Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

High-humidity buildings in cold climates: a case history

From National Research Council Canada

Download
  1. (PDF, 1.3 MiB)
AuthorSearch for:
FormatText, Article
SubjectMoisture performance; deterioration; building materials; hygrothermal control; condensation; corrosion; air leakages; masonry deteriorations; frost action; corrosion; air leakage; condensation; humidity; durability; building materials
Abstract
The masonry envelope over a steel structure in a 10-story building failed and had to be replaced after 17 years of service because of severe deterioration of some materials within the masonry walls. The building was designed for use as an office block but it was used for the display, servicing, and storage of art treasures for which the inside atmosphere was maintained at a temperature of 21 degrees C ( 70 degrees F) and 50 percent relative humidity the year round. The highly humidified air, in escaping through leakage paths in the building envelope, lost moisture by condensation which accumulated in and on the building materials. This led to the degradation of mortar, deterioration of masonry by frost action, and corrosion of metal ties and fasteners.
Publication date
In
  • ASTM Special Technical Publication 691 (1980): 231–238.
LanguageEnglish
Peer reviewedYes
IdentifierDBR-P-934
NRC numberNRCC 18636
NRC-IRC-89
NPARC number20331479
Export citationExport as RIS
Report a correctionReport a correction (opens in a new tab)
Record identifier4680fc5c-7d9f-460f-acfc-c8e127b420e6
Record created2012-07-18
Record modified2024-03-19
Date modified: