Hygrothermal study in a self-built house: computer simulation and field monitoring

Abstract Low cost self-built dwellings are usually precarious, especially in terms of habitability. Despite the fact that this type of dwelling is frequently found in Brazil, there are few data measured in field monitoring on the hygrothermal behaviour of self-constructed building systems. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyse the hygrothermal behaviour of the external masonry wall of a self-built dwelling, constructed with clay bricks and covered with mortar on both faces. This investigation was based on a methodological approach involving hygrothermal computational simulation with the WUFI Pro software and humidity and temperature field measurements. The data collected during the monitoring were obtained through sensors connected to an Arduino Uno microcontroller, positioned inside and outside the dwelling. The result showed that the constructive system adopted in self-built dwellings is susceptible to hygrothermal variations higher than the normative parameters. The results quantify the hygrothermal behaviour of the self-construction building system, explaining the overt moisture and mold present. The methodology adopted for the measurements associated with the computational simulation shows that it is possible to experiment with constructive solutions based on the hygrothermal evaluation of the facade system, supporting planning and design decisions within the scope of housing improvement and technical assistance actions.

摘要：低成本自建住宅通常安全性欠佳，尤以居住适宜性为甚。尽管这类住宅在巴西较为普遍，但针对自建建筑系统湿热性能的现场实测数据仍极为匮乏。为此，本研究旨在分析某座以黏土砖砌筑、双面抹砂浆的自建住宅外砌体墙的湿热性能。本研究采用的方法涵盖基于WUFI Pro软件的湿热性能数值模拟，以及温湿度场现场实测。监测采集的数据由安装在住宅内外、连接至Arduino Uno微控制器的传感器获取。研究结果表明，自建住宅所采用的建筑构造体系，其湿热性能波动幅度易超出规范限值。本研究量化了自建建筑体系的湿热性能，解释了现场出现的明显受潮与霉变现象。本次实测与数值模拟相结合的研究方法证实，可通过外立面系统的湿热性能评估试验不同构造方案，从而为住宅改善与技术援助行动范畴内的规划设计决策提供支撑。