 164
Hygrothermal Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Insulation 169
Hygrothermal Properties of Extruded Polystyrene Insulation 173
Hygrothermal Properties of Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation 176
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Hygrothermal Properties of Polyisocyanurate Insulation 179
Hygrothermal Properties of Low-density Polyurethane Foam Insulation 182
Hygrothermal Properties of #15 Felt 186
Hygrothermal Properties of 10 min Paper 189
Hygrothermal Properties of Spun Bonded Polyolefin Membrane 198
Hygrothermal Properties of Bonded Polyolefin Membrane (Crinkled ) 201
Hygrothermal Properties of Vinyl Wallpaper 204
Hygrothermal Properties of Primer and Latex paint 207
Hygrothermal Properties of EIFS Base Coat and Finish Coat 214

Appendix I: How Well Should One Know the Hygrothermal Properties of Building
Materials ? 217

Appendix II: Experimental and Analytical Investigations on the Drying Processes
Undergone by Aerated Concrete. 223

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents results from a set of hygrothermal tests that were systematically
carried out on many building materials that are currently used in North America. The materials
include several wood based products, several species of wood, masonry products, cladding
materials, sheathing membranes, insulation products, one limestone, a primer and a latex paint
and a vinyl wallpaper. The properties that were determined include thermal conductivity,
equilibrium moisture content, water vapour permeance or permeability, water absorption
coefficient, moisture diffusivity and air permeance or permeability. Test conditions and details on
test specimens are given for each test. Many sets of primary data as well as their uncertainties
are reported. Also, wherever possible results are statistically analyzed to estimate probable
uncertainties in the derived values of various hygrothermal properties.

Principal Investigator:
Kumar Kumaran
Principal Research Officer
Building Envelope and Structure Program
Institute for Research in Construction
National Research Council Canada
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6
Canada

kumar.kumaran@nrc.ca
Phone: 613 993 9611

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1. INTRODUCTION
ASHRAE Research project 1018-RP, Thermal and Moisture Transport Property
Database for Common Building and Insulating Materials was implemented to generate a set of
reliable and representative data on the hygrothermal properties of 30 common building materials.
Hygrothermal properties govern the details of heat, air and moisture transport through building
materials. A comprehensive list of the properties can be found in the project report B-1115.3
dated 1 April 1999 that was issued to ASHRAE from the Institute for Research in Construction.
That report also contains the definitions of the properties.
The project has now generated information on several hygrothermal properties of 38
materials. The properties that are compiled in this report include:
Dry density
Heat capacity
Thermal conductivity
Equilibrium moisture content (Sorption, Desorption and Pressure Plate Measurements)
Water vapour permeance or permeability
Water absorption coefficient
Moisture diffusivity and
Air permeance or permeability

Well-developed experimental procedures or international standard test procedures exist
to determine the properties listed above. The principles of the experimental procedures that are
used to determine the hygrothermal properties of building materials in the present investigation
are given below. Heat capacity data that are reported here are taken from a document published
by the International Energy Agency Annex 24 [1]. Density data reported here are the averages of
the densities of many test specimens (conditioned to laboratory environment, approximately
21 C and 50 % RH) for each material, calculated from direct measurements on the weight and
on the geometric dimensions that are used to characterize each test specimen. Further details on
each experimental procedure and data analyses may be found in the project report referred to
above.

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Thermal Conductivity of Dry Materials
The heat conduction equation is directly used to determine the thermal conductivity of dry
materials. Equipment that can maintain a known unidirectional steady state heat flux (under
known constant boundary temperatures) across a flat slab of known thickness is used for the
measurements. The most commonly used equipment is the guarded hot plate apparatus or the
heat flow meter apparatus. ASTM Standards C 177, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat
flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate
Apparatus and C518, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat flux Measurements and
Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus are widely used
for this purpose. The latter is used in the present investigation. Similar standards are available
from the International Standards Organization and the European Union. In the ASTM Standards,
the heat conduction equation is written for practical applications as:
! = Q"l/(A"#T) (1)
Where,
Q = Heat flow rate across an area A
l = Thickness of test specimen
#T = Hot surface temperature Cold surface temperature
The thermal conductivity calculated according to (1) is called apparent thermal
conductivity. It is a function of the average temperature of the test specimen.
Equilibrium Moisture Content from Sorption/Desorption Measurements
For sorption measurements, the test specimen is dried at an appropriate drying
temperature to constant mass. While maintaining a constant temperature, the dried specimen is
placed consecutively in a series of test environments, with relative humidity increasing in stages,
until equilibrium is reached in each environment. Equilibrium in each environment is confirmed by
periodically weighing the specimen until constant mass is reached. From the measured mass
changes, the equilibrium moisture content at each test condition can be calculated and the
adsorption isotherm drawn.
The starting point for the desorption measurements is from an equilibrium condition very
near 100% RH. While maintaining a constant temperature, the specimen is placed consecutively
in a series of test environments, with relative humidity decreasing in stages, until equilibrium is
reached in each environment. Equilibrium in each environment is confirmed by periodically
weighing the specimen until constant mass is reached. Finally, the specimen is dried at the
B1115.13

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appropriate temperature to constant mass. From the measured mass changes, the equilibrium
moisture content at each test condition can be calculated and the desorption isotherm drawn.
A new CEN standard 89 N 337 E is under development for the determination of
Hygroscopic Sorption Curve. ASTM C16 Committee also is developing a standard.
Equilibrium Moisture Content from Pressure Plate (Desorption) measurements:
The test specimens are saturated with water under vacuum. Those are then introduced in
a pressure plate apparatus that can maintain pressures up to 100 bar for several days. The plates
in perfect hygric contact with the specimens extract water out of the pore structure until an
equilibrium state is established. The equilibrium values for moisture contents in the specimens
and the corresponding pressures (measured as the excess over atmospheric pressure; the
negative of this value is referred to as the pore pressure while the absolute value is the suction)
are recorded. The equilibrium pressure, p
h,
can be converted to a relative humidity, $, using the
following equation:
h
p
!RT
M
ln % & $ (4)
Where,
M = the molar mass of water
R = the ideal gas constant
T = the thermodynamic temperature and
' = the density of water
A Nordtest Technical Report [6] briefly describes a procedure for pressure plate
measurements and reports the results from an interlaboratory comparison. No standard
procedure is yet developed for the determination of suction isotherm.
Water Vapour Permeability/Permeance
The vapour diffusion equation is directly used to determine the water vapour permeability
of building materials [2]. The measurements are usually done under isothermal conditions. A test
specimen of known area and thickness separates two environments that differ in relative humidity
(rh). Then the rate of vapour flow across the specimen, under steady-state conditions (known rhs
as constant boundary conditions), is gravimetrically determined. From these data the water
vapour permeability of the material is calculated as:
B1115.13

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(
p
= J
v
"l/(A"#p) (2)
Where,
J
v
= Water vapour flow rate across an area A
l = Thickness of the specimen
#p = Difference in water vapour pressure across the specimen surfaces
Often, especially for membranes and composite materials, one calculates the water
vapour permeance, (
l
, of a product at a given thickness from the above measurements as:
(
l
= J
v
/(A"#p) (3)
ASTM Standard E96, Test Methods for Water Vapour Transmission of Materials,
prescribes two specific cases of this procedure- a dry cup method that gives the permeance or
permeability at a mean rh of 25 % and a wet cup method that gives the permeance or
permeability at a mean rh of 75 %. A new CEN Standard 89 N 336 E is being developed in the
European Union based on ISO standard. More recently a number of technical papers that deal
with various technical aspects, limitations and analyses of the experimental data of these
procedures have appeared in the literature [3-5].
For many hygroscopic materials, such as wood and wood products, the water vapour
permeability/permeance is a strong function of the local relative humidity and increases with rh.
The ASTM Standard E 96 is being revised to address this behaviour of building materials more
quantitatively. For practical building applications, in addition to the traditional dry and wet cup
conditions, it is desirable to determine the permeance or permeability of hygroscopic materials at
a mean rh of 85 %. This can be done using the wet cup method of E96, but the rh in the humidity
chamber shall be maintained at 70 %.
Water Absorption Coefficient:
One major surface of each test specimen is placed in contact with liquid water. The
increase in mass as a result of moisture absorption is recorded as a function of time. Usually,
during the initial part of the absorption process a plot of the mass increase against the square
root of time is linear. The slope of the line divided by the area of the surface in contact with water
is the water absorption coefficient
1
.

1
When this method was applied to membranes, the membranes were put in perfect hygric contact with a
substrate such as OSB.
B1115.13

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A new CEN Standard 89 N 370 E on the determination of water absorption coefficient is
under development.
Moisture Diffusivity:
Moisture diffusivity, D
w
, defines the rate of movement of water, J
l
, within a material,
induced by a water concentration gradient according to the following equation:
J
l
= - '
0
D
w
grad u (5)
Where,
'
0
= density of the dry material
u = moisture content expressed as mass of water / dry mass of material
In the experimental procedure, liquid water in contact with one surface of a test specimen
is allowed to diffuse into the specimen. The distribution of moisture within the specimen is
determined as a function of time at various intervals until the moving moisture front advances to
half of the specimen. Gamma spectroscopy is used as the experimental technique. The data are
analyzed using the Boltzmann transformation [7,8 ] to derive the moisture diffusivity as a function
of moisture content.
There is no standard test procedure for the determination of moisture diffusivity. There
are many publications in the literature that describe the technical and experimental details [9-12].

Air Permeability/ Permeance:
Test specimens with known areas and thickness are positioned to separate two regions
that differ in air pressure and the airflow rate at a steady state and the pressure differential across
the specimen are recorded. From these data the air permeability, k
a
is calculated as:
k
a
= J
a
"l/(A"#p) (6)
Where,
J
a
= Air flow rate across an area A
l = Thickness of the specimen
#p = Difference in air pressure across the specimen surfaces
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Often, especially for membranes and composite materials, one calculates the air
permeance, K
a
, of a product at a given thickness from the above measurements as:
K
a
= J
a
/(A"#p) (7)
ASTM Standard C 522, Standard Test Method for Airflow Resistance of Acoustical
Materials prescribes a method based on this principle. Bomberg and Kumaran[13] have extended
the method for general application to building materials.
References
1. M K Kumaran, Final Report, Volume 3, Material Properties, International Energy Agency
Annex 24 Report, Published by K. U. Leuven Belgium, 1996.
2. Joy F. A. and Wilson, A. G., Standardization of the Dish Method for Measuring Water
Vapour Transmission, Proceedings of the International Symposium on Humidity and
Moisture, Washington, D. C., Vol. 4, Chapter 31, 1963, pp 259-270.
3. Hedenblad, G., Moisture Permeability of Some Porous Building Materials, Proceedings of
the 4th Symposium, Building Physics in the Nordic Countries, Espoo,Volume 2, 1996, 747-
754.
4. Hansen, K. K. and Lund, H. B., Cup Method for Determination of Water Vapour
Transmission Properties of Building Materials. Sources of Uncertainty in the Method,
Proceedings of the 2nd Symposium , Building Physics in the Nordic Countries, Trondheim,
1990, pp 291-298.
5. Lackey, J. C., Marchand, R. G., and Kumaran, M. K., A Logical Extension of the ASTM
Standard E96 to Determine the Dependence of Water Vapour Transmission on Relative
Humidity, Insulation Materials: Testing And Applications: Third Volume, ASTM STP 1320, R.
S. Graves and R. R. Zarr, Eds, American Society for Testing and Materials, West
Conshohocken, PA, 1997, pp 456-470. Also Kumaran, M. K., An Alternative Procedure for
the Analysis of Data from the Cup Method Measurements for Determination of Water Vapour
Transmission Properties, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, JTVEA, Vol. 26 , pp. 575-581,
1998.
6. Hansen, M. H., "Retention Curves Measured Using Pressure Plate and Pressure Membrane,"
Nordtest Technical Report 367, Danish Building Research Institute, 1998, p 63.
B1115.13

11

7. Bruce, R. R. and Klute, A, "The Measurement of Soil Diffusivity," Soil Science Society of
America Proceedings. Vol. 20, pp. 251-257, 1956.
8. Kumaran, M.K., Mitalas, G.P., Kohonen, R., Ojanen, T, "Moisture transport coefficient of pine
from gamma ray absorption measurements," Collected Papers in Heat Transfer, 1989 :
Winter Annual Meeting of the ASME (San Francisco, CA, USA, 1989) pp. 179-183,
1989(ASME Heat Transfer Division vol. 123).
9. Marchand, R.G. and Kumaran, M. K., "Moisture diffusivity of cellulose insulation," Journal of
Thermal Insulation and Building Envelopes, Vol. 17, pp. 362-377, 1994.
10. Kumaran, M.K. and Bomberg, M.T., "A Gamma-spectrometer for determination of density
distribution and moisture distribution in building materials," Moisture and Humidity:
Measurement and Control in Science and Industry : Proceedings of International Symposium
(Washington, D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
11. Filip Descamps., "Continuum and Discrete Modelling of Isothermal Water and Air Transfer in
Porous Media," Ph. D. Thesis, Katholieke Uniersity, Belgium, pp. 57-107, 1997.
12. Pel, L., "Moisture Transport in Porous Building Materials," Ph. D. Thesis, Eindhoven
University of Technology, the Netherlands, pp. 47-80, 1995.
13. Bomberg, M. T.and Kumaran, M.K., " A Test method to determine air flow resistance of
exterior membranes and sheathings," Journal of Thermal Insulation, Vol.9, pp. 224-
235,1986.

B1115.13

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2. Examples of Applications of Various Methods to determine
the Hygrothermal Properties of Aerated Concrete and Interior
Gypsum Board.

The test conditions reported in this section for different test methods are
generally followed throughout the project. Also, the procedures used in this
section for data reduction and analyses are followed for all materials in this
report.

A: Aerated Concrete

The test specimens used for various measurements reported
here are taken from one block of aerated concrete,
approximately 1 X 1 x 1.5 in size.

Density: (460 ) 15) kg m
-3

Heat Capacity (According to International Energy Agency Annex 24 Report
2
): 840 J K
-1
kg
-1

Thermal Conductivity:
Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; 30 cm X 30cm specimens are used in
these measurements. The temperatures of the plates are maintained within 0.02 C for these
measurements, for 12 h period to confirm steady state.
Table 2.1. Thermal Conductivity of Aerated Concrete.
Specimen Thickness
mm
Hot Surface Temperature
C
Cold Surface Temperature
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

24.24 31.51 9.75 0.121
24.24 11.45 -2.44 0.119

Note: The heat flow meter apparatus is built to measure the heat transmission characteristics of
insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %;
aerated concrete is more conductive than traditional insulation and the large heat fluxes
measured may give measurement uncertainties as high as 5 %.

2
M K Kumaran, Final Report, Volume 3, Material Properties, International Energy Agency
Annex 24 Report, Published by K. U. Leuven Belgium, 1996
B1115.13

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Sorption Desorption Measurements
3
:
Either eight specimens, 40 mm X 40 mm X 20 mm each, or six specimens 40 mm X 40 mm X 6
mm each or three specimens, 40 mm X 40 mm X 6 mm each are used in these measurements;
the numbers in parentheses indicate the experimental uncertainties.
Sorption:
Table 2. Sorption data for Aerated Concrete.
RH, % Temperature, C Moisture Content, kg kg
-1

100, total saturation Lab at 22 (1) 1.72 (0.01), eight specimens
100, capillary saturation,
after 72 h immersion
Lab at 22 (1) 0.83 (0.02), six specimens
88.1 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.050 (0.002), three specimens
71.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.021 (0.001), three specimens
50.6 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.011 (0.001), three specimens

Desorption:
Table 3. Desorption data for Aerated Concrete.
-1

99.99 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 0.92 (0.13), eight specimens
99.71(0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 0.68 (0.04), eight specimens
99.47(0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 0.64 (0.04), eight specimens
98.90 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 0.55 (0.02), six specimens
88.1 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.063 (0.001), three specimens
71.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.022 (0.001), three specimens
50.6 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.011 (0.001), three specimens
Throughout this document, results from the pressure plate measurements are listed as desorption
data above 95 % RH.

3
In the hygroscopic range, the measurements are done using the proposed procedure for ASTM
Standard C1498, which in turn is based on CEN 89 N 337 E, Hygroscopic Sorption Curve; at
the higher range the pressure plate method is used. Details of the pressure plate method are
B1115.13

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Water Vapour Transmission (WVT) Rate measurements
4
:
For each test condition, 3 circular specimens, each 15 cm in diameter, are used.

Table 2.4. Dry Cup Measurements on Aerated Concrete Specimens: The numbers in
parentheses indicate the experimental uncertainties for RH and temperature and standard errors
for WVT rate, obtained from statistical analyses of the data at a steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

20.11 50.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.09E-06 (5.5E-09)
20.56 50.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.14E-06 (5.6E-09)
20.44 50.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.03E-06 (4.0E-09)
20.11 71.5 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.69E-06 (6.0E-09)
20.56 71.5 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.79E-06 (3.3E-09)
20.44 71.5 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.63E-06 (5.3E-09)
20.11 88.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.18E-06 (6.5E-09)
20.56 88.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.30E-06 (4.4E-09)
20.44 88.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.23E-06 (5.6E-09)

Table 2.5. Wet Cup Measurements on Aerated Concrete Specimens: The numbers in
parentheses indicate the experimental uncertainties for RH and temperature and standard errors
for WVT rate, obtained from statistical analyses of the data at a steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

20.29 71.7 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.30E-06 (1.7E-08)
20.34 71.7 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.40E-06 (1.4E-08)
20.11 71.7 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.49E-06 (1.5E-08)
20.29 87.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.13E-06 (1.5E-08)
20.34 87.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 9.60E-07 (1.0E.08)
20.11 87.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 9.69E-07 (1.0E.08)

The average thickness of still air in the cups in both series is 11 mm

given by: Hansen, M. H., "Retention Curves Measured Using Pressure Plate and Pressure
Membrane," Nordtest Technical Report 367, Danish Building Research Institute, 1998, p 63.
4
Measurements are done as described by: Lackey, J. C., Marchand, R. G., and Kumaran, M. K.,
A Logical Extension of the ASTM Standard E96 to Determine the Dependence of Water Vapour
Transmission on Relative Humidity, Insulation Materials: Testing And Applications: Third
Volume, ASTM STP 1320, R. S. Graves and R. R. Zarr, Eds, American Society for Testing and
Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 1997, pp 456-470.
B1115.13

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Derived Water Vapour Permeability
5

Table 2.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of Aerated Concrete on relative
humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.12E-11
60
2.76E-11
20
1.33E-11
70
3.34E-11
30
1.59E-11
80
4.07E-11
40
1.91E-11
90
5.00E-11
50
2.29E-11
100
6.21E-11

The relation between WVT rate and Chamber RH is shown in Figure 1.

Rank 1 Eqn 8002 [Exponential] y=a+bexp(-x/c)
r
2
=0.993 DF Adj r
2
=0.992 FitStdErr=1.17e-07 Fstat=965
a=-7.41e-07 b=7.54e-07 c=-61.21
0 20 40 60 80 100
CHAMBER RH, %
0
5e-07
1e-06
1.5e-06
2e-06
2.5e-06
3e-06
3.5e-06
W

V

T

R
a
t
e
,

k
g

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 2.1. All data are interpreted as dry cup measurements; RH inside the cup is zero and
chamber RH is the RH outside the cup.

5
The analysis is done as described in : Kumaran, M. K., An Alternative Procedure for the
Analysis of Data from the Cup Method Measurements for Determination of Water Vapour
Transmission Properties, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, JTVEA, Vol. 26 , pp. 575-581, 1998.
B1115.13

16

The numeric summary of the analyses is listed below. The commercial software package called
TabbleCurve2 is used for the curve fit. The terminology below is from the package.

The equation that represents the relation between x = chamber RH and y = WVT rate is
[Exponential] y= a + b exp(-x/c)

r
2
, Coefficient of Determination = 0.993
Fit Std Error = 1.7E-07
F-value = 965

Parameter. Value Std Error t-value 90% Confidence Limits
a -7.41e-07 2.1e-07 -3.5 -1.12e-06 -3.69e-07
b 7.54e-07 1.9e-07 4.0 4.23e-07 1.08e-06
c -61.2 7.5 -8.1 -74.5 -47.9

From the above statistics, the estimated uncertainty in the derived value of the permeability may
be up to 28 %.

Note that all water vapour transmission data are combined to give one curve in Figure 2.1, and
dry cup and wet cup measurements are not independently analyzed. This approach is the same
as that described and applied to the plywood data in the reference document: Kumaran, M. K.,
An Alternative Procedure for the Analysis of Data from the Cup Method Measurements for
Determination of Water Vapour Transmission Properties, Journal of Testing and Evaluation,
JTVEA, Vol. 26 , pp. 575-581, 1998.
This same approach is followed throughout this document.

B1115.13

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Water Absorption Coefficient
6
:

Five test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm X 5 cm each, were used in these measurements. Water is
maintained at (22 1) C. The numbers in parentheses give the standard deviations.

Table 2.7. Water absorption data for Aerated Concrete.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.93 (0.13)
13.42 1.24 (0.17)
17.32 1.41 (0.21)
24.49 1.73 (0.25)
30.00 1.96 (0.29)
38.73 2.29 (0.34)
45.83 2.55 (0.37)
54.77 2.87 (0.44)
64.81 3.20 (0.47)
73.48 3.48 (0.53)
81.24 3.71 (0.56)
91.65 4.05 (0.62)
101.00 4.31 (0.69)

Linear regression using all the data from the first linear part of the absorption process for the five
specimens gives:

Water Absorption Coefficient for the major surfaces = 0.036 0.002 kg m
-2
s
-
.

6
The procedure used is based on: CEN/TC 89/WG 10 N95 Determination of water absorption
coefficient, 1994-07-07.
B1115.13

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Gamma ray method
7
is used to measure the distribution of moisture in three test
specimens, 5 cm X 23 cm X 2.4 cm each, during the moisture uptake through the edge. The
principle of the methodology is described by Kumaran et. al
8
. Marchand and Kumaran
9
have
reported the procedure used for the data reduction.

The running average method that is described by Marchand and Kumaran gives the
characteristic curve shown in Figure 2, for this aerated concrete. Several hundreds of data pairs
obtained on the three test specimens, in 36 sets of measurements over a period of seven days
are included in the analysis.

0
50
100
150
200
250
300
0 0.0001 0.0002 0.0003 0.0004 0.0005 0.0006
Running Avg. Boltzmann Variable, m s
-
R
u
n
n
i
n
g

A
v
g
.

M
o
i
s
t
u
r
e

C
o
n
t
e
n
t
,

k
g

m
-
3

Figure 2.2. The characteristic curve for aerated concrete resulted from moisture uptake
and distribution measurements.

7
Kumaran, M.K. and Bomberg, M.T., "A Gamma-spectrometer for determination of density
distribution and moisture distribution in building materials," Moisture and Humidity: Measurement
and Control in Science and Industry : Proceedings of International Symposium (Washington,
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
8
Kumaran, M.K., Mitalas, G.P., Kohonen, R., Ojanen, T, "Moisture transport coefficient of pine
from gamma ray absorption measurements," Collected Papers in Heat Transfer, 1989 : Winter
Annual Meeting of the ASME (San Francisco, CA, USA, 1989) pp. 179-183, 1989(ASME Heat
Transfer Division vol. 123).
9
Marchand, R.G. and Kumaran, M. K., "Moisture diffusivity of cellulose insulation," Journal of
B1115.13

19

The moisture diffusivity derived from the above characteristic curve is given in Table 8.

Table 2.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of Aerated Concrete on moisture content.

