Hygrothermal calculations and laboratory tests on timber-framed wall structures

The purpose of the study was to test the accuracy of hygrothermal models simulating Nordic climatic conditions from autumn to spring. The results produced by three hygrothermal models, 1D-HAM, MATCH, and WUFI 2D, were compared with the results of laboratory tests to determine the heat and moisture performance of timber-framed external wall structures. The performances of three different wall types incorporating different insulation materials and air-vapour barriers were compared with the results from laboratory tests. The results show that these programs are useful tools in assessing the moisture behaviour of building components as regards moisture diffusion and heat conduction. Some cases were found, where differences between measured and calculated values were observed as well. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.