HT-4A: The scope of MBES
consortium
Members of the consortium are: BASF Corp., Wyandotte, MI; Fortifiber Corp, Attleboro, MA, Greenfiber Corp. Charlotte, NC
The scope of the first stage of this
consortium (March 30, 2006) includes:
- Review and develop improved
test methods for determination of material characteristics needed as the
input into advanced heat, air and moisture transfer model: Water
absorption coefficient, Dry cup WV permeance, Narrow range WV permeance
(75 to 95 %RH), Sorption isotherm, Pressure plates, Vacuum saturation,
Capillary moisture content, Capillary liquid conductivity, Air
permeability and Thermal conductivity. Whenever possible and new tests are
developed, it is done with a view to forwarding them to the appropriate
ASTM committees.
- Generate the above listed set
of hygrothermal characteristics needed for HAM analysis for the following
materials: Portland cement plaster (exterior stucco) - 1 type, WRB (4
types), OSB (1 type), Glass fiber insulation (1 type), Cellulose fiber
insulation (2 types), Medium density spray polyurethane foam, Low density
cellulose fiber insulation (1 type), EPS (1 type), Drywall (1 type),
Capillary active layer (2 materials)
- Measure moisture conductivity
of dry and wet materials that include the following thermal insulations:
Polyurethane foam (2 types), Cellulose fiber insulation (2 types)
- Examine the significance of
moisture buffer to moisture balance approach
- Testing moisture drainage to
gain understanding of moisture entry and in particular the significance of
material surface of the drainage plane
- Experimental benchmarking of
full-scale cladding assemblies (4x8 ft assembly exposed to simulated rain,
drainage and drying are measured): Wetting on the surface of cladding
(stucco and sidings), Wetting conditions acting on WRB
- Computer based analysis of wall
assemblies with airtight cladding systems having substantial storage of
moisture such as stucco. In this context, use of water resistive barrier
(WRB) for a protection of the moisture sensitive substrates (e.g. OSB)
needs to be defined, analyzed and demonstrated under field conditions.
- Summarize unresolved issues
critical for further development of this new design approach.