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.087 8.72E-09 0.326 3.44E-09
0.109 5.47E-09 0.348 3.64E-09
0.130 4.32E-09 0.370 3.91E-09
0.152 3.76E-09 0.391 4.29E-09
0.174 3.44E-09 0.413 4.81E-09
0.196 3.26E-09 0.435 5.56E-09
0.217 3.16E-09 0.457 6.71E-09
0.239 3.12E-09 0.478 8.71E-09
0.261 3.13E-09 0.500 1.3E-08
0.283 3.19E-09 0.522 2.89E-08
0.304 3.29E-09 0.543 5.15E-08

Note: The area enclosed by the characteristic curve in Figure 2 is ~ 0.033 kg m
-2
s
-
and
this value is very close to the water absorption coefficient = 0.036 kg m
-2
s
-
that was directly
determined. This should be the case and the correspondence between the two shows the internal
consistency of the two methods. However, the uncertainty in the derived moisture diffusivity is
estimated to be as high as 30 to 50 %.
The diffusivity derived from moisture distribution data during a water uptake process may
not quantitatively describe a drying process for all building materials. Earlier works at the Institute
for Research in Construction show that for a cement-based sheathing board
10
and for several
OSB test specimens under various boundary conditions
11
the drying process is reasonably well
described using the diffusivity that has been derived from a water uptake process.
For the present investigation, two series of drying experiments were conducted on this
same aerated concrete. Details of these investigations are given in Appendix II. Both series of
investigations reported there suggest that the diffusivity determined from a wetting process
describes the drying process with reasonable accuracy.

10
See Appendix I
11
Maref, W., Kumaran, M. K., Lacasse, M. A., Swinton, M. C. and van Reenen, D. Laboratory
Measurements and Benchmarking of an Advanced Hygrothermal Model. Accepted for
publication: 12
th
International Heat Transfer Conference, August 18-23, 2002, Grenoble (France).

B1115.13

20

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
12
have reported the principle of the method used in these
measurements. Appendix XIII of the Client Report to ASHRAE, B-1115.3 A Thermal and
Moisture Transport Property Database for Common Building and Insulating Materials 1018-RP
dated 1 April 1999 reports the details. Three circular test specimens (thickness 20.29 mm, 20.56
mm, 20.34 mm), each approximately 15 cm in diameter, are used in these measurements. The
measurements are conducted at a temperature = (22 1) C.
The summary of the statistical analyses of all data obtained from two series of
measurements on each specimen is shown in Figure 3 as three separate sets.
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Pressure Difference (Pa)
F
l
o
w

,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1
Data Points Mean Permeance
Upper Confidence Interval Lower Confidence Interval

Figure 2.3. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for aerated concrete.

For the range of pressure differences between 25 Pa and 700 Pa, the flow rate linearly
varies with the pressure difference. The air permeability is (4.9 2.6) E-09 kg m
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

12
Bomberg, M. T. and Kumaran, M.K., " A Test method to determine air flow resistance of
exterior membranes and sheathings," Journal of Thermal Insulation, Vol.9, pp. 224-235,1986.
B1115.13

21

B: Interior Gypsum Board

The test specimens used for various measurements reported here are
taken from 4 X 8 sheets of a commercial product with a nominal thickness
of . A paper layer is adhered to the major surfaces and all test
specimens included this paper layer. Labels on the product say the
following: Manufactured to exceed standards Can/CSA-A82.27 and ASTM
C 36.

Thickness: (12.50 ) 0.03) mm

-3

Heat Capacity (From International Energy Agency Annex 24 Report
13
): 870 J K
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; 30.6 cm X 30.6 cm specimens are used
in these measurements. The temperatures of the plates are maintained within 0.05 C for these
Table 2.9. Thermal conductivity of gypsum board.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

12.51 5.27 -4.94 0.16
12.51 29.24 18.89 0.16
12.51 5.42 -4.91 0.16
12.51 29.62 19.03 0.16

The heat flow meter apparatus is built to measure the heat transmission characteristics of
insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %;
gypsum board is very conductive and the large heat fluxes measured may give measurement
uncertainties as high as 5 %.

13
B1115.13

22

14
:
Up to twelve specimens, 41 mm X 41 mm each, are used in these measurements; the numbers
in parentheses indicate the experimental uncertainties.

Table 2.10 Results from sorption/ desorption measurements.
a) Sorption:

-1

100, total saturation* Lab at 22 (1) 1.13 (0.02), six specimens
100, capillary saturation Lab at 22 (1) 0.689 (0.003), four specimens
94 (2) Lab at 22 (1) 0.042 (0.04), 12 specimens
90.8 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.018 (0.02), three specimens
70.5 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.0065 (0.0003), three specimens
50.5 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.0040 (0.0002), three specimens

* Total saturation under vacuum though destroys the rigidity, one careful measurement could be
performed on each specimen.

b) Desorption:

-1

88.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 0.0182 (0.0004), 12 specimens
84.8 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.0169 (0.0004), 12 specimens
71.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.0132 (0.0003), 12 specimens
50.4 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.0099 (0.0002), 12 specimens

Pressure plate measurements were not applicable for this material; full saturation destroys the
integrity of the test specimens.

14
Measurements are done using the proposed procedure for ASTM Standard C1498, which in
turn is based on CEN 89 N 337 E, Hygroscopic Sorption Curve.
B1115.13

23

15
:

Table 2.11. Dry Cup Measurements: The numbers in parentheses indicate the experimental
uncertainties for RH and temperature and standard errors for WVT rate, obtained from statistical
analyses of the data at a steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.50 50.3 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.99E-06 (1.3E-08)
12.48 50.3 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.93E-06 (5.2E-09)
12.44 50.3 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.94E-06 (9.0E-09)
12.50 70.3 (1) 23.0(0.1) 4.12E-06 (1.1E-08)
12.48 70.3 (1) 23.0(0.1) 4.18E-06 (1.3E-08)
12.44 70.3 (1) 23.0(0.1) 4.28E-06 (1.6E-08)
12.50 89.8 (1) 22.9(0.1) 5.65E-06 (2.0E-08)
12.48 89.8 (1) 22.9(0.1) 5.85E-06 (6.1E-09)
12.44 89.8 (1) 22.9(0.1) 5.77E-06 (1.1E-08)

Table 2.12. Wet Cup Measurements: The numbers in parentheses indicate the experimental
uncertainties for RH and temperature and standard errors for WVT rate, obtained from statistical
analyses of the data at a steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.51 70.4 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.44E-06 (1.2E-08)
12.50 70.4 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.47E-06 (1.2E-08)
12.43 70.4 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.53E-06 (1.5E-08)
12.51 90.0 (1) 22.9(0.1) 1.02E-06 (1.3E-08)
12.50 90.0 (1) 22.9(0.1) 1.03E-06 (1.2E.08)
12.43 90.0 (1) 22.9(0.1) 1.02E-06 (1.1E-08)

The average thickness of still air in the cups for both series is 15 mm.

15
B1115.13

24

16

Table 2.13. Dependence of water vapour permeability on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
2.96E-11
60
4.49E-11
20
3.21E-11
70
4.91E-11
30
3.48E-11
80
5.38E-11
40
3.78E-11
90
5.91E-11
50
4.12E-11
100
6.52E-11

The relation between WVT rate and Chamber RH is shown below.

d:\tblcurve\ashrae gypsum.txt
Rank 1 Eqn 8002 [Exponential] y=a+bexp(-x/c)
r
2
=0.999 DF Adj r
2
=0.999 FitStdErr=8.22e-08 Fstat=8078
a=-7.78e-06 b=7.79e-06 c=-161.2
0 20 40 60 80 100
CHAMBER RH, %
0
1e-06
2e-06
3e-06
4e-06
5e-06
6e-06
7e-06
W

V

T

R
a
t
e
,

k
g

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 2.4. Dependence of WVT Rate on RH difference for gypsum board; all measurements are
interpreted as dry cup measurements.

16
B1115.13

25

The numeric summary of the analyses is listed below. The commercial software package called
TabbleCurve2 is used for the curve fit. The terminology below is from the package.

The equation that represents the relation between x = chamber RH and y = WVT rate is
[Exponential] y= a + b exp(-x/c)

r
2
, Coefficient of Determination = 0.999
Fit Std Error = 8.3E-08
F-value = 8077.8

Parameter. Value Std Error t-value 90% Confidence Limits
a -7.77e-06 1.0e-06 -7.6 -9.6e-06 -6.0e-06
b 7.79e-06 1.0e-06 7.7 6.00e-06 9.57e-06
c -161.2 15.5 -10.4 -188.6 -133.7

From the above statistics, the estimated uncertainty in the derived value of the permeability may
be up to 16 %.

B1115.13

26

17
:

Four test specimens, 51 mm X 51 mm each, were used in these measurements. Water is

Table 2.14a. As water is absorbed across the major surface.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.7 0.03 (0.01)
13.4 0.05 (0.01)
19.0 0.06 (0.02)
25.7 0.08 (0.01)
34.6 0.09 (0.01)
42.4 0.10 (0.01)
52.0 0.13 (0.01)
62.4 0.14 (0.01)
84.9 0.16 (0.02)
105.4 0.19 (0.01)
115.9 0.20 (0.02)
130.8 0.23 (0.02)
143.2 0.24(0.02)

Linear regression of the data from the first linear part of the absorption process gives:

-2
s
-
.

Table 2.14b. As water is absorbed along the edge of the board.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.7 3.6 (0.2)
13.4 5.6 (0.1)
17.3 7.25 (0.1)
20.5 8.53 (0.1)
24.5 10.16 (0.07)
30.0 12.42 (0.1)
34.6 14.22 (0.07)
38.7 15.87 (0.03)
42.4 17.33 (0.06)
52.5 19.65 (0.01)
60.0 20.32 (0.05)


Water Absorption Coefficient for the edge = 0.399 0.003 kg m
-2
s
-
.

17
B1115.13

27


Gamma ray method
18
specimens, 5 cm X 23 cm each, during the moisture uptake through the edge. The principle of the
methodology is described by Kumaran et. al
19
20
have reported the
procedure used for the data reduction.

The moisture diffusivity derived using all data on all three test specimens is listed below.

Table 2.15. Moisture diffusivity of gypsum board at various moisture contents.

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.032 2.09E-08 0.528 3.35E-07
0.064 3.81E-08 0.544 2.84E-07
0.096 5.36E-08 0.560 2.54E-07
0.128 6.98E-08 0.576 2.36E-07
0.160 8.82E-08 0.592 2.24E-07
0.192 1.1E-07 0.608 2.17E-07
0.224 1.34E-07 0.624 2.13E-07
0.256 1.6E-07 0.640 2.12E-07
0.288 1.87E-07 0.656 2.15E-07
0.320 2.13E-07 0.672 2.2E-07
0.352 2.44E-07 0.688 2.29E-07
0.384 2.91E-07 0.704 2.42E-07
0.400 3.3E-07 0.720 2.63E-07
0.416 3.91E-07 0.736 2.94E-07
0.432 5.07E-07 0.752 3.46E-07
0.448 8.22E-07 0.768 4.45E-07
0.464 4.13E-06 0.784 7.11E-07
0.480 1.47E-06 0.800 2.55E-06
0.496 8.46E-07

18
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
19
20
B1115.13

28

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
21
dated 1 April 1999 reports the details. Three circular test specimens, thickness = (12.50 ) 0.02)
mm, each approximately 15 cm in diameter, are used in these measurements. The
measurements on each specimen is shown below.
Linear Regression of All Specimens
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0 100 200 300 400 500
Pressure Difference, Pa
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 2.5. Dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for gypsum.

-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

21
B1115.13

29

1. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF ORIENTED STRAND
BOARD -1

here are taken from one board of a commercial product, 4 X
8 with a nominal thickness of . The strands of this product
are manufactured from poplar and aspen.

-3

22
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

measurements, for 12 h period to confirm steady state. Heat flow is perpendicular to the major
surfaces.
Table 3.1. Thermal Conductivity of OSB 1.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
Cold surface Temperature
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

12.66 27.26 21.41 0.102
12.66 3.88 -3.20 0.0984
12.53 27.22 21.40 0.102
19.50 3.90 -3.17 0.0974

insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %. This
same uncertainty is applicable to OSB.

22
B1115.13

30

23
:
Up to nine specimens, 40 mm X 40 mm each at the full board thickness are used in these
measurements; the numbers in parentheses indicate the experimental uncertainties.

Sorption:
Table 3.2. Sorption data for OSB 1.
-1

100, total saturation Lab at 22 (1) 1.35 (0.05), six specimens
100, total saturation Lab at 22 (1) 1.24 (0.07), nine specimens
48.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.046 (0.001), three specimens
69.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.078 (0.001), three specimens
88.6 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.148 (0.005), three specimens

Desorption:

Table 3.3. Desorption data for OSB 1.
-1

99.8(0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.595 (0.002), six specimens
92.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.200 (0.003), two specimens
90.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.176 (0.006), three specimens
69.4 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.100 (0.002) two specimens
49.9 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.079 (0.001), two specimens

Note: Pressure plate measurements at 22 C on four similar products gave the following results
for equilibrium moisture contents at relative humidity very close to 100 %.
Table 3.3a. Desorption data for four similar OSB products.
RH, % Moisture Content, kg kg
-1

99.997 1.16 (0.11), 12 specimens
99.993 1.09 (0.12), 12 specimens
99.98 1.06 (0.11), 12 specimens
99.93 0.88 (0.12), 12 specimens

23
B1115.13

31

24
:

Table 3.4. Dry Cup Measurements on OSB 1 specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
the experimental uncertainties for RH and temperature; for WVT Rate the numbers indicate the
standard errors according to a linear regression of data on water vapour transmission rate at a
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.19 49.3 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.50E-08 (3.4E-10)
12.21 49.3 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 4.77E-08 (3.8E-10)
12.21 49.3 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 5.23E-08 (3.2 E-10)
12.19 69.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 6.56E-08 (8.2E-10)
12.21 69.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 8.62E-08 (7.8E-10)
12.21 69.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 8.67E-08 (6.2 E-10)
12.19 91.2 (2) 22.9 (0.2) 1.01E-07 (3.4E-09)
12.21 91.2 (2) 22.9 (0.2) 3.02E-07 (4.6E-09)
12.21 91.2 (2) 22.9 (0.2) 2.71E-07 (3.6E-09)

Table 3.5. Wet Cup Measurements on OSB 1 specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.31 69.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.77E-07 (2.2E-09)
12.40 69.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.54E-07 (1.7E-09)
12.38 69.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.80E-07 (1.9E-09)
12.31 90.5 (2) 23.3 (0.2) 2.56E-07 (4.0E-09)
12.40 90.5 (2) 23.3 (0.2) 1.40E-07 (2.5E-09)
12.38 90.5 (2) 23.3 (0.2) 1.86E-07 (4.8E-09)

The average thickness of still air in the cups for both series is 15 mm

24
B1115.13

32

25

Table3.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of OSB 1 on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
4.39E-14
60
1.27E-12
20
1.61E-13
70
1.70E-12
30
3.44E-13
80
2.19E-12
40
5.91E-13
90
2.75E-12
50
9.00E-13
100
3.37E-12

From the TableCurve statistics, the estimated uncertainty in the derived value of the permeability
may be higher than 50 %. The scatter in the WVT data for this product is unusually high for a
building material.

25
B1115.13

33

26
:

Four test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm each, were used in these measurements. Water is maintained
at (22 1) C. The absorption is across the major surface. The numbers in parentheses give the
standard deviations.

Table 3.7. Water absorption data for OSB 1.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.09 (0.02)
13.42 0.07 (0.02)
17.32 0.08 (0.03)
24.49 0.09 (0.02)
30.00 0.10 (0.02)
38.73 0.10 (0.02)
48.99 0.11 (0.02)
64.81 0.14 (0.02)
93.27 0.18 (0.04)
112.78 0.21 (0.04)
131.22 0.24 (0.05)
145.33 0.27 (0.06)
168.82 0.30 (0.06)
290.55 0.49 (0.09)
314.17 0.55 (0.09)
337.19 0.59 (0.10)
412.43 0.73 (0.12)

Linear regression using all the data listed above

Water Absorption Coefficient for the major surface = 0.0016 0.00003 kg m
-2
s
-
.

26
B1115.13

34


Gamma ray method
27
specimens, 6.5 cm X 25 cm each, during the moisture uptake in a direction parallel to the major
surfaces (that is across the edges). The principle of the methodology is described by Kumaran et.
al
28
29
have reported the procedure used for the data reduction.

The moisture diffusivity derived from the gamma ray measurements is given in Table 8.

Table 3.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of OSB 1 on moisture content; the moisture
transport is parallel to the major surfaces.

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.200 8.55E-11 0.369 5.37E-11
0.215 8.05E-11 0.385 5.23E-11
0.231 7.61E-11 0.400 5.12E-11
0.246 7.23E-11 0.415 5.01E-11
0.262 6.89E-11 0.431 4.93E-11
0.277 6.6E-11 0.446 4.86E-11
0.292 6.33E-11 0.462 4.81E-11
0.308 6.09E-11 0.477 4.78E-11
0.323 5.88E-11 0.492 4.77E-11
0.338 5.69E-11 0.508 4.79E-11
0.354 5.52E-11 0.523 4.85E-11

The uncertainty in the derived moisture diffusivity is estimated to be as high as 30 to 50 %.

27
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
28
29
B1115.13

35

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
30
dated 1 April 1999 reports the details. Three circular test specimens (thickness 12.29, 12.23 and
12.26 mm), each approximately 13 cm in diameter, are used in these measurements. The

0
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.07
0.08
0.09
0 200 400 600 800 1000
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 3.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for OSB 1.

-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

30
B1115.13

36

BOARD -2

8 with a nominal thickness of 3/8. The strands of this
product are manufactured from balsam poplar and trembling
aspen.

-3

31
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

10.25 27.04 21.40 0.0944
10.25 3.66 -3.16 0.0909
9.85 27.16 21.39 0.0812
9.85 3.70 -3.36 0.0778


31
B1115.13

37

32
:

Sorption:
-1

48.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.046 (0.001), three specimens
69.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.076 (0.001), three specimens
88.6 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.147 (0.005), three specimens

Desorption:

-1

99.8(0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.606 (.009), six specimens
92.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.173 (0.003), two specimens
90.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.162 (0.005), three specimens
69.4 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.091 (0.001), two specimens
49.9 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.069 (0.001), two specimens

32
B1115.13

38

33
:

steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

9.86 49.3 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.70E-08 (1.8E-10)
9.98 49.3 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 4.64E-08 (4.1E-10)
9.98 49.3 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.88E-08 (1.9 E-10)
9.86 69.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 5.51E-08 (7.9E-10)
9.98 69.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 8.86E-08 (1.3E-09)
9.98 69.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.95E-08 (2.1 E-10)
9.86 92.8 (2) 22.7 (0.1) 2.80E-07 (4.3E-09)
9.98 92.8 (2) 22.7 (0.1) 2.77E-07 (2.6E-09)
9.98 92.8 (2) 22.7 (0.1) 1.93E-07 (2.8E-09)

steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

9.94 69.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.33E-07 (1.2E-09)
9.76 69.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.53E-07 (1.8E-09)
9.65 69.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.44E-07 (2.6E-09)
12.31 90.5 (2) 23.0 (0.3) 2.21E-07 (3.5E-09)
12.40 90.5 (2) 23.0 (0.3) 1.19E-07 (1.0E-09)
12.38 90.5 (2) 23.0 (0.3) 1.57E-07 (2.2E-09)


33
B1115.13

39

34

Table 4.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of OSB 2 on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
6.42E-14
60
8.11E-13
20
1.06E-13
70
1.35E-12
30
1.77E-13
80
2.27E-12
40
2.93E-13
90
3.83E-12
50
4.87E-13
100
6.54E-12

building material.

34
B1115.13

40

35
:



Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.04 (0.01)
13.42 0.06 (0.02)
21.91 0.07 (0.02)
28.98 0.07 (0.02)
38.73 0.09 (0.02)
45.83 0.10 (0.03)
60.00 0.12 (0.03)
85.56 0.15(0.03)
106.77 0.18 (0.04)
127.28 0.21 (0.04)
140.71 0.23(0.04)
165.41 0.26(0.04)
288.58 0.46(0.07)
312.54 0.51(0.07)
335.41 0.55(0.08)
410.97 0.70(0.08)


-2
s
-
.

35
B1115.13

41


Gamma ray method
36
al
37
38



Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.197 7.07E-10 0.424 2.03E-10
0.212 6.21E-10 0.439 1.92E-10
0.227 5.52E-10 0.455 1.83E-10
0.242 4.95E-10 0.470 1.74E-10
0.258 4.47E-10 0.485 1.66E-10
0.273 4.07E-10 0.500 1.58E-10
0.288 3.73E-10 0.515 1.51E-10
0.303 3.43E-10 0.530 1.45E-10
0.318 3.17E-10 0.545 1.39E-10
0.333 2.95E-10 0.561 1.34E-10
0.348 2.75E-10 0.576 1.29E-10
0.364 2.57E-10 0.591 1.24E-10
0.379 2.41E-10 0.606 1.19E-10
0.394 2.27E-10 0.621 1.15E-10
0.409 2.14E-10 0.636 1.11E-10


36
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
37
38
B1115.13

42

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
39

0
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.07
0 200 400 600 800
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1



-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

39
B1115.13

43

BOARD -3

8 with a nominal thickness of 7/16. The strands of this
product are manufactured from birch, poplar and aspen.

-3

40
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

10.87 27.66 21.73 0.0866
10.87 3.24 -2.78 0.0844
10.98 27.28 21.74 0.102
19.50 2.80 -2.93 0.0965


40
B1115.13

44

41
:

Sorption:
-1

48.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.054 (0.001), three specimens
69.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.082 (0.001), three specimens
88.6 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.147 (0.005), three specimens

Desorption:

-1

99.8(0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.627 (0.010), six specimens
90.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.174 (0.002), three specimens
69.4 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.099 (0.002), two specimens
49.9 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.079 (0.001), two specimens

Note:
Desorption measurements at the RH of 92.3% on the two specimens gave very different results
(0.15 and 0.55) for the equilibrium moisture content. The reason for this is unknown and the data
are excluded.

41
B1115.13

45

42
:

steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

10.54 49.3 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 5.71E-08 (6.5E-10)
10.58 49.3 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.79E-08 (1.3E-09)
10.71 49.3 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 9.84E-08 (1.6 E-09)
10.54 69.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.13E-07 (1.9E-09)
10.58 69.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.48E-07 (1.8E-09)
10.71 69.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.75E-07 (1.9 E-09)
10.54 92.7(2) 22.7 (0.2) 3.31E-07 (3.0E-09)
10.58 92.7 (2) 22.7 (0.2) 3.39E-07 (1.5E-09)
10.71 92.7 (2) 22.7 (0.2) 3.55E-07 (2.4E-09)

steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

10.81 69.1 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.26E-07 (3.2E-09)
10.90 69.1 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.81E-07 (4.5E-09)
10.85 69.1 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.89E-07 (3.6E-09)
10.81 91.9 (2) 23.3 (0.2) 3.12E-07 (4.5E-09)
10.90 91.9 (2) 23.3 (0.2) 1.22E-07 (1.6E-09)
10.85 91.9 (2) 23.3 (0.2) 9.06E-08 (8.6E-10)


42
B1115.13

46

43

Table 5.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of OSB 3 on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
2.56E-13
60
1.70E-12
20
4.01E-13
70
2.30E-12
30
6.02E-13
80
3.08E-12
40
8.73E-13
90
4.08E-12
50
1.23E-12
100
5.35E-12

building material.

43
B1115.13

47

Water Absorption Coefficient :
44


Square Root of
time, s
Water Absorption
-2
7.75 0.05 (0.01)
13.42 0.06 (0.01)
18.97
24.49 0.09 (0.01)
0.10 (0.02)
42.43 0.12 (0.02)
54.77
kg m
0.07 (0.02)
34.64
0.15 (0.03)
60.00 0.16 (0.03)
81.24 0.20 (0.03)
100.70 0.25 (0.04)
121.24 0.29 (0.04)
144.71 0.34 (0.04)
157.80 0.35 (0.05)
285.66 0.65 (0.10)
311.77 0.71 (0.11)
336.48 0.78 (0.11)


-2
s
-
.

