ASTM E3054/E3054M-16

Standard Guide for Characterization and Use of Hygrothermal Models for Moisture Control Design in Building Envelopes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended to provide the framework for characterizing the functions of the hygrothermal model and the level of sophistication used as inputs for each analysis. Hygrothermal modeling has become an important practice in support of the decision-making design processes involved in moisture management of building envelope systems. Increasingly, hygrothermal models are an integral part of building envelope performance assessment, retrofit, and restoration studies and provide insight in the screening of alternative design approaches affecting water management of the envelope system. Hygrothermal models are used in decision making during the design process of building envelope systems. They may also be used to assess performance of the envelopes of existing buildings, or to predict envelope performance in buildings undergoing retrofit, change in use, restoration or flood remediation. It is, therefore, important to have a methodology to document the model used in a hygrothermal investigation. This documentation provides needed characterization of the hygrothermal model to assess its credibility and suitability. This becomes even more important because of the increasing complexity of the building envelope systems for which new hygrothermal models are being developed. There are many different hygrothermal models available, each with specific capabilities, operational characteristics, and limitations. If modeling is considered for a project, it is important to determine if a hygrothermal model is appropriate for that project, or if a model exists that can perform the simulations required in the project.  
4.2 Quality assurance in a hygrothermal analysis using modeling is achieved by using the most appropriate model with all important transport mechanisms, initial conditions, and boundary conditions. A well-executed quality assurance program in hygrothermal modeling requires systematic and complete documentation of the model and the inputs followed by consisten...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide offers guidance for the characterization and use of hygrothermal models for moisture control design of building envelopes. In this context, “hygrothermal models” refers to the application of a mathematical model to the solution of a specific heat and moisture flow performance issue or problem. Hygrothermal models are used to predict and evaluate design considerations for the short-term and long-term thermal and moisture performance of building envelopes.  
1.2 Each hygrothermal model has specific capabilities and limitations. Determining the most appropriate hygrothermal model for a particular application requires a thorough analysis of the problem at hand, understanding the required transport processes involved, and available resources to conduct the analysis. Users of this guide can describe the functionality of the hygrothermal model used in an analysis in a consistent manner.  
1.3 This guide applies to hygrothermal models that range from complex research tools to simple design tools. This guide provides a protocol for matching the analysis needs and the capabilities of candidate models.  
1.4 This guide applies to the use of models that include all or part of the following thermal and moisture storage and transport phenomena: (1) heat storage of dry and wet building materials, (2) heat transport by moisture-dependant thermal conduction, (3) phase change phenomena (for example, evaporation and condensation), (4) heat transport by air convection, (5) moisture retention by vapor adsorption and capillary forces, (6) moisture transport by vapor diffusion (molecular and effusion), (7) moisture transport by liquid transport (surface diffusion and capillary flow), and (8) moisture (vapor) transport by air convection.  
1.5 This guide does not apply to cases requiring analysis of the following: (1) convection that occurs in a three-dimensional manner or through holes and cracks; (2) hydraulic, osmotic, or ...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Mar-2016
• ICS: 91.120.10 - Thermal insulation of buildings
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.41 - Air Leakage and Ventilation Performance

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E3054/E3054M − 16
Standard Guide for
Characterization and Use of Hygrothermal Models for
1
Moisture Control Design in Building Envelopes
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE3054/E3054M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope osmotic, or electrophoretic forces; (3) salt or other solute
transport; or (4) material properties that change with age.
1.1 This guide offers guidance for the characterization and
use of hygrothermal models for moisture control design of 1.6 This guide intends to provide guidance regarding reli-
building envelopes. In this context, “hygrothermal models” ability of input and how the corresponding results can be
refers to the application of a mathematical model to the affected as well as a format for determining such information.
solution of a specific heat and moisture flow performance issue
1.7 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
or problem. Hygrothermal models are used to predict and
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
evaluatedesignconsiderationsfortheshort-termandlong-term
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
thermal and moisture performance of building envelopes.
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
1.2 Each hygrothermal model has specific capabilities and Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
limitations. Determining the most appropriate hygrothermal conformance with the standard.
model for a particular application requires a thorough analysis
1.8 This guide offers an organized characterization of
of the problem at hand, understanding the required transport
hygrothermal models and does not recommend a specific
processes involved, and available resources to conduct the
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
analysis. Users of this guide can describe the functionality of
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
the hygrothermal model used in an analysis in a consistent
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
manner.
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
1.3 This guide applies to hygrothermal models that range sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
from complex research tools to simple design tools. This guide a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
provides a protocol for matching the analysis needs and the document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
capabilities of candidate models. unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
document means only that the document has been approved
1.4 This guide applies to the use of models that include all
through the ASTM International consensus process.
or part of the following thermal and moisture storage and
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
transport phenomena: (1) heat storage of dry and wet building
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
materials, (2) heat transport by moisture-dependant thermal
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
conduction, (3) phase change phenomena (for example, evapo-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ration and condensation), (4) heat transport by air convection,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(5)moistureretentionbyvaporadsorptionandcapillaryforces,
(6) moisture transport by vapor diffusion (molecular and
2. Referenced Documents
effusion), (7) moisture transport by liquid transport (surface
2
diffusion and capillary flow), and (8) moisture (vapor) trans-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
port by air convection.
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
E283 Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage
1.5 This guide does not apply to cases requiring analysis of
Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors
the following: (1) convection that occurs in a three-
Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Speci-
dimensionalmannerorthroughholesandcracks; (2)hydraulic,
men
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance
2
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41 on Air For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Leakage and Ventilation Performance. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved March 15, 2016. Published May 2016. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
E3054_E3054M-16. the ASTM website.
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