Buildings are constructed of hygroscopic materials and are simultaneously exposed to both large temperature and humidity gradients. If accurate computer predictions of the combined transfer of heat and moisture in building construction are to be made, then it is essential that theory be developed and experimentally verified. The objective is to advance the state of the art for predicting moisture transfer and storage in buildings by formulating moisture transfer theory, upgrading existing experiment, and measuring moisture transfer through a typical material under isothermal and isothermal conditions.

Principal Investigator: William Thomas, Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Conducted: April 1994 - January 1997

Sponsored by: TC 4.4, Thermal Insulation and Moisture Retarders