44
B1115.13

48


Gamma ray method
45
al
46
47



Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.200 4.17E-10 0.600 1.58E-10
0.231 3.57E-10 0.631 1.52E-10
0.262 3.15E-10 0.662 1.46E-10
0.292 2.84E-10 0.692 1.41E-10
0.323 2.59E-10 0.723 1.37E-10
0.354 2.4E-10 0.754 1.33E-10
0.385 2.24E-10 0.785 1.29E-10
0.415 2.1E-10 0.815 1.25E-10
0.446 1.98E-10 0.846 1.22E-10
0.477 1.88E-10 0.877 1.18E-10
0.508 1.79E-10 0.908 1.15E-10
0.538 1.71E-10 0.923 1.14E-10
0.569 1.64E-10


45
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
46
47
B1115.13

49

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
48

0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0 100 200 300 400 500
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1


-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

48
B1115.13

50

6. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF PLYWOOD - 1

8 with a nominal thickness of 3/4. The product is certified as
conforming to Canadian plywood manufacturing standard
CSA O151 Canadian Softwood Plywood.

-3

49
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Table 6.1. Thermal Conductivity of Plywood 1.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

17.93 27.23 21.04 0.0929
17.93 3.98 -3.35 0.0887
17.74 27.22 21.05 0.0911
19.50 4.04 -3.32 0.0870

same uncertainty is applicable to Plywood.

49
B1115.13

51

50
:
Sorption:
Table 6.2. Sorption data for Plywood 1.
-1

48.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.067 (0.001), three specimens
69.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.101 (0.001), three specimens
88.6 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.176 (0.005), three specimens

Desorption:
Table 6.3. Desorption data for Plywood 1.
-1

99.8(0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.99 (0.01), three specimens
99.3 (0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.66 (0.05) , three specimens
92.3 (1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.207 (0.002), three specimens
90.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.193 (0.002), three specimens
69.4 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.113 (0.003), two specimens
49.9 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.089 (0.001), two specimens

Note: Pressure plate measurements at 22 C on four similar products gave the following results
for equilibrium moisture contents at relative humidity very close to 100 %.
Table 6.3a. Desorption data for four similar plywood products.
-1

99.98 1.23 (0.25), 12 specimens
99.93 0.94 (0.22), 12 specimens

50
B1115.13

52

51
:

Table 6.4. Dry Cup Measurements on Plywood 1 specimens: The numbers in parentheses
indicate the experimental uncertainties for RH and temperature; for WVT Rate the numbers
indicate the standard errors according to a linear regression of data on water vapour transmission
rate at a steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

17.84 50.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 5.06E-08 (3.3E-10)
17.82 50.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.86E-08 (2.8E-10)
17.86 50.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 6.48E-08 (3.2E-10)
17.84 69.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.00E-07 (1.9E-10)
17.82 69.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.09E-07 (1.2E-09)
17.86 69.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.25E-07 (8.8E-10)
17.84 90.0(2) 23.2 (0.2) 5.21E-07 (5.7E-09)
17.82 90.0(2) 23.2 (0.2) 4.73E-07 (8.4E-09)
17.86 90.0(2) 23.2 (0.2) 5.24E-07 (8.0E-09)

Table 6.5. Wet Cup Measurements on Plywood 1 specimens: The numbers in parentheses

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

17.85 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.08E-07 (5.3E-09)
17.77 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.46E-07 (6.7E-09)
17.81 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.83E-07 (8.6E-09)
17.85 90.0 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 2.81E-07 (3.8E-09)
17.77 90.0 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 3.35E-07 (3.8E-09)
17.81 90.0 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 3.58E-07 (5.4E-09)


51
B1115.13

53

52

Table 6.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of Plywood 1.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
5.94E-14
60
3.87E-12
20
2.17E-13
70
6.12E-12
30
5.71E-13
80
9.20E-12
40
1.22E-12
90
1.33E-11
50
2.28E-12
100
1.88E-11

is about 22 %.

52
B1115.13

54

53
:

Four test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm each, were used in these measurements. Water is maintained at
(22 1) C. The absorption is across the major surface. The numbers in parentheses give the standard
deviations.

Table 6.7. Water absorption data for Plywood 1.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.07 (0.01)
13.42 0.09 (0.02)
18.97 0.13 (0.03)
24.49 0.13 (0.03)
38.73 0.19 (0.05)
45.83 0.22 (0.06)
54.77 0.24 (0.07)
81.24 0.35 (0.14)
100.10 0.41 (0.16)
118.74 0.46 (0.17)
143.87 0.53 (0.20)
159.87 0.58 (0.20)
285.13 0.93 (0.27)
303.68 1.00 (0.27)
331.99 1.06 (0.28)

Linear regression using the data from the initial linear part of the above set gives:

-2
s
-
.

53
B1115.13

55


Gamma ray method
54
al
55
56


Table 6.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of Plywood 1 on moisture content; the moisture

Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.112 2.13E-08 0.472 2.11E-09 0.831 2.67E-09
0.135 1.99E-08 0.494 2.01E-09 0.854 2.27E-09
0.157 1.81E-08 0.517 1.94E-09 0.876 1.97E-09
0.180 1.61E-08 0.539 1.9E-09 0.899 1.73E-09
0.202 1.38E-08 0.562 1.9E-09 0.921 1.54E-09
0.225 1.16E-08 0.584 1.92E-09 0.944 1.39E-09
0.247 9.46E-09 0.607 1.99E-09 0.966 1.25E-09
0.270 7.59E-09 0.629 2.12E-09 0.989 1.14E-09
0.292 6.1E-09 0.652 2.33E-09 1.011 1.04E-09
0.315 4.96E-09 0.674 2.71E-09 1.034 9.51E-10
0.337 4.12E-09 0.697 3.47E-09 1.056 8.74E-10
0.360 3.5E-09 0.719 5.71E-09 1.079 8.05E-10
0.382 3.04E-09 0.764 6.5E-09 1.101 7.44E-10
0.404 2.7E-09 0.787 4.25E-09 1.124 6.89E-10
0.427 2.45E-09 0.809 3.26E-09 1.146 6.4E-10


54
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
55
56
B1115.13

56

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
57
measurements on each specimen is shown in Figure 1 as three separate sets. Two specimens
were almost identical in their responses.

0
0.005
0.01
0.015
0.02
0.025
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 6.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for Plywood 1.

For the range of pressure differences between 2000 Pa and 10 kPa, the flow rate linearly
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

57
B1115.13

57


CSA O121 Douglas Fir Plywood.

-3

58
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

12.03 27.38 20.89 0.0854
12.03 3.53 -2.71 0.0820
12.08 27.28 20.89 0.0862
12.08 3.43 -2.79 0.0808


58
B1115.13

58

59
:

Sorption:
-1

48.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.070 (0.001), three specimens
69.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.092 (0.001), three specimens
88.6 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.158 (0.005), three specimens

Desorption:

-1

99.3 (0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.70 (0.05), three specimens
90.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.182 (0.002), three specimens
69.4 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.108 (0.003), two specimens
49.9 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.084 (0.001), two specimens

59
B1115.13

59

60
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

11.92 50.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.01E-07 (7.7E-10)
12.08 50.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 7.59E-08 (6.2E-11)
12.10 50.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 9.35E-08 (1.7E-09)
11.92 69.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.73E-07 (2.7E-09)
12.08 69.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.18E-07 (8.0E-10)
12.10 69.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.65E-07 (9.5E-10)
11.92 90.0(2) 23.2 (0.2) 3.84E-07 (6.0E-09)
12.08 90.0(2) 23.2 (0.2) 2.53E-07 (2.6E-09)
12.10 90.0(2) 23.2 (0.2) 3.57E-07 (3.6E-09)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

11.92 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.94E-07 (3.1E-09)
11.89 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.52E-07 (5.5E-09)
11.75 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.08E-07 (3.8E-09)
11.92 90.0 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 2.62E-07 (3.2E-09)
11.89 90.0 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 2.99E-07 (3.3E-09)
11.75 90.0 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 3.09E-07 (1.5E-09)


60
B1115.13

60

61


RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.93E-13
60
2.18E-12
20
3.51E-13
70
3.19E-12
30
5.93E-13
80
4.58E-12
40
9.48E-13
90
6.50E-12
50
1.46E-12
100
9.13E-12

is estimated to be as high as 50 %.

61
B1115.13

61

62
:



Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.07 (0.03)
13.42 0.09 (0.03)
18.97 0.12 (0.05)
25.69 0.14 (0.06)
30.98 0.16 (0.06)
39.50 0.21 (0.07)
62.45 0.29 (0.11)
75.89 0.34 (0.13)
96.12 0.45 (0.15)
115.41 0.52 (0.20)
140.93 0.61 (0.24)
157.80 0.66 (0.27)
283.65 0.98 (0.41)
301.99 1.00 (0.42)
330.73 1.07 (0.44)


-2
s
-
.

Note that the rather large standard deviations are not included in the regression. The uncertainty
in the derived value for water absorption coefficient can be much larger than 0.0001 kg m
-2
s
-
.

62
B1115.13

62


Gamma ray method
63
al
64
65



Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.085 9.32E-09 0.383 2.18E-09 0.681 1.50E-09
0.106 4.70E-09 0.404 2.39E-09 0.702 1.39E-09
0.128 3.16E-09 0.426 2.62E-09 0.723 1.29E-09
0.149 2.47E-09 0.447 2.84E-09 0.745 1.21E-09
0.170 2.10E-09 0.468 2.98E-09 0.766 1.13E-09
0.191 1.89E-09 0.489 3.01E-09 0.787 1.05E-09
0.213 1.76E-09 0.511 2.92E-09 0.809 9.90E-10
0.234 1.69E-09 0.532 2.75E-09 0.830 9.32E-10
0.255 1.66E-09 0.553 2.53E-09 0.851 8.78E-10
0.277 1.67E-09 0.574 2.32E-09 0.872 8.30E-10
0.298 1.71E-09 0.596 2.12E-09 0.894 7.85E-10
0.319 1.77E-09 0.617 1.93E-09 0.915 7.44E-10
0.340 1.87E-09 0.638 1.77E-09 0.936 7.06E-10
0.362 2.01E-09 0.660 1.63E-09 0.957 6.71E-10


63
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
64
65
B1115.13

63

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
66
measurements on each specimen is shown in Figure 1 as three separate sets. Two specimens
were almost identical in their responses.

0
0.005
0.01
0.015
0.02
0.025
0.03
0.035
0.04
0 2000 4000 6000 8000
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 7.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for Plywood 2.

For the range of pressure differences between 2000 Pa and 7000 Pa, the flow rate
linearly varies with the pressure difference. The air permeability is (3.8 3.8) E-11 kg m
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

66
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64


CSA O121 Douglas Fir Plywood.

-3

67
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

15.08 26.86 21.06 0.102
15.08 3.61 -3.30 0.0968
15.25 26.75 21.04 0.106
15.25 3.38 -3.44 0.101


67
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65

68
:

Sorption:
-1

48.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.068 (0.001), three specimens
69.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.096 (0.001), three specimens
88.6 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.168 (0.005), three specimens

Desorption:

-1

99.8(0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.79 (0.01) , three specimens
92.3 (1) Lab at 22 (1) 0.193 (0.005), two specimens
90.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.198 (0.001), three specimens
69.4 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.113 (0.001), two specimens
49.9 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.086 (0.001), two specimens

68
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69
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

15.23 50.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.09E-08 (2.5E-10)
14.92 50.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.92E-08 (6.2E-10)
14.87 50.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.15E-08 (2.6E-10)
15.23 69.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.10E-07 (1.3E-09)
14.92 69.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.25E-07 (9.1E-10)
14.87 69.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.21E-07 (1.5E-09)
15.23 89.2(2) 23.4 (0.2) 2.93E-07 (4.7E-09)
14.92 89.2(2) 23.4 (0.2) 2.82E-07 (1.7E-09)
14.87 89.2(2) 23.4 (0.2) 2.47E-07 (3.2E-09)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

14.84 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.11E-07 (3.6E-09)
14.88 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.40E-07 (6.0E-09)
15.00 69.3 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.48E-07 (6.6E-09)
14.84 90.1 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 2.09E-07 (1.8E-09)
14.88 90.1 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 2.50E-07 (1.9E-09)
15.00 90.1 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 3.44E-07 (4.3E-09)


69
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70


RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.55E-13
60
1.78E-12
20
2.52E-13
70
2.91E-12
30
4.10E-13
80
4.80E-12
40
6.67E-13
90
7.99E-12
50
1.09E-12
100
1.35E-11

is estimated to be as high as 50 %.

70
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71
:



Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.05 (0.01)
13.42 0.07 (0.01)
17.32 0.08 (0.01)
24.49 0.10 (0.02)
34.64 0.14 (0.02)
42.43 0.15 (0.02)
60.50 0.21 (0.03)
73.48 0.26 (0.05)
95.18 0.32 (0.06)
122.47 0.40 (0.07)
147.38 0.48 (0.08)
161.93 0.52 (0.08)
286.71 0.83 (0.10)
312.44 0.90 (0.10)
335.14 0.96 (0.11)


-2
s
-
.

71
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Gamma ray method
72
al
73
74



Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture
Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.109 5.41E-09 0.382 5.87E-09 0.636 1.56E-09
0.127 5.35E-09 0.400 6.39E-09 0.655 1.45E-09
0.145 5.21E-09 0.418 7.22E-09 0.673 1.36E-09
0.164 5.06E-09 0.436 8.67E-09 0.691 1.26E-09
0.182 4.94E-09 0.455 1.20E-08 0.709 1.16E-09
0.200 4.85E-09 0.473 1.10E-08 0.727 1.06E-09
0.218 4.79E-09 0.491 9.49E-09 0.745 9.47E-10
0.236 4.76E-09 0.509 5.08E-09 0.764 8.38E-10
0.255 4.76E-09 0.527 3.55E-09 0.782 7.36E-10
0.273 4.79E-09 0.545 2.80E-09 0.800 6.45E-10
0.291 4.85E-09 0.564 2.35E-09 0.818 5.66E-10
0.309 4.94E-09 0.582 2.05E-09 0.836 4.98E-10
0.327 5.07E-09 0.600 1.84E-09 0.855 4.42E-10
0.345 5.26E-09 0.382 5.87E-09 0.873 3.95E-10


72
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
73
74
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70

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
75
Two of the three specimens were rather permeable to air while the third was much less
permeable. Based on the three series of measurements (two on each test specimen), the air
permeability is approximately 1.0 E-09 kg m
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
. The uncertainty can be more than 100 %.

75
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71

9. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF WOODFIBRE BOARD

here are taken from two boards of a commercial product, 4 X
8 with a nominal thickness of 7/16. Both major surfaces of
the boards are coated black.

-3

76
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

12.02 28.41 21.09 0.0535
12.02 5.59 -2.85 0.0512
12.00 29.00 19.98 0.0532
9.85 14.58 6.17 0.0519

same uncertainty is applicable to this material.

76
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77
:


Sorption:
Table 9.2. Sorption data for fibreboard.
-1

50.6 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.046 (0.001), three specimens
70.5 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.074 (0.003), three specimens
91.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.158 (0.009), three specimens

Desorption:

Table 9.3. Desorption data for fibreboard.
-1

99.93(0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 2.3 (0.1), nine specimens
99.71 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 2.3 (0.1), nine specimens
90.6 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.150 (0.003), three specimens
71.1 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.074 (0.001), two specimens
50.6 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.039 (0.001), two specimens

Note: Pressure plate technique may not be applicable to this material.

77
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78
:

Table 9.4. Dry Cup Measurements on fibreboard specimens: The numbers in parentheses

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

11.71 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.37E-06 (9.1E-09)
11.75 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.40E-06 (6.2E-09)
11.83 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.52E-06 (6.2E-09)
11.71 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.95E-06 (9.2E-09)
11.75 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.01E-06 (7.8E-09)
11.83 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.14E-06 (7.3E-09)
11.71 91.4 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 2.65E-06 (8.0E-09)
11.75 91.4 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 2.72E-06 (9.0E-09)
11.83 91.4 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 2.89E-06 (7.4E-09)

Table 9.5. Wet Cup Measurements on fibreboard specimens: The numbers in parentheses

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

11.93 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.04E-06 (9.4E-09)
11.92 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.02E-06 (1.7E-08)
11.89 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.08E-06 (1.9E-08)
11.93 90.4 (2) 22.8 (0.3) 3.80E-07 (4.1E-09)
11.92 90.4 (2) 22.8 (0.3) 3.73E-07 (6.3E-09)
11.89 90.4 (2) 22.8 (0.3) 3.90E-07 (5.6E-09)


78
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79

Table 9.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of fibreboard on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.24E-11
60
1.57E-11
20
1.30E-11
70
1.64E-11
30
1.36E-11
80
1.72E-11
40
1.43E-11
90
1.81E-11
50
1.50E-11
100
1.90E-11

is about 20 %.

79
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80
:


Table 9.7. Water absorption data for fibreboard.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.008 (0.006)
13.42 0.011(0.0040
17.32 0.015 (0.005)
24.49 0.023 (0.006)
30.98 0.022 (0.003)
38.73 0.032 (0.004)
46.48 0.039 (0.006)
53.67 0.044 (0.004)
60.00 0.053 (0.004)
69.28 0.061 (0.004)
74.30 0.065 (0.003)
78.61 0.077 (0.006)
85.56 0.081 (0.004)
91.98 0.084 (0.004)
112.25 0.102 (0.006)
120.00 0.115 (0.006)
137.04 0.131 (0.013)
160.44 0.144 (0.010)
172.86 0.155 (0.008)
290.34 0.206 (0.008)

Linear regression using the data for the initial linear part of the absorption process gave:

-2
s
-
.

80
B1115.13

76


Gamma ray method
81
al
82
83


Table 9.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of fibreboard on moisture content; the moisture

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.031 5.47E-10 0.219 1.94E-10
0.063 4.68E-10 0.250 1.83E-10
0.094 3.05E-10 0.281 1.73E-10
0.125 2.55E-10 0.313 1.64E-10
0.156 2.27E-10 0.344 1.56E-10
0.188 2.08E-10 0.375 1.49E-10


81
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
82
83
B1115.13

77

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
84

0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 9.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for fibreboard.

-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

84
B1115.13

78

10. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF EASTERN WHITE
CEDAR

here are taken from two planks of eastern white cedar lumber,
approximately 1 X 8 x 8 in size. The 8 X 8 surfaces of the
planks are referred to as the major surfaces in this report.

-3

85
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; 30 cm X 30 cm specimens* are used in
surfaces.
Table 10.1. Thermal Conductivity of Eastern White Cedar (EWC).
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

19.35 33.63 13.42 0.0900
19.35 8.24 -8.41 0.0862
19.50 33.35 13.51 0.0961
19.50 7.83 -7.57 0.0922
19.50** 34.67 16.26 0.0984

same uncertainty is applicable to EWC also.
*Each test specimen is an assembly of two slabs glued together using a very fine layer of
carpenters glue.
**Retested after 2 years storage in laboratory conditions. The specimen gained about 1.5 % of its
original mass during that period.

85
B1115.13

79

86
:
Up to nine specimens, 41 mm X 41 mm X 6 mm each are used in these measurements; the
numbers in parentheses indicate the experimental uncertainties.
Sorption:
Table 10.2. Sorption data for EWC.
-1

49.8 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.034 (0.001), three specimens
70.0 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.076 (0.001), three specimens
88.5 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.128 (0.002), three specimens

Desorption:
Table 10.3. Desorption data for EWC.
-1

99.78(0.01)* Lab at 22 (1) 1.48 (0.1), three specimens
88.7 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.119 (0.002), two specimens
70.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.074 (0.001), two specimens
50.0 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.017 (0.003), two specimens

* The measurement on the three specimens at RH = 99.78 % was after maintaining the pressure
difference for several weeks while all the other data, up to RH = 95.3 %, were obtained after
maintaining the pressure difference for 48 to 72 hr. It seems that the method worked for this
material. But the same method when applied to four other wood species did not yield reliable
results. The reason for this is unknown.

86
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80

87
:
For each test condition, 3 circular specimens, each 15 cm in diameter, are used. The vapour flow
is perpendicular to the major surfaces.

Table 10.4. Dry Cup Measurements on EWC specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

19.38 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.16E-08 (5.0E-10)
19.36 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.87E-09 (3.0E-10)
19.74 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.25E-08 (3.3E-10)
19.38 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.20E-07 (3.9E-09)
19.36 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.24E-07 (1.4E-09)
19.74 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.20E-07 (1.3E-09)
19.38 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.46E-07 (2.9E-09)
19.36 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.22E-07 (2.9E-09)
19.74 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.41E-07 (2.8E-09)

Table 10.5. Wet Cup Measurements on EWC specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

19.31 69.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 6.32E-07 (5.7E-09)
19.42 69.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 6.22E-07 (1.1E-08)
19.46 69.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 6.12E-07 (9.8E-09)
19.31 88.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 5.04E-07 (5.5E-09)
19.42 88.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 5.50E-07 (3.8E-09)
19.46 88.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 5.35E-07 (4.3E-09)


87
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88

Table 10.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of EWC on relative humidity; the
vapour flow is perpendicular to the major surfaces.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.26E-14
60
1.21E-12
20
3.13E-14
70
3.05E-12
30
7.80E-14
80
7.82E-12
40
1.94E-13
90
2.09E-11
50
4.85E-13
100
6.40E-11

may be as high as 60 %.

88
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82

89
:

Four test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm X 2 cm each, were used in these measurements. Water is
maintained at (22 1) C. The absorption is across the major surface. The numbers in
parentheses give the standard deviations.

Table 10.7. Water absorption data for EWC.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.07 (0.01)
13.42 0.08 (0.01)
18.97 0.10 (0.01)
27.93 0.11 (0.02)
42.43 0.13 (0.02)
57.45 0.15 (0.03)
82.70 0.19 (0.03)
100.70 0.21 (0.03)
136.16 0.26 (0.04)
149.00 0.28 (0.04)
159.69 0.30 (0.04)

Linear regression using all the data from the first linear part of the absorption process for the four
specimens gives:

-2
s
-
.

89
B1115.13

83


90
91 92

Table 10.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of EWC on moisture content; the moisture

Moisture Content
Gamma ray method is used to measure the distribution of moisture in three test
specimens, 5 cm X 23 cm X 2 cm each, during the moisture uptake in a direction parallel to the
major surfaces, in the longitudinal direction. The principle of the methodology is described by
Kumaran et. al . Marchand and Kumaran have reported the procedure used for the data
reduction.
Diffusivity Moisture Content Diffusivity
kg kg
-1
m
2
s
-1
kg kg
-1
m s
2 -1
4.69E-08 0.475 2.30E-09
0.053 3.12E-08 0.501
0.079 1.51E-08 2.08E-09
0.106
0.026
2.19E-09
0.528
1.04E-08 0.554 1.99E-09
0.132 8.03E-09 0.580 1.90E-09
6.61E-09 0.607 1.82E-09
0.185 5.65E-09 0.633
0.211 4.95E-09 1.68E-09
0.237 0.686 1.62E-09
3.99E-09 0.712 1.56E-09
0.290
0.158
1.75E-09
0.660
4.42E-09
0.264
3.65E-09 0.739 1.50E-09
0.317 3.36E-09 0.765 1.45E-09
0.343 3.12E-09 0.792 1.40E-09
0.369 2.91E-09 0.818 1.35E-09
0.396 2.73E-09 0.844 1.31E-09
0.422 2.57E-09 0.871 1.27E-09
0.449 0.897 1.23E-09 2.43E-09


90
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
91
92
B1115.13

84

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
93
dated 1 April 1999 reports the details. Three circular test specimens, each approximately 15 cm
in diameter, are used in these measurements. The measurements are conducted at a
temperature = (22 1) C. The thickness of each specimen is 19.5 mm and at that thickness
they are very resistant to airflow (perpendicular to the major surfaces). Pressure decay
measurements failed to give any insight for an estimation of air permeability of EWC.

93
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85

11. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF WESTERN RED CEDAR

here are taken from two planks of western red cedar lumber,

-3

94
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Table 11.1. Thermal Conductivity of Western Red Cedar (WRC).
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

17.80 33.08 13.44 0.0871
17.80 7.37 -7.73 0.0835
17.76 32.99 13.31 0.0841
17.76 7.33 -7.81 0.0805
17.76** 34.82 15.84 0.0845

same uncertainty is applicable to WRC also.
carpenters glue.
**Retested after 2 years storage in laboratory conditions. The specimen gained about 1.5 % of its

94
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86

95
:
Sorption:
Table 11.2. Sorption data for WRC.
-1

49.8 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.034 (0.001), three specimens
70.0 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.060 (0.002), three specimens
88.5 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.096 (0.010), three specimens

Desorption:
Table 11.3. Desorption data for WRC.
-1

99.78 (0.1)* Lab at 22 (1) 1.13 (0.01), two specimens
88.7 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.133 (0.001), two specimens
70.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.090 (0.001), two specimens
50.0 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.010 (0.001), two specimens

*Note: For the pressure plate apparatus measurements, equilibration took nearly four months and
further measurements were abandoned. A series of measurements after 48 hours of exposure at
each pressure differential gave the values listed in Table 4 for three test specimens. The results
show that they are far removed from equilibrium values.
Table 11.4. Desorption data for WRC.
-1

98.83 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 2.00 (0.01)
96.17 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 1.83 (0.05)
95.6 (0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 1.58 (0.15)
95.3 (0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 1.17 (0.16)

95
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96
:

Table 11.5. Dry Cup Measurements on WRC specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

17.76 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.95E-09 (2.5E-10)
17.79 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.18E-09 (2.4E-10)
17.78 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.15E-08 (2.6E-10)
17.76 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 5.49E-08 (6.7E-10)
17.79 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 5.38E-08 (5.2E-10)
17.78 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 5.54E-08 (7.8E-10)
17.76 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 7.67E-08 (1.2E-09)
17.79 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 7.73E-08 (6.7E-10)
17.78 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 7.58E-08 (7.1E-09)

Table 11.6. Wet Cup Measurements on WRC specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

17.84 69.6 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.22E-07 (1.4E-09)
17.81 69.6 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.75E-08 (------)*
17.78 69.6 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.10E-07 (1.0E-09)
17.84 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.77E-08 (1.4E-10)
17.81 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.00E-08 (3.0E-10)
17.78 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.59E-08 (7.0E-10)

* being an odd value not used in the analyses

96
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88

97

Table 11.7. The dependence of water vapour permeability of WRC on relative humidity; the

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.06E-13
60
7.21E-13
20
1.56E-13
70
1.06E-12
30
2.28E-13
80
1.56E-12
40
3.35E-13
90
2.29E-12
50
4.91E-13
100
3.39E-12


97
B1115.13

89

98
:


Table 11.8. Water absorption data for WRC.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.04 (0.01)
10.95 0.05 (0.00)
17.32 0.05 (0.01)
25.69 0.06 (0.01)
35.50 0.07 (0.01)
46.48 0.08 (0.01)
60.50 0.08 (0.01)
85.21 0.10 (0.01)
102.47 0.11 (0.01)
137.48 0.13 (0.02)
150.20 0.15 (0.02)
160.81 0.15 (0.01)

specimens gives:

-2
s
-
.

98
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90


Gamma ray method
99
Kumaran et. al
100
101
have reported the procedure used for the data
reduction.


Table 11.9. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of WRC on moisture content; the moisture

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.079 3.96E-09 0.529 4.08E-10
0.106 4.12E-09 0.556 3.78E-10
0.132 5.67E-09 0.582 3.52E-10
0.159 5.87E-09 0.608 3.3E-10
0.185 5.99E-09 0.635 3.11E-10
0.212 4.65E-09 0.661 2.8E-10
0.238 4.46E-09 0.688 2.67E-10
0.265 3.73E-09 0.714 2.55E-10
0.291 2.32E-09 0.741 2.45E-10
0.317 1.52E-09 0.767 2.35E-10
0.344 1.11E-09 0.794 2.27E-10
0.370 8.77E-10 0.820 2.19E-10
0.397 7.27E-10 0.847 2.11E-10
0.423 6.24E-10 0.873 2.11E-10
0.450 5.48E-10 0.899 2.04E-10
0.476 4.91E-10 0.926 1.98E-10
0.503 4.45E-10 0.952 1.92E-10


99
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
100
101
B1115.13

91

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
102
they are very resistant to airflow (perpendicular to the major surfaces). From pressure decay
measurements it is estimated that the air permeability is less than 1E-12 kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

102
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92

12. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF SPRUCE

here are taken from two planks of spruce lumber,

-3

103
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; 30.5 cm X 30.5 cm specimens* are used
surfaces.
Table 12.1. Thermal Conductivity of Spruce.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

19.41 34.30 13.79 0.0819
19.41 10.25 -10.81 0.0771
19.50 33.81 13.09 0.0938
19.50 8.36 -9.67 0.0899
19.50** 33.59 15.99 0.0909

same uncertainty is applicable to spruce also.
carpenters glue.
**Retested after 2 years storage in laboratory conditions. The specimen lost about 6 % of its

103
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93

104
:

Sorption:
Table 12.2. Sorption data for Spruce.
-1

100, total saturation (repeat) Lab at 22 (1) 2.28 (0.06), six specimens
49.8 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.041 (0.001), three specimens
70.0 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.092 (0.002), three specimens
88.5 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.167 (0.001), three specimens

Desorption:

Table 12.3. Desorption data for Spruce.
-1

23.0 (0.1) 0.177 (0.001), two specimens
70.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.113 (0.000), two specimens
50.0 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.049 (0.001), two specimens
88.7 (1)

104
In the hygroscopic range, the measurements are done using the proposed procedure for
ASTM Standard C1498, which in turn is based on CEN 89 N 337 E, Hygroscopic Sorption
Curve; at the higher range the pressure plate method is used. Details of the pressure plate
method are given by: Hansen, M. H., "Retention Curves Measured Using Pressure Plate and
Pressure Membrane," Nordtest Technical Report 367, Danish Building Research Institute, 1998,
p 63.
B1115.13

94

105
:

Table 12.4. Dry Cup Measurements on Spruce specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

19.52 49.9 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.17E-07 (5.7E-10)
19.46 49.9 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 6.31E-08 (5.6E-10)
19.49 49.9 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.70E-08 (3.9E-10)
19.52 70.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.92E-07 (2.2E-09)
19.46 70.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.78E-07 (4.4E-09)
19.49 70.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.08E-07 (3.4E-09)
19.52 88.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.64E-07 (5.3E-09)
19.46 88.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 5.65E-07 (3.8E-09)
19.49 88.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 4.96E-07 (7.9E-09)

Table 12.5. Wet Cup Measurements on Spruce specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

19.46 69.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.33E-07 (4.5E-09)
19.41 69.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.27E-07 (5.7E-09)
19.46 69.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.60E-07 (5.7E-09)
19.46 89.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 6.51E-07 (5.3E-09)
19.41 89.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 6.01E-07 (6.2E-09)
19.46 89.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 6.43E-07 (9.1E-09)

The average thickness of still air in the cups is 15 mm

105
Measurements are done as described by: Lackey, J. C., Marchand, R. G., and Kumaran, M.
K., A Logical Extension of the ASTM Standard E96 to Determine the Dependence of Water
Vapour Transmission on Relative Humidity, Insulation Materials: Testing And Applications: Third
B1115.13

95

106

Table 12.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of Spruce on relative humidity; the

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
3.77E-13
60
5.36E-12
20
6.38E-13
70
9.27E-12
30
1.08E-12
80
1.63E-11
40
1.84E-12
90
2.95E-11
50
3.13E-12
100
5.68E-11

may be as high as 60 %; however a numerical analysis using the lower and upper range of data
shows that the variability in the derived values for the permeability is about 25 %.

106
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96

107
:

Four test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm X 2 cm each, were used in these measurements. Water is maintained at
(22 1) C. The absorption is across the major surface. The numbers in parentheses give the standard
deviations.

Table 12.7. Water absorption data for Spruce.

Water Absorption Square Root of
time, s

kg m
-2

7.75 0.04 (0.01)
10.95 0.05 (0.01)
17.32 0.06 (0.02)
24.49 0.07 (0.02)
37.95 0.09 (0.02)
43.82 0.11 (0.02)
57.45 0.13 (0.02)
64.34 0.15 (0.02)
80.87 0.17 (0.03)
0.20 (0.03)
114.89 0.24 (0.03)
131.68 0.28 (0.04)
144.71 0.29 (0.04)
156.65 0.32 (0.05)
167.75 0.34 (0.05)
95.50

Linear regression using all the data from the first linear part of the absorption process for the
fourspecimens gives:

-2
s
-
.

107
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97


Gamma ray method
108
Kumaran et. al
109
110
reduction.


Table 12.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of Spruce on moisture content; the moisture

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.2 7.48E-10 0.8 1.92E-10
0.25 6.09E-10 0.85 1.87E-10
0.275 5.56E-10 0.9 1.78E-10
0.325 4.74E-10 0.95 1.7E-10
0.35 4.42E-10 1.00 1.64E-10
0.4 3.88E-10 1.05 1.59E-10
0.45 3.46E-10 1.10 1.55E-10
0.5 3.12E-10 1.15 1.53E-10
0.55 2.84E-10 1.175 1.53E-10
2.6E-10 1.20 1.53E-10
0.65 2.32E-10 1.225 1.54E-10
0.7 2.16E-10
0.6


108
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
109
110
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98

Air Permeability:

Bomberg and Kumaran
111
measurements it is estimated that the air permeability is approximately 5.0 E-11 kg m
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

111
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99

13. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF EASTERN WHITE PINE

Conductivity

here are taken from two planks of eastern white pine lumber,

-3

112
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Table 13.1. Thermal Conductivity of Eastern White Pine (EWP).
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C W m
-1
K
-1

18.81 32.02 14.41 0.100
18.81 7.13 -8.21 0.0946
13.47
18.84 7.55 -6.90 0.0870
18.84** 34.73 0.0909 15.71
18.84 33.50 0.0904

same uncertainty is applicable to EWP also.
carpenters glue.
**Retested after 2 years storage in laboratory conditions. The specimen gained about 1 % of its

112
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100

113
:
Sorption:
Table 13.2. Sorption data for EWP.
-1

49.8 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.032 (0.001), three specimens
70.0 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.076 (0.001), three specimens
88.5 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.120 (0.010), three specimens

Desorption:
Table 13.3. Desorption data for EWP.
-1

99.78 (0.1)* Lab at 22 (1) 0.84 (0.01), three specimens
88.7 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.124 (0.01), two specimens
23.0 (0.1) 0.090 (0.001), two specimens
50.0 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.032 (0.001), two specimens
70.5 (1)

each pressure differential gave the values listed in Table 4 for three test specimens. The results
Table 13.4. Desorption data for EWP.
-1

98.83 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 1.34 (0.14)
96.17 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 1.31 (0.15)
95.6 (0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 1.28 (0.10)
95.3 (0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 1.12 (0.15)

113
p 63.
B1115.13

101

114
:

Table 13.5. Dry Cup Measurements on EWP specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

18.78 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 6.84E-09 (2.4E-10)
18.82 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.56E-09 (3.0E-10)
18.82 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.93E-08 (3.9E-10)
18.78 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 7.82E-08 (9.8E-10)
18.82 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 8.51E-07 (1.0E-09)
18.82 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.51E-07 (1.6E-09)
18.78 88.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.39E-07 (2.3E-09)
18.82 88.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.34E-07 (2.4E-09)
18.82 88.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.42E-07 (3.8E-09)

Table 13.6. Wet Cup Measurements on EWP specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.
%

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

18.77 69.7 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.28E-07 (4.0E-09)
18.82 69.7 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.38E-07 (3.3E-09)
18.83 69.7 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.82E-07 (2.6E-09)
18.77 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.37E-07 (2.3E-09)
18.82 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.44E-07 (2.0E-09)
18.83 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.38E-07 (1.3E-09)


114
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102

115

Table 13.7. The dependence of water vapour permeability of EWP on relative humidity; the

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

4.70E-14
60
1.31E-12
20
9.14E-14
70
2.58E-12
30
1.78E-13
80
5.08E-12
3.46E-13
90
1.02E-11
50
6.74E-13
100
2.10E-11
10
40


115
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103

116
:


Table 13.8. Water absorption data for EWP.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption*
kg m
-2

13.42 0.14 (0.05)
(0.04)
24.49 0.24 (0.10)
37.95 0.32 (0.06)
48.99 0.39 (0.02)
64.34 0.48 (0.02)
81.98 0.57 (0.06)
103.92 0.70 (0.08)
124.66 0.80 (0.11)
136.38 0.86 (0.11)
148.80 0.91 (0.12)
160.44 0.96 (0.13)
295.47 1.50 (0.21)
7.75 0.13 (0.05)
17.32 0.15

specimens gives:

* One of the four specimens behaved completely different from the other three specimens. The
data on that one specimen were not used for the analyses.

-2
s
-
.

116
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104


Gamma ray method
117
Kumaran et. al
118
119
reduction.


Table 13.9. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of EWP on moisture content; the moisture

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.024 1.19E-09 0.431 1.34E-09
0.048 1.36E-09 0.455 1.16E-09
0.072 1.49E-09 0.478 9.96E-10
1.59E-09 0.502 8.64E-10
0.120 1.67E-09 0.526 7.55E-10
0.144 1.75E-09 0.550 6.65E-10
0.167 1.82E-09 0.574 5.91E-10
1.90E-09 0.598 4.78E-10
0.215 1.96E-09 0.622 4.34E-10
0.239 2.03E-09 0.646 3.96E-10
0.263 2.08E-09 0.670 3.63E-10
0.287 2.11E-09 0.694 3.35E-10
0.311 2.11E-09 0.718 3.10E-10
0.335 2.06E-09 0.742 2.88E-10
0.359 1.94E-09 0.766 2.68E-10
0.383 1.76E-09 0.789 2.68E-10
0.407 1.55E-09 0.813 2.51E-10
0.096
0.191


117
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
118
119
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105

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
120
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

120
B1115.13

106

14. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF SOUTHERN YELLOW
PINE

C
here are taken from two planks of southern yellow pine
lumber, approximately 1 X 8 x 8 in size. The 8 X 8 surfaces
of the planks are referred to as the major surfaces in this
report.

-3

121
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Table 14.1. Thermal Conductivity of Southern Yellow Pine (SYP).
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
Cold Surface Temperature Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

12.36 0.126
19.15 8.13 -8.51 0.121
19.28 32.10 14.90 0.117
-7.63 0.113
19.29** 34.10 17.15 0.116
19.15 32.93
19.28 7.43

same uncertainty is applicable to SYP also.
carpenters glue.
**Retested after 2 years storage in laboratory conditions. The mass change was negligible during
that period.

121
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107

122
:
Sorption:
Table 14.2. Sorption data for SYP.
-1

49.8 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.036 (0.001), three specimens
70.0 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.081 (0.002), three specimens
88.5 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.152 (0.002), three specimens

Desorption:
Table 14.3. Desorption data for SYP.
-1

99.78 (0.1)* Lab at 22 (1) 0.57 (0.13), three specimens
88.7 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.156, two specimens
70.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.100, two specimens
50.0 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.043, two specimens

each pressure differential gave the values listed in Table 4 for one test specimen. The results
Table 14.4. Desorption data for SYP.
-1

98.83 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 1.54 (0.03)
96.17 (0.01) Lab at 22 (1) 1.35 (0.05)
95.6 (0.1) Lab at 22 (1) 1.08 (0.05)
Lab at 22 (1) 0.96 (0.05) 95.3 (0.1)

122
p 63.
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108

123
:

Table 14.5. Dry Cup Measurements on SYP specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

19.51 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.43E-08 (3.9E-10)
19.49 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.67E-08 (3.9E-10)
19.56 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.17E-08 (4.1E-10)
19.51 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.21E-07 (9.2E-10)
19.49 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.29E-07 (1.1E-09)
19.56 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.50E-07 (9.7E-10)
19.51 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.28E-07 (3.8E-09)
19.49 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.10E-07 (3.4E-09)
19.56 88.4 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.21E-07 (2.7E-09)

Table 14.6. Wet Cup Measurements on SYP specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
% kg m
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
-2
s
-1

19.34 69.7 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.64E-07 (4.1E-09)
19.47 69.7 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.43E-07 (4.7E-09)
19.46 69.7 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.34E-07 (4.9E-09)
19.46 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.29E-07 (5.5E-09)
19.41 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.01E-07 (2.1E-09)
19.46 88.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.71E-07 (3.7E-09)


123
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109

124

Table 14.7. The dependence of water vapour permeability of SYP on relative humidity; the vapour
flow is perpendicular to the major surfaces.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.20E-13
60
2.53E-12
20
2.20E-13
70
4.70E-12
30
4.04E-13
80
8.82E-12
40
7.43E-13
90
1.69E-11
50
1.37E-12
100
3.39E-11


124
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110

125
:


Table 14.8. Water absorption data for SYP.
Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.07 (0.00)
10.95 0.09 (0.01)
13.42 0.11 (0.01)
17.32 0.14 (0.02)
21.91 0.19 (0.03)
25.69 0.25 (0.04)
30.98 0.34 (0.07)
36.33 0.43 (0.10)
43.13 0.55 (0.13)
47.12 0.62 (0.15)
54.77 0.75 (0.16)
63.40 0.86 (0.17)
74.70 1.01 (0.19)
(0.18)
110.63 1.36 (0.19)
127.98 1.52 (0.21)
141.35 1.63 (0.22)
153.56 1.73 (0.22)
(0.24)
90.33 1.16
164.86 1.83

specimens gives:

-2
s
-
.

125
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111


Gamma ray method
126
Kumaran et. al
127
128
reduction.


Table 14.9. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of SYP on moisture content; the moisture

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.077 1.32E-08 0.579 9.16E-09
0.116 1.81E-08 0.598 1.04E-08
0.154 2.03E-08 0.618 1.22E-08
0.193 2.18E-08 0.637 1.22E-08
0.232 2.35E-08 0.656 1.52E-08
0.270 2.62E-08 0.676 2.08E-08
0.309 3.14E-08 0.695 3.34E-08
0.347 3.40E-08 0.714 7.71E-08
0.386 1.62E-08 0.753 3.72E-08
0.405 1.22E-08 0.772 1.88E-08
0.425 1.00E-08 0.792 1.18E-08
0.444 8.78E-09 0.811 8.29E-09
0.463 8.03E-09 0.830 6.19E-09
0.483 7.40E-09 0.849 4.83E-09
0.502 7.37E-09 0.869
7.52E-09 0.888
0.541 7.84E-09 0.907 2.69E-09
0.560 8.36E-09
3.89E-09
0.521 3.21E-09


126
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
127
128
B1115.13

112

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
129
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

129
B1115.13

113

15. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE WOOD
SIDING

here are taken from a composite Wood Siding panel, 4 X 8.
The material is made out of high-density wood fibreboard and
one major surface coated with a paint (factory primed)at a
fraction of a mm thickness. The nominal thickness of the
panel is 7/16.

-3

130
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; 30 cm X 30 cm specimens are used in
surfaces.
Table 15.1. Thermal Conductivity of Wood Siding.
Specimen Thickness
mm C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

19.74 0.095
10.44 3.77 -3.51 0.092
10.65 28.26 21.28 0.096
10.65 2.68 -3.56
10.44 27.14
0.091

same uncertainty is applicable to Wood Siding also.

130
B1115.13

114

131
:
Sorption:
Table 15.2. Sorption data for Wood Siding.
-1

Lab at 22 (1) 0.90 (0.03), nine specimens
50.3 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.047 (0.001), three specimens
69.6 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.069 (0.001), three specimens
91.3 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.131 (0.003), three specimens
100, total saturation

Desorption:
Table 15.3. Desorption data for Wood Siding.
-1

99.78(0.01)* Lab at 22 (1) 0.38 (0.02), three specimens
91.3 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.134 (0.003), two specimens
69.2 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.076 (0.002), two specimens
50.3(1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.044 (0.000), two specimens

* It took more than 15 weeks for equilibration. So subsequent measurements in progress, and not
yet at equilibrium after several weeks, were abandoned.

131
p 63.
B1115.13

115

132
:

Table 15.4. Dry Cup Measurements on Wood Siding specimens: The numbers in parentheses

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

10.85 50.7 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 5.19E-07 (2.3E-09)
10.80 50.7 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 5.46E-07 (2.2E-09)
10.82 50.7 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 5.52E-07 (3.9E-09)
10.85 70.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.62E-07 (5.5E-09)
10.80 70.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.03E-07 (5.4E-09)
70.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.13E-07 (5.8E-09)
10.85 90.4 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 9.90E-07 (1.2E-08)
10.80 90.4 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 1.03E-06 (1.4E-08)
10.82 90.4 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 1.04E-06 (7.6E-09)
10.82

Table 15.5. Wet Cup Measurements on Wood Siding specimens: The numbers in parentheses

Chamber Temperature Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
% C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

10.68 70.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 4.02E-07 (4.5E-09)
10.42 70.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.64E-07 (4.8E-09)
10.35 70.5 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.27E-07 (3.7E-09)
10.68 90.9 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.20E-07 (1.3E-09)
10.42 90.9 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.03E-07 (8.9E-10)
10.35 90.9 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 1.94E-07 (1.9E-09)


132
B1115.13

116

133

Table 15.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of Wood Siding on relative humidity;
the vapour flow is perpendicular to the major surfaces.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
3.92E-12
60
4.88E-12
20
4.09E-12
70
5.10E-12
30
4.28E-12
80
5.34E-12
40
4.47E-12
90
5.58E-12
50
4.67E-12
100
5.83E-12


133
B1115.13

117

134
:

maintained at (22 1) C. The absorption is across that major surface with the paint coating. The
numbers in parentheses give the standard deviations.

Table 15.7. Water absorption data for Wood Siding.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

10.95 0.02 (0.00)
18.97 0.02 (0.01)
30.98 0.03 (0.00)
43.13 0.04 (0.00)
72.66 0.05 (0.00)
89.33 0.06 (0.00)
121.74 0.08 (0.01)
158.18 0.11 (0.01)
281.10 0.21 (0.01)
406.64 0.30 (0.01)

specimens gives:

Water Absorption Coefficient for the major coated surface = 0.00072 0.00002 kg m

-2
s
-
.

134
B1115.13

118


Gamma ray method
135
Kumaran et. al
136
137
reduction.


Table 15.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of Wood Siding on moisture content; the
moisture transport is parallel to the major surfaces.

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.081 5.53E-11
5.11E-11 0.405 3.89E-11
0.108 4.83E-11 0.419 3.9E-11
0.122 4.63E-11 0.432 3.92E-11
0.135 4.47E-11 0.446 3.92E-11
0.149 4.36E-11 0.459 3.94E-11
0.162 4.26E-11 0.473 3.96E-11
0.176 4.18E-11 0.486 3.98E-11
0.189 4.12E-11 0.500 4.01E-11
0.203 4.07E-11 0.514 4.04E-11
0.216 4.03E-11 0.527 4.08E-11
0.230 3.99E-11 0.541 4.12E-11
0.243 3.96E-11 0.554 4.16E-11
0.257 3.93E-11 0.568 4.21E-11
0.270 3.91E-11 0.581 4.27E-11
0.284 3.90E-11 0.595 4.33E-11
0.297 3.88E-11 0.608 4.40E-11
0.311 3.87E-11 0.622 4.48E-11
0.324 3.87E-11 0.635 4.57E-11
0.338 3.86E-11 0.649
3.86E-11 0.662 4.8E-11
0.365 3.87E-11 0.676 4.95E-11
0.378 3.87E-11 0.689
0.392 3.88E-11
0.095
4.68E-11
0.351
5.12E-11


135
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
136
137
B1115.13

119

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
138

0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 15.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for Wood Siding.

-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

138
B1115.13

120

16 HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF CLAY BRICK

The properties reported here are obtained on one type of clay brick. It is
manufactured in Canada and is identified as Charleston Brick. Test
specimens are prepared from several 72 mm X 78 mm X 250 mm samples
from one production batch. The bricks are light reddish brown in colour
and referred to as Extruded Clay Brick.

Density: (1980 30) kg m
-3

C
139
): 840 J K
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; one 30 cm X 30 cm specimen,
assembled from several 10 cm X 20 cm blocks are used in these measurements. The
temperatures of the plates are maintained within 0.04 C for these measurements, for 12 h period
to confirm steady state. Heat flow is perpendicular to the major surfaces.
Table 16.1. Thermal Conductivity of brick.
Specimen Thickness
mm
Hot Surface Temperature Cold surface Temperature
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

12.17 27.09 21.70 0.42
12.02 14.52 7.98 0.41

insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %. Brick
being highly conductive and the test specimen being assembled from several blocks that have
been friction fitted, the uncertainty in these measurements can be as high as 5 to 10 %.

139
B1115.13

121

140
:


Sorption:
Table 16.2. Sorption data for brick.
-1

50.0 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.0008 (0.0001), three specimens
69.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.0012 (0.002), three specimens
91.2 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.0010 (0.002), three specimens

Desorption:

Table 16.3. Desorption data for brick.
-1

98.90 (0.01)
91.2 (1)
23.0 (0.2)
99.71 (0.01)
23.0 (0.2) 0.00, two specimens
69.1 (1) 0.00, two specimens
50.0 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.00, two specimens

140
p 63.
B1115.13

122

141
:
For each test condition, 3 rectangular specimens, each 20 cm X 8 cm, are used.

Table 16.4. Dry Cup Measurements on brick specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
-2 -1
12.37 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 4.66E-07 (6.4E-09)
12.35 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 4.84E-07 (5.5E-09)
12.41 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 4.77E-07 (4.9E-09)
12.37 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 6.90E-07 (1.0E-09)
12.35 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 7.12E-07 (1.7E-09)
12.41 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 7.01E-07 (2.1E-09)
12.37 90.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 8.96E-07 (2.1E-09)
12.35 90.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 9.19E-07 (1.1E-09)
12.41 90.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 9.00E-07 (4.6E-10)
kg m s

Table 16.5. Wet Cup Measurements on brick specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.46 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.59E-07(2.3E-09)
12.26 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.54E-07 (1.7E-09)
12.41 70.6 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.40E-07 (1.6E-09)
12.46 91.4 (2) 22.7 (0.3) 1.20E-07 (2.0E-09)
12.26 91.4 (2) 22.7 (0.3) 1.20E-07 (1.3E-09)
12.41 91.4 (2) 22.7 (0.3) 1.17E-07 (1.4E-09)


141
B1115.13

123

142

Table 16.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of brick on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10 4.14E-12 60 4.94E-12
20 4.29E-12 70 5.12E-12
30 4.44E-12 80 5.31E-12
40 4.60E-12 90 5.50E-12
50 4.77E-12 100 5.70E-12

is about 20 %.

142
B1115.13

124

143
:

Four test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm each (thickness 12 mm), were used in these measurements.
Water is maintained at (22 1) C. The absorption is across the major surface. The numbers in

Table 16.7. Water absorption data for brick.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 1.30 (0.24)
13.42 1.56 (0.14)
18.97 1.65 (0.07)
30.98 1.68 (0.07)
43.13 1.67 (0.07)
60.50 1.68 (0.07)

The absorption process was very fast. From the above data it is estimated that

Water Absorption Coefficient for this brick is approximately 0.17 kg m
-2
s
-
.

143
B1115.13

125


Gamma ray method
144
specimens, 6.5 cm X 20 cm each (1 cm thick), during a moisture uptake process. The principle
of the methodology is described by Kumaran et. al
145
146
have reported
the procedure used for the data reduction.


Table 16.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of brick on moisture content.

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.005 2.26E-08 0.045 2.37E-07
0.010 4.57E-08 0.051 2.75E-07
0.015 6.94E-08 0.056 3.19E-07
0.020 9.38E-08 0.061 3.74E-07
0.025 1.19E-07 0.066 4.5E-07
1.46E-07 0.071 5.74E-07
0.035 1.74E-07 0.076 9.01E-07
0.040 2.04E-07
0.030


144
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
145
146
B1115.13

126

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
147
dated 1 April 1999 reports the details. Three rectangular test specimens, 20 cm X 8 cm (thickness
12.46, 12.26 and 12.41 mm), are used in these measurements. The measurements are
conducted at a temperature = (22 1) C. No measurable airflow resulted for pressure
differences up to 3 kPa. From pressure decay measurements on a number of brick specimens it
is estimated that the air permeability of bricks is about 1.5 to 5.0 E-10 kg m
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

147
B1115.13

127

17. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF MORTAR

The properties reported are obtained on one masonry cement mortar mix,
type N: 1 part by volume of masonry cement type N and 2 to 3 parts by
volume of aggregate.

-3

Heat Capacity (From International Energy Agency Annex 24 Report 840 J K
W m
148
):
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; two 30 cm X 30 cm specimens were used
Table 16.1. Thermal Conductivity of mortar.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
-1
K
-1

18.73 24.72 19.51 0.46
18.73 1.33 -3.34 0.45
18.96 24.92 19.87 0.48
18.96 1.74 -3.20 0.45

insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %. Mortar
being highly conductive the uncertainty in these measurements can be as high as 5 to 10 %.

148
B1115.13

128

149
:


Sorption:
Table 16.2. Sorption data for mortar.
-1

49.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.0042 (0.002), three specimens
70.1 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.023 (0.003), three specimens
89.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.053 (0.009), three specimens

Desorption:

Table 16.3. Desorption data for mortar.
-1

89.9 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.061 (0.000), two specimens
70.2 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.044 (0.000), two specimens
49.9 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.034 (0.000), two specimens

149
p 63.
B1115.13

129

150
:

Table 16.4. Dry Cup Measurements on mortar specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

13.43 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.32E-06 (9.0E-09)
13.15 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.22E-06 (6.7E-09)
12.74 49.8 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.18E-06 (8.5E-09)
13.43 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.63E-06 (3.3E-09)
13.15 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.48E-06 (8.3E-09)
12.74 70.8 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.47E-06 (4.9E-09)
13.43 89.2 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.45E-06 (9.0E-09)
13.15 89.2 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.28E-06 (1.2E-08)
12.74 89.2 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.25E-06 (1.4E-08)

Table 16.5. Wet Cup Measurements on mortar specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.95 71.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.18E-06 (1.0E-08)
13.06 71.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.26E-06 (7.7E-09)
13.21 71.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.09E-06 (6.5E-09)
12.95 89.1 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.63E-07 (3.1E-09)
13.06 89.1 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 4.68E-07 (3.0E-09)
13.21 89.1 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 4.00E-07 (1.8E-09)


150
B1115.13

130

151

Table 16.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of mortar on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.36E-11
60
2.22E-11
1.50E-11
70
2.45E-11
30
1.65E-11
80
2.72E-11
40
1.82E-11
90
3.02E-11
50
2.01E-11
100
3.36E-11
20

is about 40 %.

151
B1115.13

131

152
:


Table 16.7. Water absorption data for mortar.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.41 (0.02)
10.95 0.48 (0.02)
15.49 0.57 (0.02)
20.49 0.65 (0.02)
26.83 0.75 (0.02)
(0.03)
42.43 0.97 (0.03)
7.75
36.33 0.89
0.41 (0.02)

There is no clear initial linear part in the absorption process.

Water Absorption Coefficient for mortar is approximately (0.02 0.01) kg m
-2
s
-
.

152
B1115.13

132


Diffusivity
Gamma ray method
153
154
155
have reported


Table 16.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of mortar on moisture content.

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

m
2
s
-1

8.96E-09 0.081 3.73E-09
0.019 4.74E-09 0.088 4.52E-09
0.025 3.53E-09 0.094 7.07E-09
0.031 3.12E-09 0.100 5.19E-09
0.038 2.93E-09 0.106 2.24E-09
0.044 2.86E-09 0.113 1.61E-09
2.84E-09 0.119 1.25E-09
2.88E-09 0.125 9.00E-10
2.96E-09 0.131 6.13E-10
3.10E-09 0.138 4.29E-10
0.075 3.33E-09 0.144 3.19E-10
0.013
0.050
0.056
0.063
0.069


153
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
154
155
B1115.13

133

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
156
dated 1 April 1999 reports the details. Three circular test specimens, 15 cm in diameter
(thickness 13.43, 13.15 and 13.06 mm), are used in these measurements. The measurements
are conducted at a temperature = (22 1) C.

0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 16.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for mortar.

-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

156
B1115.13

134

18. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF STUCCO

The properties reported are obtained on one regular Portland stucco mix.
Slabs were prepared and allowed to cure for 28 days as suggested by the
manufacturer. No lath was embedded in these samples.

-3

157
): 840 J K
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; two 30 cm X 30 cm specimen were used
Table 18.1. Thermal Conductivity of stucco.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

19.93 0.41
14.69 2.77 -2.28 0.39
12.87 24.62 20.04 0.41
12.87 2.26 -1.86 0.39
14.69 25.00

insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %. Stucco
being highly conductive the uncertainty in these measurements can be as high as 5 to 10 %.

157
B1115.13

135

158
:


Sorption:
Table 18.2. Sorption data for stucco.
-1

50.0 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.030 (0.001), three specimens
70.3 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.037 (0.001), three specimens
89.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.058 (0.001), three specimens

Desorption:

Table 18.3. Desorption data for stucco.
-1

Lab at 22 (1) 0.117 (0.001), six specimens
90.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.070 (0.01), two specimens
70.3 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.052 (0.01), two specimens
50.0 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.042 (0.01), two specimens
99.93(0.01)

158
p 63.
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136

159
:

Table 18.4. Dry Cup Measurements on stucco specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

13.60 50.0 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 9.52E-08 (1.3E-09)
14.03 50.0 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.58E-08 (1.0E-09)
13.28 50.0 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.12E-07 (7.7E-10)
13.60 70.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.00E-07 (2.4E-09)
14.03 70.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.89E-07 (3.6E-09)
13.28 70.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.19E-07 (2.8E-09)
13.60 90.2 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.98E-07 (4.7E-09)
14.03 90.2 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.85E-07 (3.0E-09)
13.28 90.2 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.24E-07 (3.4E-09)

Table 18.5. Wet Cup Measurements on stucco specimens: The numbers in parentheses indicate
steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.37 70.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.54E-07 (8.7E-10)
14.88 70.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 9.37E-08 (1.9E-09)
14.69 70.2 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.13E-07 (2.4E-09)
12.37 89.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.65E-08 (1.5E-09)
14.88 89.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.94E-08 (4.8E-10)
14.69 89.6 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 5.20E-08 (4.5E-10)


159
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160

Table 18.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of stucco on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
8.14E-13
60
1.94E-12
20
9.68E-13
70
2.31E-12
30
1.15E-12
80
2.74E-12
40
1.37E-12
90
3.26E-12
50
1.63E-12
100
3.88E-12

is about 25 %.

160
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138

161
:


Table 18.7. Water absorption data for stucco.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.16 (0.01)
13.42 0.21 (0.01)
18.97 0.26 (0.01)
24.49 0.33 (0.01)
30.00 0.40 (0.02)
34.64 0.46 (0.02)
42.43 0.56 (0.02)
59.50 0.78 (0.02)
76.29 0.97 (0.03)
86.95 1.09 (0.03)
96.75 1.20 (0.04)
114.89 1.41 (0.05)
136.38 1.61 (0.07)
146.77 1.69 (0.08)
156.84 1.76 (0.09)

A linear regression of data from the initial part of the process gives;

Water Absorption Coefficient for stucco is (0.012 0.001) kg m
-2
s
-
.

161
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139


Gamma ray method
162
163
164
have reported


Table 18.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of stucco on moisture content.

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.005 6.64E-10 0.087 1.86E-09
0.010 1.64E-09 0.092 1.17E-09
0.015 3.31E-09 0.097 8.38E-10
0.020 7.00E-09 0.102 6.45E-10
0.025 1.48E-08 0.107 5.20E-10
1.18E-08 0.112 4.33E-10
0.036 9.01E-09 0.117 3.69E-10
0.041 7.88E-09 0.122 3.21E-10
7.43E-09 0.127 2.83E-10
7.35E-09 0.132 2.52E-10
7.57E-09 0.137 2.27E-10
0.061 8.13E-09 0.142 2.06E-10
0.066 9.32E-09 0.148 1.89E-10
0.071 1.23E-08 0.153 1.74E-10
0.081 3.96E-09 0.158 1.61E-10
0.031
0.046
0.051
0.056


162
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
163
164
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140

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
165
(thickness 13.60, 14.03 and 13.28 mm), are used in these measurements. The measurements
are conducted at a temperature = (22 1) C. No measurable airflow resulted for pressure
differences up to 3 kPa. From pressure decay measurements on the specimens it is estimated
that the air permeability of stucco is approximately 1 E-11 kg m
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

165
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141

19. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF FIBRE CEMENT
SHEATHING BOARD


All test specimens used for the measurements reported here are prepared
from one board of a commercial product with a nominal thickness of 5/16.

-3

166
): 840 J K
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; two 30 cm X 30 cm specimens were used
Table 19.1. Thermal Conductivity of fibre cement board.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

7.82 26.95 23.07 0.25
7.82 3.15 -0.47 0.24
7.86 25.91 22.09 0.25
7.86 1.49 -2.16 0.24

insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %. Fibre
cement being more conductive than insulation materials the uncertainty in these measurements
can be as high as 5 %.

166
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142

Temperature, C
167
:


Sorption:
Table 19.2. Sorption data for fibre cement.
-1

70.4 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.058 (0.009), three specimens
89.9 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.168 (0.020), three specimens
50.6 (1) 23 (0.2) 0.040 (0.001), three specimens

Desorption:
Table 19.3. Desorption data for fibre cement.
-1

90.6 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.196 (0.001), two specimens
70.5 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.123 (0.002), two specimens
50.5 (1) 23.0 (0.2) 0.066 (0.000), two specimens

167
p 63.
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143

168
:

Table 19.4. Dry Cup Measurements on fibre cement specimens: The numbers in parentheses

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

7.80 50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.76E-07 (1.6E-09)
7.74 50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.17E-07 (1.5E-09)
7.86 50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.20E-07 (2.0E-09)
70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.15E-07 (3.3E-09)
7.74 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.49E-07 (2.8E-09)
7.86 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.84E-07 (3.3E-09)
7.80 91.3 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 6.66E-07 (7.0E-09)
7.74 91.3 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 6.64E-07 (6.4E-09)
7.86 91.3 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 8.65E-07 (4.8E-09)
7.80

Table 19.5. Wet Cup Measurements on fibre cement specimens: The numbers in parentheses

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

7.71 70.3 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.05E-06 (1.4E-08)
70.3 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.14E-06 (6.7E-09)
70.3 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 9.43E-07 (1.5E-09)
91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 8.17E-07 (7.4E-09)
8.03 91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 8.21E-07 (6.0E-09)
7.93 91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 6.72E-07 (8.3E-09)
8.03
7.93
7.71


168
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169

kg m

Table 19.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of fibre cement on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
2.10E-13
60
2.76E-12
20
3.49E-13
70
4.71E-12
30
5.82E-13
80
8.21E-12
40
9.74E-13
90
1.48E-11
50
1.63E-12
100
2.89E-11

may be as high as 80 %; the measured water vapour transmission rate is strong function of RH
(in the high RH range) and this is the reason for the rather large uncertainty.

169
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145

170
:


Table 19.7. Water absorption data for fibre cement.
Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.26 (0.03)
10.95 0.34 (0.04)
15.49 0.45 (0.06)
18.97 0.54 (0.07)
24.49 0.69 (0.09)
30.98 0.84 (0.10)
46.48 1.21 (0.12)
54.77 1.40 (0.13)
71.83 1.77 (0.15)
(0.14)
116.45 2.45 (0.08)
135.50 2.51 (0.04)
93.91 2.21

From a linear regression using the data from the initial stage of the process:

Water Absorption Coefficient for fibre cement is (0.025 0.001) kg m
-2
s
-
.

170
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146


Gamma ray method
171
specimens, 6.5 cm X 22 cm each, during a moisture uptake process across the edge. The
172
173
have


Table 19.8. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of fibre cement on moisture content.

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture Content
kg kg
-1

Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.029 1.04E-10 0.116 1.13E-09
0.036 1.26E-10 0.130 1.68E-09
0.043 1.54E-10 0.145 2.51E-09
0.051 1.88E-10 0.159 3.74E-09
0.058 2.30E-10 0.174 5.57E-09
0.065 2.81E-10 0.188 8.29E-09
0.072 3.42E-10 0.203 1.23E-08
0.087 5.10E-10 0.217 1.84E-08
0.101 7.59E-10 0.223 2.16E-08


171
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
172
173
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147

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
174
(thickness 7.80, 7.74 and 7.77 mm), are used in these measurements. The measurements are
conducted at a temperature = (22 1) C.
The fibre cement board specimens are very resistant to airflow and no airflow is
detectable for pressure differences up to 3 kPa . From a set of pressure decay measurements it
is estimated that the air permeability is approximately 3E-12 kg m
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

174
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148

20. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENT BOARD
All test specimens used for the measurements reported here are prepared
from two boards, 4 X 8, of a commercial product with a nominal thickness
of 1/2. The product is used as an exterior sheathing member in EIFS walls.

-3

175
): 840 J K
-1
kg
-1

Measurements are according to ASTM Standard C518; two 61 cm X 61 cm specimen was used
Table 20.1. Thermal Conductivity of cement board.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

12.52 26.49 22.85 0.25
12.52 31.66 28.02 0.26

insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %.
Cement board being more conductive than insulation materials the uncertainty in these
measurements can be as high as 5 %.

175
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149

176
:


Sorption:
Table 20.2. Sorption data for cement board.
-1


Desorption:
Table 20.3. Desorption data for cement board.
-1


176
p 63.
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150

177
:
Note: Data generated in a previous project on the same material are used to derive the water
vapour permeability listed below. The raw data are not available in the usual format and hence
are not reported.

178

Table 20.4. The dependence of water vapour permeability of cement board on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10 7.44E-12 60 1.05E-11
20 7.44E-12 70 1.22E-11
30 7.44E-12 80 1.36E-11
40 8.31E-12 90 1.61E-11
50 9.30E-12 100 1.86E-11


177
178
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151

179
:

Three test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm each, were used in these measurements. Water is

Table 20.5. Water absorption data for cement board.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.28 (0.02)
13.42 0.37 (0.02)
18.97 0.44 (0.01)
30.98 0.60 (0.01)
(0.02)
60.50 0.98 (0.02)
83.43 1.23 (0.02)
123.69 1.62 (0.03)
43.13 0.77

From a linear regression using the data from the initial stage of the process:

Water Absorption Coefficient for cement board is (0.013 0.001) kg m
-2
s
-
.

179
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152


Gamma ray method
180
specimens, 6.5 cm X 22 cm each, during a moisture uptake process across the edge. The
181
182
have


Table 20.6. The dependence of moisture diffusivity of cement board on moisture content.

Moisture content
kg kg
-1

Moisture Diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

Moisture content
kg kg
-1

Moisture diffusivity
m
2
s
-1

0.001 1.49E-11 0.081 9.84E-10
0.002 5.07E-11 0.088 1.11E-09
0.004 8.74E-11 0.095 1.26E-09
0.006 1.22E-10 0.104 1.49E-09
0.008 1.56E-10 0.113 1.87E-09
0.122 2.48E-09
0.016 2.78E-10 0.125 2.74E-09
0.023 3.59E-10 0.127 3.03E-09
0.030 4.35E-10 0.130 3.53E-09
0.040 5.35E-10 0.133 4.13E-09
0.054 6.63E-10 0.136 5.11E-09
8.41E-10 0.139 6.72E-09
0.075 9.09E-10 0.141 9.40E-09
0.012 2.19E-10
0.070


180
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
181
182
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153

Air Permeability:
Bomberg and Kumaran
183
dated 1 April 1999 reports the details. Five circular test specimens, 13 cm in diameter (thickness
12.19, 11.98,12.35,12.17 and 12.41 mm), are used in these measurements. The measurements
are conducted at a temperature = (22 1) C.

measurements on each specimen is shown in Figure 1 as five separate sets.

0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
0 50 100 150 200 250
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 20.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for cement board; the
variation from specimen to specimen is rather large.
varies with the pressure difference. The mean air permeability is 3E-08 kg m
-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
. The
uncertainty is as high as 100 %.

183
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154

21. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF LIMESTONE

Specimen Thickness

here are taken from two slabs of Georgian Bay Limestone.

Density: (2500 ) 100) kg m
-3

184
): 840 J K
-1
kg
-1

surfaces.
Table 21.1. Thermal Conductivity of Limestone.
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

27.45 26.40 22.43 0.93
27.45 1.97 -1.31 0.86
20.93 26.10 0.57 22.34
20.93 0.38 -3.75 0.53

insulating materials and for those materials the measurement uncertainties are within 2 %. The
thermal conductivity of limestone being much higher than insulating materials, the errors in the
above measurements may be 5 to 10 %.
The two specimens differed in their bulk densities by 200 kg m
-3
. The specimen with lower
density showed relatively lower thermal conductivity.

184
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155

185
:

Sorption:
Table 21.2. Sorption data for Spruce.
-1

50.0 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.000, three specimens
70.0 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.000, three specimens
88.5 (1) 23 (0.1) 0.001, three specimens

Desorption:

Table 21.3. Desorption data for Spruce.
-1

88.6 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.001, two specimens
70.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.000, two specimens
23.0 (0.1) 0.000, two specimens 49.9 (1)

185
p 63.
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156


186
:

Table 21.4. Dry Cup Measurements on limestone specimens: The numbers in parentheses
Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

20.88 49.9 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 3.44E-09 (1.3E-10)
20.39 49.9 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.82E-09 (1.4E-10)
24.59 49.9 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.26E-08 (2.3E-10)
20.88 70.9 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.01E-08 (2.0E-10)
20.39 70.9 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 9.34E-09 (2.1E-10)
24.59 70.9 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.41E-08 (3.3E-10)
20.88 88.6 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.17E-08 (1.7E-10)
20.39 88.6 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 9.77E-09 (2.7E-10)
24.59 88.6 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.83E-08 (5.0E-10)

Table 21.5. Wet Cup Measurements on limestone specimens: The numbers in parentheses
indicate the standard errors according to a linear regression of data on water vapour
transmission rate at a steady state.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

18.70 69.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.62E-07 (3.5E-09)
69.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.53E-07 (1.5E-09)
24.81 69.5 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.26E-07 (3.0E-09)
18.70 88.4 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 2.56E-07 (4.7E-09)
19.54 88.4 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 2.53E-07 (4.0E-09)
24.81 88.4 (2) 23.1 (0.2) 2.30E-07 (1.6E-09)
19.54


186
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187

Table 21.6. The dependence of water vapour permeability of limestone on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

30 2.56E-13 93 4.17E-13
40 2.56E-13 94 6.94E-13
50 2.56E-13 95 1.45E-12
60 2.56E-13 96 3.54E-12
70 2.56E-13 97 9.47E-12
80 2.56E-13 98 2.76E-11
90 2.64E-13 99 9.99E-11
2.78E-13 2E-10
92 3.15E-13
91 100

may be as high as 100 % as the RH approaches 100 %; most of this large uncertainty is due to a
substantial (exponential) increase in the water vapour transmission rate very close to 100 % RH.
Note that the limestone is highly resistant to water vapour transmission, below 90 % RH.

187
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188
:


Table 21.7. Water absorption data for limestone.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.020 (0.011)
13.42 0.020 (0.011)
18.97 0.023 (0.012)
(0.014)
41.71 0.032 (0.018)
66.63 0.041 (0.022)
77.85 0.043 (0.024)
93.91 0.047 (0.027)
103.05 0.049 (0.028)
122.47 0.053 (0.030)
136.38 0.053 (0.030)
153.56 0.053 (0.032)
160.81 0.054 (0.033)
286.91 0.074 (0.044)
334.07 0.080 (0.049)
413.01 0.098 (0.058)
30.00 0.025

specimens gives:

Water Absorption Coefficient for limestone = 0.00033 0.00002 kg m
-2
s
-
.

188
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159


Gamma ray method
189
did not reveal any measurable moisture uptake (see the very low water
absorption coefficient). From the water absorption coefficient and the measured moisture
concentration at full saturation, it is estimated that the moisture diffusivity of limestone is
approximately 7E-11 m
2
s
-1
.

Air Permeability:

The test specimens yielded no measurable air permeance.

189
D.C., USA, 1985), pp. 485-90, 1985.
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160

22. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF LOW DENSITY GLASS
FIBER BATT INSULATION

The test specimens used for the measurements reported here
are taken from a roll of a commercial product with a nominal
thickness of 4. The fibers are held together using a binder.

Thickness: (88 ) 3) mm
Density: (11.5 ) 1.5) kg m
-3

Heat Capacity (FromInternational Energy Agency Annex 24 Report
190
): 840 J K
-1
kg
-1

Table 1. Thermal conductivity of low-density glassfibre insulation.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

88.5 35.25 12.84 0.0430

International round robin measurements show that results obtained on thermal insulation
products at the Institute for Research in Construction using heat flow meter apparatus are
accurate within 2 %.
Note: According to the Report to ASHRAE, dated 21 August 2000, based on the Table on
Thermal Conductivity of glass fiber insulation on page 92 the thermal conductivity of the product
reported here shall be between 0.0460 and 0.0411 W m
-1
K
-1
. The temperature coefficient of
thermal conductivity for this product will be approximately 2.5E-04 W m
-1
K
-2
.

190
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161

191
:
Three specimens, weighing approximately 12 g each, are used in these measurements at each
set of experimental conditions; the numbers in parentheses indicate the experimental
uncertainties.
Table 22.2. Sorption/ desorption results on low-density glassfibre insulation.
Sorption:
-1

88.1 (0.2) 3.2 (0.1) 0.0075 (0.0008)
71.5 (0.1) 22.8 (0.1) 0.0034 (0.0005)
50.6 (0.1) 22.9 (0.1) 0.0021 (0.0009)

Desorption:
-1

88.2 (0.2) 23.3 (0.1) 0.0067 (0.0005)
71.4 (0.2) 22.8 (0.1) 0.0035 (0.0003)
50.4(0.2) 23.0 (0.1) 0.0024 (0.0001)

Pressure plate measurements were not applicable for this material.

191
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162

Water Vapour Transmission (WVT) Rate measurements :
192

uncertainties for RH and temperature; for WVT Rate the numbers indicate the standard errors
according to a linear regression of data on water vapour transmission rate at a steady state.
kg m s
-1

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
88.8 50.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.22E-06 (1.0E-08)
85.1 50.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.21E-06 (1.2E-08)
89.3 50.5 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.14E-06 (5.0E-09)
88.8 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.25E-06 (2.2E-08)
85.1 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.35E-06 (1.7E-08)
89.3 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.16E-06 (1.5E-08)
88.8 87.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.10E-06 (2.2E-08)
85.1 87.8 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 4.19E-06 (3.1E-08)
89.3 87.8 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 3.98E-06 (2.4E-08)
-2


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m s
-1

88.9 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 1.37E-06 (5.5E-09)
87.2 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 1.35E-06 (4.3E-09)
89.4 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 1.37E-06 (7.4E-09)
88.9 87.9 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.84E-07 (1.7E-09)
87.2 87.9 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.96E-07 (1.7E-09)
89.4 87.9 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.87E-07 (3.4E-09)
-2

The average thickness of still air in the cup 9 mm

192
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193

Table 22.5. Water vapour permeability of low-density glassfibre insulation.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.72E-10
60
1.72E-10
20
1.72E-10
70
1.72E-10
30
1.72E-10
80
1.72E-10
40
1.72E-10
90
1.72E-10
50
1.72E-10
100
1.72E-10

is less than 5 %.

Air Permeability:

The high open porosity of this material makes it difficult to build up measurable pressure
differences across the test specimens for the practical flow rates used in the tests. Estimates
made from measurements done by stacking three test specimens give :
Air permeability of the glass fibre insulation is approximately 2.5 E-04 kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

193
B1115.13

164

23. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF CELLULOSE FIBRE
INSULATION

are taken from samples prepared by blowing a commercial
cellulose insulation product according to the manufacturers
directions. The product is prepared by a dry fiberization
technology with recycled newspaper as the starting material.
The fire retardant and fungicide also are applied as dry raw
materials during the process.

Applied Density: ( 30 ) 4) kg m
-3

Heat Capacity (According to I E A Annex 24 Report
194
): 1880 J K
-1
kg
-1

Table 23.1. Thermal conductivity of cellulose fibre insulation.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

88.53 35.44 12.45 0.0376
88.53 11.40 -11.51 0.0339

International round robin measurements show that results obtained on thermal insulation
products at the Institute for Research in Construction using heat flow meter apparatus are
accurate within 2 %.

194
B1115.13

165

195
:
Three specimens, weighing approximately 18 g each, are used in these measurements at each
set of experimental conditions; the numbers in parentheses indicate the experimental
uncertainties or mean deviations.

Table 23.2. Sorption/ desorption results on cellulose fibre insulation.
Sorption:

-1

50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 0.061 (0.001)
71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 0.096 (0.001)
88.1 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 0.24 (0.01)

Desorption:

-1

88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 0.26 (0.07)
72.8 (1) 22.5 (0.1) 0.12 (0.04)
50.2 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 0.05 (0.03)


195
B1115.13

166

196
:
For each test condition, 3 circular specimens, each 15 cm in diameter, are used. Coarse wire
mesh supported the fibres in the test assembly.


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

64.5 50.2 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.32E-06 (1.7E-08)
64.5 50.2 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.22E-06 (1.4E-08)
64.5 50.2 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.25E-06 (1.6E-08)
64.5 69.6 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.51E-06 (1.2E-08)
64.5 69.6 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.50E-06 (8.2E-09)
64.5 69.6 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.38E-06 (1.3E-08)
64.5 88.9 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.64E-06 (7.8E-09)
64.5 88.9 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.65E-06 (9.3E-09)
64.5 88.9 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.54E-06 (1.1E-08)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

64.5 69.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.71E-06 (1.4E-08)
64.5 69.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.64E-06 (1.3E-08)
64.5 69.2 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.67E-06 (1.5E-08)
64.5 89.4 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.92E-07 (1.7E-08)
64.5 89.4 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.31E-07 (1.4E-08)
64.5 89.4 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 8.53E-07 (1.1E-08)

The average thickness of still air in the cup 15 mm

196
B1115.13

167

197

Table 23.5. Dependence of water vapour permeability of cellulose insulation on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.12E-10
60
1.63E-10
20
1.29E-10
70
1.68E-10
30
1.40E-10
80
1.73E-10
40
1.49E-10
90
1.78E-10
50
1.56E-10
100
1.82E-10

is about 13 %.

Air Permeability:
The high open porosity of this material makes it difficult to build up measurable pressure
differences across the test specimens for the practical flow rates used in the tests. Estimates
made from measurements done by stacking three test specimens give:
Air permeability of cellulose insulation is approximately 2.9 E-04 kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

197
B1115.13

168

Water Absorption Coefficient:

Four 5cm X 5 cm X 5 cm plexiglas containers were filled with cellulose insulation at
approximately 30 kg m
-3
density. The top of the container was fully open while the base carried a
wire mesh to hold the cellulose particle in place. Water, maintained at (22 ) 1) *C was allowed
just to immerse the mesh and make contact with the cellulose. The results from the
measurements are listed below. The numbers in parentheses give the mean deviations.

Table 4. Water absorption by cellulose insulation.
Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.24 (0.10)
10.95 0.45(0.12)
15.49 0.95(0.16)
18.97 1.42(0.25)
21.91 1.82(0.35)
24.49 2.14(0.37)
27.93 2.44(0.55)
30.98 2.81(0.40)
33.76 2.80(0.46)
36.33 3.23(0.53)
38.73 3.25(0.43)
41.71 3.62(0.40)
44.50 3.84(0.60)
47.12 3.92(0.34)
48.99 3.94(0.33)
54.77 4.55(0.30)
60.00 4.84(0.48)
64.81 4.97(0.39)
69.28 5.18(0.49)
73.08 5.26(0.44)
88.66 5.75(0.26)
98.89 5.67(0.38)

Linear regression using the data from the initial stages of the process for the four specimens
gives:

Water Absorption Coefficient for cellulose insulation = 0.10 0.01 kg m
-2
s
-
.

B1115.13

169

24. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF EXPANDED
POLYSTYRENE INSULATION

are taken from one type (Type 1) of expanded polystyrene.

Density: (14.8 0.2) kg m
-3

198
): 1470 J K
-1
kg
-1

Table 24.1. Thermal conductivity of the expanded polystyrene insulation.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

25.52 34.75 13.33 0.0379
25.52 11.14 -10.64 0.0346

199
:
A stack of three specimens, 15 cm X 15 cm X 2 mm each, is used in these measurements at
each set of experimental conditions; the stack is weighed as one unit. The temperature in each
case is (23.0 ) 0.2)* C
Table 24.2. Results from sorption desorption measurements

Relative humidity
%
Sorption
kgkg
-1

Desorption
kgkg
-1

50.1 0.004
67.9 0.005
87.9 0.005
50.4 0.004
68.3 0.003
88.3 0.002


198
B1115.13

170

200
:

according to a linear regression of data on water vapour transmission rate at a steady state

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

24.28 32.6 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 1.29E-07 (1.4E-09)
24.27 32.6 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 1.29E-07 (1.4E-09)
24.30 32.6 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 1.30E-07 (1.0E-09)
24.28 70.7(1) 24.6 (0.1) 2.79E-07 (5.8E-10)
24.27 70.7(1) 24.6 (0.1) 2.77E-07 (4.9E-10)
24.30 70.7(1) 24.6 (0.1) 2.78E-07 (3.4E-09)
24.28 91.1 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 4.01E-07 (1.4E-09)
24.27 91.1 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.96E-07 (1.4E-09)
24.30 91.1 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.98E-07 (1.0E-09)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

24.28 50.2 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.56E-07 (7.7E-10)
24.27 50.2 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.51E-07 (6.9E-10)
24.30 50.2 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.49E-07 (8.8E-10)
24.28 71.7 (1) 24.3 (0.1) 1.75E-07 (1.0E-09)
24.27 71.7 (1) 24.3 (0.1) 1.71E-07 (2.1E-10)
24.30 71.7 (1) 24.3 (0.1) 1.69E-07 (6.3E-10)
24.28 90.3(1) 23.3 (0.1) 8.80E-08 (1.0E-09)
24.27 90.3(1) 23.3 (0.1) 8.76E-07 (1.3E-09)
24.30 90.3(1) 23.3 (0.1) 3.98E-07 (2.0E-09)

The average thickness of still air in the cup is 15 mm

199
200
B1115.13

171

201

Table 24.5. Water vapour permeability of the insulation at various relative humidities.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
2.85E-12
60
4.30E-12
20
3.09E-12
70
4.66E-12
30
3.36E-12
80
5.07E-12
40
3.64E-12
90
5.50E-12
50
3.96E-12
100
5.98E-12

is about 22 %.

Air Permeability:
The results obtained on the same three test specimens used in the water vapour
permeance measurements and the statistical analyses of the data are shown in Figure 1. Two
series of measurements were performed on each specimen at (22 ) 1)* C.
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1


Figure 24.1. Airflow across the expanded polystyrene test specimens at various pressure
differences.

201
B1115.13

172

The air permeability of the expanded polystyrene insulation, for pressure differences
between 25 and 300 Pa, is (1.1 ) 0.1) E-08 kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

B1115.13

173

25. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF EXTRUDED
POLYSTYRENE INSULATION

The test specimens used for the measurements reported here are
taken from one board (Type 4) of a commercial product, 4 thick.

-3

202
): 1470 J K
-1
kg
-1


Table 25.1. Thermal conductivity of extruded polystyrene.
Specimen Thickness
mm
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

35.10 12.83 0.0264
103.7 11.17 -11.59 0.0239
103.7
After 2 yr further aging
35.30 13.62 0.0279
103.7 (2 years after
manufacture)

All subsequent test specimens are prepared from the aged board (approximately four years after
manufacture).

case is (23.0 ) 0.2)* C

203
:

202
B1115.13

174


Relative humidity
%
Sorption
kgkg
-1

Desorption
kgkg
-1

50.1 0.005
67.9 0.005
87.9 0.004
50.4 0.006
68.3 0.005
88.3 0.004


204
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

25.45 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 6.60E-08 (5.5E-10)
50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 6.51E-08 (7.8E-10)
25.59 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 6.46E-08 (4.7E-10)
25.45 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 9.36E-08 (1.4E-09)
25.40 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 9.01E-08 (6.9E-10)
25.59 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 9.17E-08 (4.7E-10)
25.45 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.21E-07 (1.4E-09)
25.40 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.18E-07 (1.7E-09)
25.59 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.16E-07 (1.3E-09)
25.40

203
204
B1115.13

175


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

25.84 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.88E-08 (4.5E-10)
25.74 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.66E-08 (4.6E-10)
25.69 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.76E-08 (5.6E-10)
25.84 88.3 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.41E-08 (1.6E-10)
25.74 88.3 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.60E-08 (2.3E-10)
25.69 88.3 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.00E-08 (1.0E-10)


205

Table 25.5. Dependence of water vapour permeability of extruded polystyrene on relative
humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.22E-12
60
1.22E-12
20
1.22E-12
70
1.22E-12
30
1.22E-12
80
1.22E-12
40
1.22E-12
90
1.22E-12
50
1.22E-12
100
1.22E-12

is less than 2 %.

Air Permeability:
The test specimens are impermeable and no measurable airflow was obtained for
pressure differences up to several kPa.

205
B1115.13

176

26. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF SPRAYED
POLYURETHANE FOAM INSULATION

are taken from one sprayed sample (3 passes) of a
commercial product, approximately 6 thick.

Hot Surface Temperature Cold Surface Temperature
Density: (39.0 2) kg m
-3

206
): 1470 J K
-1
kg
-1


Table 26.1. Thermal conductivity of sprayed polyurethane foam insulation.

Specimen Thickness
mm C C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

47.1 (prepared from a
product aged for 1 year)
35.14 11.99 0.0227
47.1 (further aged for 1
yr)
34.96 12.57 0.0265

All subsequent specimens are prepared from the 2 yr aged specimen.

207
:
case is (23.0 ) 0.2)* C

206
207
B1115.13

177


Relative humidity
%
Sorption
kgkg
-1

Desorption
kgkg
-1

50.1 0.011
67.9 0.015
87.9 0.018
50.4 0.013
68.3 0.017
88.4 0.020


208
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

25.60 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.34E-07 (1.9E-09)
25.11 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.35E-07 (1.9E-09)
25.69 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.33E-07 (1.6E-09)
25.60 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 2.00E-07 (1.4E-09)
25.11 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 2.01E-07 (1.4E-09)
25.69 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 1.97E-07 (1.3E-09)
25.60 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.65E-07 (9.4E-10)
25.11 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.66E-07 (1.9E-09)
25.69 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.53E-07 (3.2E-09)

208
B1115.13

178


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

26.19 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 8.35E-08 (4.5E-10)
25.87 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 8.89E-08 (4.6E-10)
25.89 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 8.77E-08 (5.6E-10)
26.19 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.12E-08 (5.7E-10)
25.87 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.52E-08 (4.6E-10)
25.89 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.96E-08 (7.6E-10)


209

Table 26.5. Dependence of water vapour permeability of sprayed polyurethane foam insulation
on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
2.34E-12
60
2.86E-12
20
2.44E-12
70
2.97E-12
30
2.54E-12
80
3.09E-12
40
2.64E-12
90
3.22E-12
50
2.75E-12
100
3.35E-12

is about 30 %.

Air Permeability:
The test specimens are nearly impermeable and no noticeable airflow was obtained for
pressure differences up to 10 kPa. From the available data on one of the three tested specimens
it appears that the permeability is approximately 1 x 10E-11 kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

B1115.13

179

27. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF POLYISOCYANURATE
INSULATION

are taken from one board of a commercial product, 3 thick.


mm
-3

210
): 1470 J K
-1
kg
-1

Table 27.1. Thermal conductivity of polyisocyanurate insulation.
Specimen Thickness Hot Surface Temperature
C
C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

13.12 0.0210
(After 3 yr aging)
68.85 mm
35.17 13.77 0.0275
68.58 34.87

All subsequent test specimens are prepared from the 3 yr aged board.

211
:

case is (23.0 ) 0.2)* C

209
210
211
B1115.13

180


Relative humidity
%
Sorption
kgkg
-1

Desorption
kgkg
-1

50.1 0.011
67.9 0.015
87.9 0.019
50.4 0.013
68.3 0.017
88.3 0.021


mm
212
:

Specimen Thickness Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

25.70 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.39E-07(1.2E-09)
25.55 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.40E-07(1.7E-09)
25.69 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.36E-07(1.1E-09)
25.70 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.63E-07(1.0E-09)
25.55 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.64E-07(1.4E-09)
25.69 71.5 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 3.59E-07(1.5E-09)
25.70 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.85E-07(1.1E-09)
25.55 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.73E-07(2.0E-09)
25.69 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 4.72E-07(1.6E-09)

212
B1115.13

181


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

26.02 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 1.71E-07(1.6E-09)
25.64 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 1.77E-07(1.7E-09)
26.08 71.4 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 1.76E-07(2.2E-09)
26.02 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 9.36E-08 (1.1E-09)
25.64 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.02E-07 (1.2E-09)
26.08 88.0 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 9.87E-08 (1.4E-09)


213

Table 27.5. Dependence of water vapour permeability of polyisocyanurate insulation on relative
humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
4.04E-12
60
5.46E-12
20
4.29E-12
70
5.80E-12
30
4.56E-12
80
6.16E-12
40
4.84E-12
90
6.55E-12
50
5.14E-12
100
6.96E-12

is about 28 %.

Air Permeability:
The test specimens are impermeable and no measurable airflow was obtained for
pressure differences up to 3 kPa.

213
B1115.13

182

28. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF LOW-DENSITY
SPRAYED PLOYURETHANE FOAM INSULATION

are taken from one 4 x 4 sample of a commercial product
sprayed to 8 to 10 height.

Density: 6.5 to 8.5 kg m
-3

214
): 1470 J K
-1
kg
-1


Table 28.1. Thermal conductivity of low-density polyurethane foam insulation.

Specimen
Thickness, mm
Average Density
kg m
-3

Hot Surface
Temperature, C
Cold Surface
Temperature, C
Conductivity
W m
-1
K
-1

20.7 7.0 35.53 13.62 0.0423
20.7 7.0 11.11 -10.62 0.0372
19.7 8.4 35.65 13.50 0.0370
19.7 8.4 11.49 -10.66 0.0332

215
:
A stack of ninel slices (to form a dry specimen with approximate weight 4 g), 15 cm X 15 cm X 2
to 3 mm each, is used in these measurements at each set of experimental conditions; the stack is
weighed as one unit. The temperature in each case is (23.0 ) 0.2)* C

214
215
B1115.13

183


Relative humidity
%
Sorption
kgkg
-1

Desorption
kgkg
-1

50.5 0.010
70.9 0.021
91.3 0.070
50.4 0.005
70.2 0.010
90.3 0.016


216
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

23.10 50.3 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.52E-06 (2.3E-08)
23.84 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.55E-06 (2.1E-08)
24.87 50.5 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.49E-06 (7.3E-09)
23.10 70.3 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 5.08E-06 (1.2E-08)
23.84 70.3 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 5.02E-06 (3.2E-08)
24.87 70.3 (1) 23.0 (0.1) 4.82E-06 (3.1E-08)
23.10 89.7 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 7.18E-06 (1.3E-08)
23.84 89.7 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 7.14E-06 (2.7E-08)
24.87 89.7 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 6.79E-06 (2.9E-08)

216
B1115.13

184


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

21.38 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.13E-06 (5.2E-09)
21.88 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.17E-06 (4.1E-09)
22.11 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.06E-06 (8.2E-09)
21.38 90.0 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 7.78E-07 (1.0E-08)
21.88 90.0 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 7.94E-07 (1.0E-08)
22.11 90.0 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 7.43E-07 (1.1E-08)


217

Table 28.5. Dependence of water vapour permeability of low-density polyurethane foam
insulation on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeability
kg m
-1
s
-1
Pa
-1

8.75E-11
60
8.75E-11
20
8.75E-11
70
8.75E-11
30
8.75E-11
80
8.75E-11
40
8.75E-11
90
8.75E-11
50
8.75E-11
100
8.75E-11
10

is about 8 %.

217
B1115.13

185

Air Permeability:

Three circular test specimens (thickness 23.10 mm, 23.84 mm, 21.38 mm), each
approximately 15 cm in diameter, are used in these measurements. The measurements are
conducted at a temperature = (22 1) C.
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0 200 400 600 800 1000
F
l
o
w

,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 28.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for low density foam.

-1
Pa
-1
s
-1
.

B1115.13

186

29. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF BITUMINOUS PAPER
(#15 FELT)

are taken from a roll of a commercial product.

Thickness: (0.72 ) 0.03) mm
Mass per Area: 515 g m
-2

218
:

uncertainties for RH and temperature and standard errors for WVT rate.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.737 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.04E-07 (5.0E-10)
0.752 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.30E-07 (4.0E-10)
0.727 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 4.10E-07 (5.0E-10)
0.737 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.14E-07 (1.6E-09)
0.752 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.45E-07 (3.0E-10)
0.727 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 5.16E-07 (1.6E-09)
0.737 89.7 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.75E-07 (2.9E-09)
0.752 89.7 (1) 23.1(0.1) 8.25E-07 (9.0E-09)
0.727 89.7 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 7.97E-07 (9.8E-09)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.691 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 7.21E-07 (2.6E-09)
0.712 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 7.03E-07 (2.3E-09)
0.730 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 7.08E-07 (3.0E-09)
0.691 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 2.69E-07 (1.8E-09)
0.712 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 2.82E-07 (2.6E-09)
0.730 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 2.98E-07 (3.6E-09)

218
B1115.13

187

Derived Water Vapour Permeance
219

Table 29.3. Dependence of water vapour permeance of #15 Felt on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

60
2.95E-10
20
2.91E-10
70
3.98E-10
30
2.91E-10
80
5.81E-10
40
2.91E-10
90
1.17E-09
50
2.91E-10
100
3.11E-09
10
2.91E-10

From the TableCurve statistics, the estimated uncertainty in the derived value of the permeance

Three circular test specimens, each approximately 15 cm in diameter are used in these
measurements. The summary of the statistical analyses of all data obtained from two series of
measurements on each specimen is shown in Figure 1.
Air Permeance
220
:
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0 50 100 150 200
F
l
o
w

,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 29.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for #15 Felt.

219
220
B1115.13

188

For the range of pressure differences between 25 and 175 Pa, the flow rate linearly varies with
the pressure difference. The air permeance of #15 Felt is (2.5 ) 0.6) E-06 kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

Square Root of
time, s
221
:

Four test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm each, were prepared as follows. The membrane was attached
to the major surface of a 5 cm X 5 cm OSB using a thin (less than 1 mm) layer of drywall
compound and allowed to dry. The sides were then sealed using wax. Water was maintained at
(22 1) C and allowed to touch the exposed surface of the membrane. The results from the
water absorption measurements are listed in Table 4. The numbers in parentheses give the

Table 29.4. Water absorption data for #15 Felt.

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

(0.003)
(0.004)
17.3 0.019 (0.003)
21.9 0.030 (0.002)
27.9 0.029 (0.002)
38.7 0.031 (0.003)
52.0 0.040 (0.002)
(0.003)
78.6 0.054 (0.004)
93.3 0.062 (0.005)
106.8 0.070 (0.002)
128.2 0.077 (0.004)
(0.004)
158.2 0.094 (0.007)
7.7 0.012
11.0 0.018
60.0 0.042
140.7 0.083

Linear regression using all data for the four specimens gives:
-2
s
-
.

221
B1115.13

189

30. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF ASPHALT
IMPREGNATED PAPER RATED AS 10 min PAPER

are taken from a roll of a commercial product, Grade D.
-2

222
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.201 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 7.43E-07 (2.1E-09)
0.197 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 7.49E-07 (1.8E-09)
0.198 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 7.99E-07 (1.8E-09)
0.201 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.08E-06 (2.8E-09)
0.197 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.05E-06 (3.1E-09)
0.198 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.10E-06 (9.0E-10)
0.201 89.7 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 1.78E-06 (7.0E-09)
89.7 (1) 23.1(0.1) 1.77E-06 (1.3E-08)
0.198 89.7 (1) 23.1 (0.1)
0.197
1.79E-06 (1.6E-08)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.198 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.73E-06 (7.2E-09)
0.203 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.83E-06 (1.3E-08)
0.199 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.79E-06 (1.6E-08)
0.198 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 4.04E-07 (1.4E-09)
0.203 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 4.86E-07 (4.9E-09)
0.199 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 4.99E-07 (2.1E-09)

222
B1115.13

190

223

Table 30.3. Dependence of water vapour permeance of 10 min paper on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
2.38E-10
60
1.07E-09
20
3.17E-10
70
1.48E-09
30
4.25E-10
80
2.10E-09
40
5.73E-10
90
3.06E-09
50
7.78E-09
100
4.71E-09

is 25 %.

Air Permeance
224
:
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.2
0 50 100 150 200
Pressure Difference (Pa)
F
l
o
w

,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 30.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for 10 min Paper.

223
B1115.13

191

the pressure difference. The air permeance of 10 min Paper is (1.1 ) 0.1) E-06 kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

225
:


Table 30.4. Water absorption data for 10 min Paper.
Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

11.0 0.031(0.005)
15.5 0.034 (0.006)
20.5 0.039 (0.009)
27.9 0.039 (0.003)
32.9 0.047 (0.002)
37.1 0.057 (0.007)
43.1 0.063 (0.005)
53.1 0.075 (0.008)
61.0 0.073 (0.005)
81.2 0.092 (0.004)
90.7 0.107 (0.004)
102.8 0.120 (0.005)
123.2 0.143 (0.003)
137.0 0.153 (0.004)


-2
s
-
.

224
225
B1115.13

192


-2

226
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.213 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.16E-06 (4.6E-09)
0.212 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 1.43E-06 (5.6E-09)
49.0 (1) 1.16E-06 (6.9E-09)
0.213 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.53E-06 (3.5E-09)
0.212 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.85E-06 (5.7E-09)
0.209 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 1.52E-06 (7.4E-09)
0.213 89.7 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.48E-06 (1.8E-08)
0.212 89.7 (1) 23.1(0.1) 2.97E-06 (1.5E-08)
0.209 89.7 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 2.43E-06 (2.5E-08)
0.209 23.2 (0.1)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.32E-06 (1.2E-08)
0.219 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.49E-06 (1.1E-08)
0.219 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.61E-06 (2.0E-08)
0.214 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 4.81E-07 (3.9E-09)
0.219 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 5.26E-07 (4.7E-09)
0.219 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 5.11E-07 (3.2E-09)
0.214
The average thickness of still air in the cups for both series is 20 mm.

226
B1115.13

193

227


RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
4.41E-10
60
1.70E-09
20
5.70E-10
70
2.31E-09
30
7.40E-10
80
3.22E-09
40
9.67E-10
90
4.67E-09
50
1.28E-09
100
7.23E-09


Air Permeance
228
:
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1



227
228
B1115.13

194

the pressure difference. The air permeance of 10 min Paper is (6.6 ) 0.3) E-06kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

kg m
229
:

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
-2

11.0 0.039 (0.012)
13.4 0.031 (0.009)
17.3 0.034 (0.008)
24.5 0.039 (0.007)
30.0 0.042 (0.003)
34.6 0.058 (0.008)
38.7 0.062 (0.008)
49.0 0.070 (0.004)
55.9 0.073 (0.005)
64.8 0.085 (0.008)
73.1 0.086 (0.004)
79.4 0.091 (0.006)
93.9 0.108 (0.006)
0.144 (0.005)
150.0 0.154 (0.005)
105.4 0.114 (0.007)
(0.008)
137.3
165.6 0.171 (0.007)

-2
s
-
.
117.7 0.137

229
B1115.13

195


C
-2

Water Vapour Transmission (WVT) Rate measurements :
230


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.338 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.47E-06 (1.8E-08)
0.331 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.30E-06 (2.0E-08)
0.333 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 2.06E-06 (1.5E-08)
0.338 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.95E-06 (6.6E-09)
0.331 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.78E-06 (8.3E-09)
0.333 23.3 (0.1) 2.52E-06 (7.7E-09)
0.338 89.7 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 5.05E-06 (3.9E-08)
0.331 89.7 (1) 23.1(0.1) 4.69E-06 (4.6E-08)
0.333 89.7 (1) 23.1 (0.1) 4.28E-06 (4.7E-08)
68.8 (1)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.337 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.59E-06 (1.6E-08)
0.333 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.38E-06 (1.5E-08)
0.219 68.8 (1) 23.3 (0.1) 2.63E-06 (1.6E-08)
0.337 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 5.62E-07 (4.3E-09)
0.333 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 6.10E-07 (7.2E-09)
0.219 90.9 (2) 23.0 (0.2) 5.73E-07 (6.9E-09)

230
B1115.13

196

231


RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
1.51E-09
60
2.78E-09
20
1.70E-09
70
3.18E-09
30
1.91E-09
80
3.66E-09
40
2.16E-09
90
4.24E-09
50
2.44E-09
100
4.95E-09

Air Permeance
232
:
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1


231
B1115.13

197

the pressure difference. The air permeance of 10 min Paper is (7.1 ) 0.5) E-06 kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

233
:


Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.7 0.017 (0.004)
11.0 0.029 (0.002)
17.3 0.033 (0.005)
21.9 0.040 (0.006)
30.0 0.051 (0.008)
38.7 0.056 (0.005)
49.0 0.068 (0.005)
57.4 0.077 (0.003)
67.1 0.090 (0.007)
75.1 0.098 (0.008)
89.3 0.111 (0.007)
101.9 0.124 (0.007)
114.1 0.137 (0.005)
134.6 0.157 (0.007)
147.0 0.168 (0.005)
163.4 0.179 (0.002)


-2
s
-
.

232
233
B1115.13

198

33. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF SPUN BONDED
POLYOLEFIN MEMBRANE (SBP)


Thickness: 0.14 to 0.15 mm
Mass per Area: (65 ) 5) g m
-2

234
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.142 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.67E-06 (5.8E-08)
0.146 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.40E-06 (2.1E-08)
0.141 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.18E-06 (3.9E-08)
0.142 68.6 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 5.57E-06 (1.6E-08)
0.146 68.6 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 5.40E-06 (2.0E-08)
0.141 68.6 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 5.09E-06 (2.6E-08)
0.142 87.6 (1) 23.5 (0.2) 7.94E-06 (5.4E-08)
0.146 87.6 (1) 23.5(0.2) 7.43E-06 (3.1E-08)
0.141 87.6 (1) 23.5 (0.2) 7.15E-06 (3.6E-08)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.147 68.9 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 2.59E-06 (1.1E-08)
0.151 68.9 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 2.44E-06 (2.0E-08)
0.153 68.9 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 2.40E-06 (3.4E-08)
0.147 89.5 (2) 23.2 (0.2) 5.94E-07 (8.1E-09)
0.151 89.5 (2) 23.2 (0.2) 6.12E-07 (6.4E-09)
0.153 89.5 (2) 23.2 (0.2) 5.19E-07 (4.9E-09)

234
B1115.13

199

235

Table 33.3. Dependence of water vapour permeance of SBP on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
4.37E-09
60
4.37E-09
20
4.37E-09
70
4.37E-09
30
4.37E-09
80
4.37E-09
40
4.37E-09
90
4.37E-09
50
4.37E-09
100
4.37E-09

is less than 5 %.
Air Permeance
236
:
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.2
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 33.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for SBP.

235
B1115.13

200

the pressure difference. The air permeance of SBP is (4.6 ) 2.5) E-07 kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

237
:


Table 33.4. Water absorption data for SBP.
Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.7 0.013 (0.004)
13.4 0.015 (0.006)
17.3 0.015 (0.007)
24.5 0.015 (0.005)
34.6 0.013 (0.005)
49.0 0.016 (0.005)
61.0 0.020 (0.004)
75.5 0.028 (0.007)
89.7 0.034 (0.004)
112.5 0.043 (0.007)
127.5 0.048 (0.005)
144.1 0.057 (0.002)
155.3 0.059 (0.004)


-2
s
-
.

236
237
B1115.13

201

34. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF SPUN BONDED
POLYOLEFIN MEMBRANE WITH CRINKLED SURFACE (SBPC)

Thickness: 0.097 to 0.112 mm
Mass per Area: (67 ) 2) g m
-2

238
:


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.101 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.57E-06 (1.8E-08)
0.112 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.28E-06 (2.5E-08)
0.106 49.0 (1) 23.2 (0.1) 3.00E-06 (2.6E-08)
0.101 68.6 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 5.13E-06 (6.1E-09)
0.112 68.6 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 4.94E-06 (1.1E-08)
0.106 68.6 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 4.27E-06 (1.3E-08)
0.101 87.6 (1) 23.5 (0.2) 7.59E-06 (1.6E-08)
0.112 87.6 (1) 23.5(0.2) 7.21E-06 (2.8E-08)
0.106 87.6 (1) 23.5 (0.2) 6.16E-06 (3.8E-09)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.101 68.9 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 2.15E-06 (7.4E-09)
0.103 68.9 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 2.30E-06 (1.2E-08)
0.097 68.9 (1) 23.4 (0.1) 2.22E-06 (1.6E-08)
0.101 89.5 (2) 23.2 (0.2) 3.94E-07 (4.5E-09)
89.5 (2) 23.2 (0.2) 4.77E-07 (3.3E-09)
0.097 89.5 (2) 23.2 (0.2) 4.37E-07 (4.6E-09)
0.103

238
B1115.13

202

239

Table 34.3. Dependence of water vapour permeance of SBPC on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
3.17E-09
60
3.17E-09
20
3.17E-09
70
3.17E-09
30
3.17E-09
80
3.17E-09
40
3.17E-09
90
3.17E-09
50
3.17E-09
100
3.17E-09

is about 15 %.
240
: Air Permeance
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0 100 200 300 400
F
l
o
w
,

l

m
-
2

s
-
1

Figure 34.1. The dependence of airflow rate on pressure difference for SBPC.

239
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203

the pressure difference. The air permeance of SBPC is (3.0 ) 1) E-07 kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

241
:


Table 34.4. Water absorption data for SBPC.
Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.7 0.010 (0.005)
13.4 0.011 (0.009)
17.3 0.010 (0.002)
24.5 0.013 (0.002)
30.0 0.013 (0.002)
37.9 0.015 (0.003)
44.5 0.009 (0.002)
49.6 0.015 (0.000)
72.7 0.016 (0.002)
83.4 0.023 (0.003)
96.4 0.029 (0.002)
118.0 0.036 (0.004)
132.4 0.039 (0.003)
148.0 0.042 (0.003)
158.7 0.046 (0.004)


-2
s
-
.

240
241
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204

35. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF VINYL WALLPAPER



Thickness: (0.205 ) 0.008) mm
-2

242
:

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.203 50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.13E-07 (5.0E-10)
0.208 50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.15E-07 (4.0E-10)
0.197 50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 2.22E-07 (5.0E-10)
0.203 70.2 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.16E-07 (1.6E-09)
0.208 70.2 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.18E-07 (3.0E-10)
0.197 70.2 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.32E-07 (1.6E-09)
0.203 91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 4.53E-07 (2.9E-09)
0.208 91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 4.55E-07 (9.0E-09)
0.197 91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 4.88E-07 (9.8E-09)


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

0.202 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 4.78E-07 (2.6E-09)
0.209 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.77E-07 (2.3E-09)
0.210 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.73E-07 (3.0E-09)
0.202 90.5 (2) 22.8 (0.2) 1.92E-07 (1.8E-09)
0.209 90.5 (2) 22.8 (0.2) 1.42E-07 (2.6E-09)
0.210 90.5 (2) 22.8 (0.2) 1.39E-07 (3.6E-09)

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243

Table 35.3. Dependence of water vapour permeance of vinyl wallpaper on relative humidity.

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
8.48E-11
60
2.59E-10
20
1.06E-10
70
3.16E-10
30
1.35E-10
80
3.82E-10
40
1.69E-10
90
4.60E-10
50
2.10E-10
100
5.51E-10


Air Permeance
244
:
Three circular test specimens, each approximately 15 cm in diameter were used in these
measurements. No measurable airflow was recorded for pressures differences up to several
kPa. Pressure decay measurements resulted in an estimate of 5E-09 kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
for the air
permeance of vinyl wall paper.
245
:

Four test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm each, were prepared as follows. The wallpaper was attached
to the major surface of a 5 cm X 5 cm gypsum board using a thin (less than 1 mm) layer of
drywall compound and allowed to dry. The sides were then sealed using wax. Water was
maintained at (22 1) C and allowed to touch the exposed surface of the wallpaper. The results
from the water absorption measurements are listed in Table 4. The numbers in parentheses give
the standard deviations.

243
244
245
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206

Table 35.4. Water absorption data for vinyl wall paper.

Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.002 (0.002)
13.42 0.005 (0.002)
17.32 0.006 (0.002)
18.97 0.009 (0.003)
42.43 0.012 (0.004)
54.77 0.016 (0.006)
85.56 0.023 (0.004)
95.18 0.021 (0.007)
115.41 0.029 (0.006)
142.41 0.026 (0.007)
156.65 0.027 (0.008)
(0.004)
316.45 0.030 (0.004)
332.26 0.039 (0.010)
1043.55 0.035 (0.004)
280.89 0.035

Linear regression of data from the initial stage of the process gives:

-2
s
-
.

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207

36. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF PRIMER AND PAINT ON
A GYPSUM BOARD AS A SUBSTRATE

are taken from the following three:
1. Interior Gypsum Board (one 4 x 8 board); same product
used in Chapter 2B.
2. Part of the above Gypsum Board coated with one coat of a
Primer
3. Part of the above Gypsum Board coated with one coat of
Primer and two coats of a Latex Paint

1. Gypsum Board

246
:

uncertainties.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.50 50.3 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.99E-06 (1.3E-08)
12.48 50.3 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.93E-06 (5.2E-09)
12.44 50.3 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.94E-06 (9.0E-09)
12.50 70.3 (1) 23.0(0.1) 4.12E-06 (1.1E-08)
12.48 70.3 (1) 23.0(0.1) 4.18E-06 (1.3E-08)
12.44 70.3 (1) 23.0(0.1) 4.28E-06 (1.6E-08)
12.50 89.8 (1) 22.9(0.1) 5.65E-06 (2.0E-08)
12.48 89.8 (1) 22.9(0.1) 5.85E-06 (6.1E-09)
12.44 89.8 (1) 22.9(0.1) 5.77E-06 (1.1E-08)

246
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208

uncertainties

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature WVT Rate
C kg m
-2
s
-1

12.51 70.4 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.44E-06 (1.2E-08)
12.50 70.4 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.47E-06 (1.2E-08)
12.43 70.4 (1) 22.9(0.1) 2.53E-06 (1.5E-08)
12.51 90.0 (1) 22.9(0.1) 1.02E-06 (1.3E-08)
12.50 90.0 (1) 22.9(0.1) 1.03E-06 (1.2E.08)
12.43 90.0 (1) 22.9(0.1) 1.02E-06 (1.1E-08)

247
:


Table 36.3. Water absorption across the major surface.
Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.7 0.03 (0.01)
13.4 0.05 (0.01)
19.0 0.06 (0.02)
25.7 0.08 (0.01)
34.6 0.09 (0.01)
42.4 0.10 (0.01)
52.0 0.13 (0.01)
62.4 0.14 (0.01)
84.9 0.16 (0.02)
105.4 0.19 (0.01)
115.9 0.20 (0.02)
130.8 0.23 (0.02)
0.24(0.02) 143.2


-2
s
-
.

Air Permeance:
From the airflow measurements the air permeance of the gypsum board is (3.33 ) 0.05) E-07
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
(see chapter 2.).

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209

2. Gypsum Board + One Coat of the Primer

248
:

uncertainties.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.69 50.3 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.41E-06 (3.2E-09)
12.71 50.3 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.50E-06 (2.7E-09)
12.63 50.3 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.48E-06 (3.3E-09)
12.69 70.3(1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.39E-06 (3.3E-09)
12.71 70.3(1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.52E-06 (5.5E-09)
12.63 70.3(1) 23.0 (0.1) 2.48E-06 (5.9E-09)
12.69 89.8 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 4.26E-06 (1.9E-08)
12.71 89.8 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 4.34E-06 (2.8E-08)
12.63 89.8 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 4.36E-06 (2.1E-08)

uncertainties
Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.47 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.84E-06 (4.7E-09)
12.44 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.93E-06 (1.0E-08)
12.42 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.97E-06 (1.1E-08)
12.47 90.0 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 9.66E-07 (1.9E-08)
12.44 90.0 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 9.76E-07 (1.1E-08)
12.42 90.0 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 9.62E-07 (1.0E-08)


248
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210

249
:


Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.7 0.03 (0.00)
(0.01)
19.0 0.05 (0.02)
23.2 0.06 (0.03)
30.0 0.08 (0.04)
(0.05)
44.5 0.11 (0.05)
52.0 0.12 (0.06)
73.5 0.17 (0.06)
84.5 0.18 (0.07)
93.9 0.19 (0.07)
107.9 0.21 (0.07)
120.0 0.23 (0.07)
135.7 0.24 (0.07)
148.4 0.27 (0.07)
13.4 0.04
37.9 0.10
61.0 0.14 (0.07)


-2
s
-
.

Air Permeance:
The specimens gave no measurable airflow for pressure differences up to several kPa. From a
pressure decay experiment in which the pressure inside the chamber that carries the test
specimens was increased by approximately 100 kPa and the change in pressure with time was
measured, the air permeance of gypsum board coated with the Primer is estimated to be (2.2 )
0.7) E-08 kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

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211

3. Gypsum Board + One Coat of the Primer + Two Coats of the Latex Paint

mm
WVT Rate
250
:

uncertainties.

Specimen Thickness Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C kg m
-2
s
-1

12.57 50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.23E-07 (2.7E-09)
12.52 50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.24E-07 (2.9E-09)
50.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 3.29E-07 (1.7E-09)
12.57 70.2(1) 22.9 (0.1) 5.43E-07 (2.9E-09)
12.52 70.2(1) 22.9 (0.1) 5.40E-07 (3.6E-09)
12.47 70.2(1) 22.9 (0.1) 5.42E-07 (3.4E-09)
12.57 91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.93E-06 (1.4E-08)
12.52 91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.91E-06 (6.9E-09)
12.47 91.2 (1) 22.7 (0.1) 1.92E-06 (1.2E-08)
12.47

uncertainties

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

12.59 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.05E-06 (1.7E-09)
12.53 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.07E-06 (2.8E-09)
12.56 70.4 (1) 22.9 (0.1) 1.07E-06 (1.6E-09)
12.59 90.6 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 6.22E-07 (7.2E-09)
12.53 90.6 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 6.24E-07 (3.8E-09)
12.56 90.6 (1) 22.8 (0.1) 6.24E-07 (3.8E-09)


250
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212

Square Root of
time, s
251
:


Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.7 0.01 (0.00)
11.0 0.01 (0.01)
15.5 0.02 (0.01)
20.5 0.02 (0.01)
24.5 0.03 (0.01)
30.0 0.05 (0.01)
37.9 0.06 (0.01)
45.2 0.08 (0.01)
56.4 0.09 (0.02)
68.8 0.11 (0.01)
81.2 0.14 (0.02)
91.3 0.14 (0.02)
105.6 0.16 (0.02)
117.7 0.17 (0.02)
133.7 0.20 (0.02)


The specimens gave no measurable airflow for pressure differences up to several kPa. From a
pressure decay experiment in which the pressure inside the chamber that carries the test
specimens was increased by approximately 100 kPa and the change in pressure with time was
measured, the air permeance of gypsum board coated with the Primer (one coat) and Latex Paint
(two coats) is estimated to be (2.5 ) 2.5) E-09 kg m

-2
s
-
.

Air Permeance:
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1
.

251
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213


252
:
Table 36.10. Dependence of vapour permeances of Gypsum Board, Primer and Latex Paint on
relative humidity.

RH, %
Permeance of Gypsum

kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

Permeance of Gypsum
+ Primer (one coat)
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

Permeance of Gypsum +
Primer (one coat) +
Latex Paint (two coats)
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
2.34E-09 6.83E-10 1.08E-10
20
2.52E-09 1.11E-09 1.50E-10
30
2.72E-09 1.49E-09 2.08E-10
40
2.95E-09 1.85E-09 2.89E-10
50
3.19E-09 2.2E-09 4.04E-10
60
3.46E-09 2.54E-09 5.65E-10
70
3.76E-09 2.89E-09 7.97E-10
80
4.09E-09 3.24E-09 1.14E-09
90
4.47E-09 3.59E-09 1.65E-09
100
4.90E-09 3.96E-09 2.46E-09

252
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214

37. HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF EIFS (BASE COAT AND
FINISH COAT ON EPS)

are prepared from an EIFS wall specimen built at the Institute
for Research in Construction. The base coat is polymer
cement and the finish coat is Latex Acrylic.

Thickness of Base Coat + Finish Coat: (4.4 ) 0.1) mm
Bulk Density of Base Coat + Finish Coat: (1140 ) 50) kg m
-3

Note:

The test specimens being a composite material, thermal conductivity and equilibrium moisture
content measurements were not performed. However, five test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm, were
prepared and the EPS layer was removed from each specimen using a solvent. The specimens
devoid of EPS were dried at 60 C to constant mass and the average thickness and bulk density
of Base Coat + Finish Coat, as reported above, were determined. Then the specimens were
soaked in water for 72 h. The water uptake was then determined as (0.090 0.004) kg kg
-1
.
253
:
For each test condition, 3 circular specimens, each 15 cm in diameter, are used. Each specimen
is a composite of Base Coat + Finish Coat + EPS. The average thickness of the EPS layer is
(34.3 ) 0.3) mm. The density of the EPS is (15 1) kg m
-3
.

Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

38.94 72.7 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 1.65E-07 (5.3E-10)
38.37 72.7 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 1.81E-07 (4.6E-10)
38.46 72.7 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 1.91E-07 (3.5E-10)

253
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215


Specimen Thickness
mm
Chamber RH
%
Chamber Temperature
C
WVT Rate
kg m
-2
s
-1

38.68 72.7 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 5.34E-08 (1.1E-09)
38.55 72.7 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 5.69E-08 (1.6E-09)
72.7 (1) 22.6 (0.1) 4.90E-08 (7.9E-10) 39.05

The average thickness of still air in the cups in both series is 15 mm. The finish coat surface is in
contact with the chamber air.

254

Table 37.3. Dependence of water vapour permeance of the composite test specimens on relative
humidity.

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

RH, % Permeance
kg m
-2
s
-1
Pa
-1

10
9.47E-11
60
9.47E-11
20
9.47E-11
70
9.47E-11
30
9.47E-11
80
9.47E-11
40
9.47E-11
90
9.47E-11
50
9.47E-11
100
9.47E-11

is 10 %.

Air Permeance
255
:
Three circular test specimens, each approximately 15 cm in diameter were used in these
measurements. No measurable airflow was recorded for pressures differences up to several
kPa. Pressure decay measurements did not yield an estimate for the air permeance of the
composite test specimens.

254
255
B1115.13

216

Four composite test specimens, 5 cm X 5 cm each, were prepared. Water was maintained at (22
1) C and allowed to touch the exposed surface of the Finish Coat. The results from the water
absorption measurements are listed in Table 4. The numbers in parentheses give the standard
deviations.

256
:

Table 37.4. Water absorption data for the Finish Coat surface.
Square Root of
time, s

Water Absorption
kg m
-2

7.75 0.01 (0.00)
13.42 0.02 (0.00)
17.32 0.03 (0.00)
24.49 0.03 (0.00)
42.43 0.03 (0.00)
(0.00)
84.14 0.06 (0.00)
101.00 0.06 (0.01)
117.47 0.07 (0.01)
132.14 0.09 (0.01)
146.97 0.09 (0.01)
157.99 0.10 (0.01)
172.34 0.11 (0.01)
(0.02)
325.24 0.18 (0.02)
340.91 0.19 (0.01)
60.00 0.05
290.86 0.16

Linear regression of data from the initial stage of the process gives:

Water Absorption Coefficient for the major surface with the Finish Coat = 0.00053 0.00003 kg
m
-2
s
-
.

256
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217

APPENDIX I. How Well Should One Know the Hygrothermal
Properties of Building Materials?

Kumar Kumaran and Jinkai Wang

Building Envelope and Structure, Institute for Research in Construction, National
Research Council of Canada, Ottawa K1A 0R6, Canada
E-mail: kumar.kumaran@nrc.ca, jinkai.wang@nrc.ca

Abstract

Hygrothermal models enable us to analyze the hygrothermal behaviour of building envelope
components. Knowledge on several hygrothermal properties is a prerequisite for the application
of such models. Often the question is asked: How well should one know the properties? This
paper makes an attempt to provide some facts that may assist one to answer the question. A
well-controlled drying experiment was conducted on a cement board used as exterior sheathing
member in North America. All hygrothermal properties of the material have been determined
through well-known test procedures. The experimental data were used to benchmark an
advanced hygrothermal model called hygIRC. The model was subsequently used to conduct a
parametric analysis of the drying behaviour of the cement board. In the analysis, three
hygrothermal properties that affect the drying process were systematically varied. These
properties are: sorption/suction isotherm, water vapour permeability and moisture diffusivity. The
results show that the sorption/suction isotherm has to be determined as precisely as possible
according to current procedures. A 50 % variation in the vapour permeability has noticeable effect
on the drying behaviour of the cement board. But a 50 % variation in the moisture diffusivity has
insignificant effect on the drying details.
Key words: drying, vapour permeability, sorption/suction isotherm, moisture diffusivity,
hygrothermal models.
Introduction

Heat, air and moisture transport models[1] are powerful tools in the hands of building
practitioners. These models can assess the long-term hygrothermal performance of a given
building envelope assembly that operates in a specific geographic location and provides a
specific indoor environment. The models shall include all the known aspects of building physics
and the numerical techniques used shall be reliable. In addition, the following hygrothermal
properties of various materials in the assembly shall be representative of current products:
thermal conductivity as a function of temperature and moisture content, heat capacity as a
function of temperature and moisture content, equilibrium moisture content as a function of
B1115.13

218

relative humidity, water vapour permeability as a function of relative humidity, moisture diffusivity
as a function of moisture content, water absorption coefficient and air permeabilty as a function of
pressure difference and moisture content.
Determination of these properties is a challenging task due to a variety of uncertainties and
practical difficulties. Some are inherent to the procedures. The others are induced by the material
non-homogeneity and product variability. To give an example, ten plywood products were
subjected to the cup measurements to determine their water vapour permeabilities at a mean RH
equal to 86 %. The deviation of the results from an average value of 9.5E-12 kg m
28 %. So, how well one has to know the above properties to make acceptable predictions?
Results from systematic parametric analyses using reliable hygrothermal models that have been
properly benchmarked may answer this question.

-1
s
-1
Pa
-1
was
A drying experiment to benchmark models

Three 30 cm X 30 cm test specimens were cut from a cement board that is used as a sheathing
member in walls in North America. The average thickness of the product is 12.5 mm. The
hygrothermal properties of the product determined at the Institute for Research in Construction in
an earlier investigation are listed in Table 1.
The specimens, with edges sealed using a mixture of waxes impermeable to moisture,
were saturated by keeping under water for 24 h. The initial increases in weight were recorded and
the specimens were vertically placed on one of their edges in a chamber maintained at 25 *C and
70 % RH. Air was circulated over the major surfaces with velocities between 0.1 and 0.3 m/s. The
specimens were periodically removed from the chamber and the decrease in weight recorded
until equilibrium was attained. The average drying curve for the three test specimens is given in
Table 2.
Table 1. Hygrothermal properties of the cement board.
Density = 1130 kg m
-3
Heat capacity = 840 J kg
-1
K
-1

Thermal conductivity = 0.25 W m
-1
K
-1

Sorption/suction curve Moisture diffusivity Vapour permeability
RH Moisture content
(Fraction) (kg/kg)
0.02 8.77E-03
0.14 1.21E-02
0.26 1.44E-02
0.38 1.67E-02
0.50 1.94E-02
0.52 2.00E-02
0.64 2.37E-02
0.76 2.93E-02
0.88 4.03E-02
1.00 1.25E-01

Moisture Diffusivity
(kg/kg) (m
2
/s)
0.00 1.00E-13
0.02 1.00E-13
0.03 1.00E-13
0.05 5.00E-12
0.06 8.55E-10
0.06 8.89E-10
0.08 1.15E-09
0.09 1.60E-09

RH permeability
(Fraction) (kg m
-1
.Pa
-1
.s
-1
)
0.00 7.80E-12
0.12 8.09E-12
0.24 8.40E-12
0.37 8.78E-12
0.49 9.32E-12
0.51 9.43E-12
0.63 1.04E-11
0.76 1.22E-11
0.88 1.76E-11
1.00 2.68E-11

0.11 2.68E-09
0.13 9.14E-09
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219

Table 2. The average drying curve for the three test specimens
Time, h Moisture content, g Time, h Moisture content, g
0 189.90 11.5 80.09
1 177.85 23.75 46.90
2 166.41 28.5 42.93
3 154.38 29.5 40.21
4 143.22 33.4 38.13
5.5 127.79 47.75 34.00
6.5 116.02 51.5 33.02
7.5 108.47 58.15 32.16
8.5 99.67 73.9 31.61
9.55 91.00 100 30.37
10.5 85.31 123.5 29.84

Results from a simulation of the drying process

An advanced hygrothermal model, hygIRC, developed at the Institute was used to simulate the
drying experiment exactly. Since the specimens were immersed in water for 24 h, it was assumed
that they were at a uniform initial RH =100 %. The results from the simulation are compared with
the measurements in Figure 1.
0
50
100
150
200
0 2 4 6
TIME, day
M
O
I
S
T
U
R
E
,

g
Measured
Simulated
Figure 1. Comparison of the simulated and measured drying curves.

Though the measured initial moisture content was slightly higher than the simulated, the
overall agreement between the measured and simulated drying curves is acceptable in terms of
the duration of the process and the shape of the drying curve.
B1115.13

220

Parametric analysis and discussion

The hygrothermal properties as listed in Table 1 were used in the original simulation referred to in
Figure 1. Eight other simulations were carried out as coded below, by systematically varying three
hygric properties: sorption/suction curve, vapour permeability and moisture diffusivity.
Code Variation from the properties listed in Table 1
vap 50 The vapour permeability was reduced by 50 % of the original
vap 150 The vapour permeability was increased by 50 % of the original
dfl 50 The moisture diffusivity was reduced by 50 % of the original
dfl 150 The moisture diffusivity was increased by 50 % of the original
sorp 50 The sorption curve was reduced by 50 % of the original
sorp 150 The sorption curve was increased by 50 % of the original
all 50 All three properties were reduced by 50 % of the original
all 150 All three properties were increased by 50 % of the original

Figure 2 compares the results from these simulations with the original drying curve
shown in Figure 1. The moisture contents are normalized against the initial moisture content.
There is very little difference among the results for the initial part of the drying curve, until the
moisture content reaches 50 % of the initial value.
B1115.13

221

0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0 1 2 3 4
TIME, day
M
O
I
S
T
U
R
E
,

(
-
)
sorp 50
sorp 150
all 50
vap 50
all 150
vap 150
dfl 50
original
dfl 150
Figure 2. Results from the parametric analysis compared with the original drying curve

A 50 % uncertainty in moisture diffusivity alone has insignificant effect on the details of
the drying curve. A 50 % uncertainty in the vapour permeability changes the shape of the curve
by affecting the duration of the process, especially when it is underestimated. A 50 % uncertainty
in the sorption curve, as one would expect, affects the shape of the drying curve significantly. The
reason for this is that all model calculations assume local equilibrium at all time. 50%
uncertainties in all three properties will result is very erroneous results, in terms of the shape of
the drying curve as well as the duration of the process.

Concluding remarks

Comparison of the simulated and measured drying curves in this investigation confirms that the
physics of the drying process is captured well by the hygrothermal model developed at the
Institute. Also the numerical techniques used are sound. The properties of the material being well
determined, the agreement between the two drying curves is acceptable in terms of the shape
and time frame.
Parametric analysis of the drying process investigated here leads to the following remarks.
A proper knowledge of the order of magnitude of the moisture diffusivity may give acceptable
B1115.13

222

drying curves. It is desirable that the vapour permeability is known at least within 20 % of the
actual value. However, the sorption curve has to be known rather well, maybe within 5 %.

Reference
[1] Hens, H., Heat, Air and Moisture Transport, Final Report, Volume 1, Task 1: Modelling,
International Energy Agency Annex 24, Laboratorium Bouwfysica, K. U.-Leuven, Belgium, 1996.

B1115.13

223

APPENDIX II
Weight
Experimental and Analytical Investigations on the Drying Process
Undergone by Aerated Concrete

Fitsum Tariku and Mavinkal K Kumaran

INTRODUCTION
Two series of drying process of aerated concrete, one in a conditioned room and the
other in a well-controlled humidity chamber are investigated through experiment and computer
simulations. In the first case, drying in a conditioned room, the moisture profile along the length of
the specimen is measured using a gamma-ray apparatus, at various intervals. In the second
case, drying in the humidity chamber, the total moisture content of the specimen is measured
gravimetrically. Both experiments are compared with simulation results with IRCs advanced
hygrothermal model (hygIRC), using the same initial and boundary conditions as the experiment.
The concrete is the same as that reported in Chapter 2 of the main report. Therefore all relevant
hygrothermal properties are known. The main objective of the investigation is to assess the
suitability of using moisture diffusivity that has been determined from a moisture uptake process
to describe drying processes.
DRYING IN A CONDITIONED ROOM
Drying Experiment using Gamma-ray
Three samples are prepared from the aerated concrete. The physical dimensions of the
samples and bulk densities are given in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Physical dimension of the three samples of aerated concrete.
Sample Thickness
(mm)
Height
(mm)
Width
(mm) g
Density
(kg/m
3
)
A 17.5 210 64 111.17 473
B 17.1 209 64 105.36 461
64 465 C 17.8 209 110.69

In this experiment drying (moisture transfer) is allowed only at the top and bottom surfaces of the
specimen. To satisfy this condition the other four longitudinal surfaces are wrapped with
polyethylene sheet to prevent moisture transfer, Figure 1.
B1115.13

224

f
f

Wrapped
Unwrapped

Figure 1. Samples preparation

After preparing the samples a reference gamma-ray measurement, which represents the
condition of the dry sample with respect to moisture content, along the centerline of the dry and
wrapped samples are taken. The detailed procedure of this test method is discussed by Kumaran
and Bomberg [1]
To determine the initial condition of the specimens, moisture content at capillary saturation state,
the samples are unwrapped and fully soaked in water until saturation is attained. The wetted
samples are weighed again to determine the moisture content at capillary saturation. Table 2
shows the moisture content of the samples.
Table 2. Moisture gain of the samples after capillary saturation.
Samples Dry weight
(g)
Wet weight
(g)
Water gain
(g)
Moisture
concentration
(kg/m
3
)
Moisture
content
(kg/kg)
A 111.17 183.56 72.39 308.35 0.651
105.36 175.70 70.34 308.07 0.668
C 110.69 183.41 72.72 305.76
B
0.657

Based on the moisture retention curve of aerated concrete, which is shown in Figure 2 below, the
saturation level is equivalent to approximately 99.6% relative humidity.
B1115.13

225

Moisture retention curve of Aerated Concrete
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.80
1.00
1.20
1.40
1.60
1.80
2.00
97.5 98 98.5 99 99.5 100
RH (%)
M
o
s
t
u
r
r
e

c
o
n
t
e
n
t

(
k
g
/
k
g
)
Figure 2. Moisture retention curve of aerated concrete

After knowing the total moisture gains of the samples, the length of the specimens is reduced to
125 mm for practical reasons and they are wrapped as discussed above with polyethylene sheet,
exposing only the top and bottom surfaces to the room conditions to facilitate drying. The
moisture content change with time and space is captured by doing a series of measurements
using the gamma-ray apparatus, which basically measures the average density change at a point
due to the change in the amount of water content in that particular point. The test room was at a
temperature of 21
o
C and relative humidity of 40 %. The average air velocity measured was
0.01m/s. The average moisture content of the three samples with position and time (drying
curves) is shown in Figure 3 below, at four stages of the drying process of five weeks.

Computer Simulation with the advanced hygrothermal model (hygIRC)

The drying process of wetted aerated concrete in a conditioned room is simulated using
the advanced hygrothermal model (hygIRC), which is developed in-house at IRC. Knowledge of
material properties more importantly moisture diffusivity, vapor permeability and sorption isotherm
are required to do computer simulation of this drying process using IRCs model. The physical
dimension of aerated concrete used in the simulation is the same as the experimentally
investigated specimen (given in Table 1).
The boundary conditions for the simulation are the conditioned room temperature and
relative humidity, which are 21
o
C and 40 %, respectively. The initial conditions of the specimen
B1115.13

226

are the same as the initial conditions of the experiment and are 99.6 % relative humidity
(equivalent to 0.66 kg/kg moisture content) and temperature of 21
o
C. All surfaces except the
bottom and top surfaces are assumed to be adiabatic and closed to mass transfer across them.
The experimental and simulation results of the drying process are compared in Figure 3 below.

Aerated Concrete
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12
Height, m
M
o
i
s
t
u
r
e

C
o
n
t
e
n
t
,

k
g

m
-
3
Day 1
Day 8
Day 23
Day 34
Day 1--Computed
Day 8--Computed
Day 23--Computed
Day 34--Computed

Figure 3. Drying curves of aerated concrete in a conditioned room; comparison of
experimental and simulation results; the hygroscopic range is assumed to be till 97 % RH
and the diffusivity is 80 % of the diffusivity values determined from a moisture uptake
process.
It has been observed that in addition to the moisture diffusivity (determined from a wetting
process) three other parameters play important roles in the simulation of the drying process.
These are the heat and mass transfer coefficients and the upper limit of the hygroscopic range
(referred to as break point in this document) above which liquid transport is active. The mass
transfer coefficient is assumed to be very small in the simulation. This is based on the fact that
the room in which the experiment is carried out is conditioned using very low velocity airflow and
also the top and bottom surfaces are relatively small to calculate meaningful heat and mass
transfer coefficients. The more important parameter which is the break point above which the
liquid transport is active is investigated by simulating the drying process using 96 %, 97 % and 98
% relative humidity as the break point and compared with the experimental results. A break point
of 97 % relative humidity and moisture diffusivity that is 80 % of the diffusivity that has been
determined from the wetting process is found to be a reasonable assumption, as shown in Figure
3.
B1115.13

227

DRYING IN A HUMIDITY CHAMBER

Drying Experiment using Gravimetric Method
257

As a second exercise, the drying process of aerated concrete in a humidity chamber is
performed, and again compared with the simulation result of the IRCs advanced hygrothermal
model (hygIRC). Nine cubes of aerated concrete with approximate dimension 50 mm X 50 mm X
50 mm are prepared. Four of the six surfaces are pained with wax to block moisture transfer
to/from those surfaces from/to the humidity chamber. The specimens are soaked in water to
reach capillary saturation. The physical dimensions and the initial moisture contents of the
specimen are given in Table 3 below.
Table 3 Physical dimensions and initial moisture contents of the nine cubes of aerated concrete.
Initial Initial
Moisture Moisture
Side 1 Side 2 Side 3 Volume Weight Density Concentration content
Specimen cm g kg/kg cm cm cm
3
kg/m
3
kg/m
3
A 5.1 5.0 5.0 131.3 62.3 474 275 0.570
B 5.1 5.0 5.0 133.8 63.5 474 244 0.514
C 5.1 5.0 5.0 130.8 61.8 472 269 0.569
D 5.1 5.0 5.0 130.9 61.9 473 278 0.588
E 5.1 5.1 5.1 134.9 63.9 473 234 0.494
F 5.1 5.1 5.0 133.5 62.7 469 249 0.530
5.1 5.0 5.0 133.5 62.9 471 239
H 5.1 5.1 5.1 135.0 64.4 477 236 0.494
5.1 5.1 5.0 134.7 63.7 472 227 0.481
G 0.507
I

The samples are placed in a very well controlled humidity chamber [2] that is kept at
approximately 50 % relative humidity and 23
o
C temperature. The drying process of the nine
samples, which undergo weight changes due to moisture transfer from the samples to the
chamber, is measured gravimetrically. The weight and time of measurement are recorded
repeatedly at various time intervals, where as the condition of the chamber (relative humidity and
temperature) are recorded using a data acquisition system. The weight of the samples and the
condition of the chamber for a test period of 22 days are given in Table 6 below.

257
The authors are grateful to Mr. Xiaochuan Qiu for performing the gravimetric experiments.

B1115.13

228

Table 6. Moisture concentration of the nine specimens and conditions of the humidity
chamber during the test period.

Time Temperature RH
Moisture concentration
kg/m
3

Days
o
C % A B C D I
0.819 22.6
1.159 22.5 51.6
50.6
109.5
78.7 85.4 88.7
81.0
69.1
54.0
63.2
41.0
39.1
23.3
8.4
14.7

E F G H
0.000 22.8 51.8 275.5 244.0 268.7 278.3 233.9 248.8 238.8 235.6 227.3
51.7 188.9 168.5 198.7 201.2 178.3 175.8 179.7 182.0 161.9
168.9 154.5 175.0 178.4 157.7 160.3 162.6 162.5 146.0
1.820 22.8 51.8 143.0 134.3 148.2 150.5 131.6 137.9 138.8 135.5 125.3
2.143 22.9 133.7 126.3 138.7 141.3 122.3 129.2 129.8 125.7 117.4
2.821 22.9 50.6 118.4 112.3 122.5 125.2 106.2 114.4 114.7 103.1
3.264 22.9 50.6 110.1 104.6 113.7 116.5 97.7 106.7 106.5 100.7 95.3
3.820 22.9 50.6 101.0 96.1 104.5 107.3 88.1 97.8 97.4 90.9 86.7
4.896 22.9 50.7 86.5 82.1 89.2 92.2 73.2 83.5 83.2 75.6 73.2
5.196 23.0 50.5 83.1 69.3 79.9 79.3 71.5 69.6
5.896 23.0 50.5 75.5 71.2 77.5 61.3 72.5 72.1 63.6 62.4
6.236 22.9 50.6 72.1 68.0 73.8 77.4 57.7 68.5 59.8 59.0
6.819 22.9 50.6 66.8 62.7 68.1 71.7 51.9 63.7 63.2 53.8
7.269 22.9 50.5 59.1 64.1 68.0 48.1 59.9 59.3 50.1 49.7
7.855 22.9 50.6 58.5 54.3 59.0 62.8 43.4 55.2 54.4 44.8 45.7
9.228 22.9 50.6 48.8 44.8 48.8 53.2 33.3 45.2 45.0 35.2 36.8
9.845 22.9 50.5 45.0 41.1 44.6 49.3 29.5 41.2 31.4 33.2
10.124 22.9 50.6 43.2 39.3 42.9 47.5 27.9 39.5 39.4 29.6 31.5
10.837 22.9 50.5 35.5 38.6 43.2 23.7 35.4 35.3 26.0 27.6
11.1 21.0 21.5 13.0 15.4
14.848 22.7 50.6 20.9 18.3 19.1 24.7 17.1 17.7 10.2 12.5
15.833 22.9 50.6 17.5 15.1 15.7 21.1 6.5 13.9 8.4
16.831 22.9 50.6 14.5 12.5 12.5 18.0 5.6 11.0 11.8 7.4 7.7
17.825 22.9 50.5 12.0 10.3 9.7 15.0 5.0 9.0 9.5 7.0 6.3
21.956 23.0 50.5 6.3 6.5 5.0 8.2 4.1 5.8 5.2 6.4 5.0
13.865 22.8 50.5 24.8 21.7 28.3
9.6

Computer Simulation with the advanced hygrothermal model (hygIRC)
A series of computer simulations is done to simulate the drying process of the wetted
aerated concrete sample in the well-controlled environment (humidity chamber) using hygIRC. In
the simulations, the average initial moisture content of the nine specimens is used as an initial
condition, which is 0.53 kg/kg and the corresponding relative humidity is 98.85 %. The average
relative humidity and temperature of the humidity chamber, which are 50.7 % and 22.8
o
C
respectively, are used as boundary conditions. Based on the air velocity measurement in the
chamber adjacent to the drying surfaces (approximately 0.01 m/s) the heat and mass transfer
coefficients are determined using the empirical formula suggested in ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals and Lewis relation, respectively. Again, the break point (relative humidity above
which the liquid transport is assumed to be active) has influence in the simulation results. A break
point between 97 and 98% relative humidity gives very good agreement with the experiment.
Figure 4 shows the experimental results (drying curves) of the nine samples and simulation
results of the advanced hygrothermal model using 97 and 98 % relative humidity as the break
B1115.13

B1115.13
229

points. The moisture diffusivity used in these calculations are same as those determined from the
wetting experiments.
Aerated concrete drying curves
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
0 10 20 30
Days
M
o
s
t
u
r
e

c
o
n
t
e
n
t

(
k
g
/
m
3
)
--A--
--B--
--C--
--D--
--E--
--F--
--G--
--H--
--I--
97% RH Break point
98% RH Break point

Figure 4. Drying curves of the nine samples and comparison with the simulation
results.

CONCLUDING REMARK:
The moisture diffusivity determined from a moisture uptake process is known only within
30 to 50 %. Both series of investigations reported here suggest that the diffusivity determined
from a wetting process describes the drying process with reasonable accuracy.
References

[1] M.K. Kumaran and M. Bomberg, A Gamma-Spectrometer for Determination of
Density Distribution and Moisture Distribution in Building Materials, Proceedings of the
international symposium on moisture and humidity, Washington D.C., 1985, pp. 485-490,
1985
[2] J. C. Lackey, R. G. Marchand and M. K. Kumaran, A Logical Extension of the ASTM
Standard E 96 to Determine the Dependence of Water Vapour Transmission on Relative
Humidity, Insulation Materials: Testing and Applications: Third Volume, ASTM STP 1320, pp.
456-470, 1997.

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