ASTM E3054/E3054M-23

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-dependent 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: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2022
• 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)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3054/E3054M − 23
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 diffusion and capillary flow), and (8) moisture (vapor) trans-
port by air convection.
1.1 This guide offers guidance for the characterization and
use of hygrothermal models for moisture control design of
1.5 This guide does not apply to cases requiring analysis of
building envelopes. In this context, “hygrothermal models”
the following: (1) convection that occurs in a three-
refers to the application of a mathematical model to the
dimensionalmannerorthroughholesandcracks; (2)hydraulic,
solution of a specific heat and moisture flow performance issue
osmotic, or electrophoretic forces; (3) salt or other solute
or problem. Hygrothermal models are used to predict and
transport; or (4) material properties that change with age.
evaluatedesignconsiderationsfortheshort-termandlong-term
1.6 This guide intends to provide guidance regarding the
thermal and moisture performance of building envelopes.
reliability of input and how the corresponding results can be
1.2 Each hygrothermal model has specific capabilities and
affected as well as a format for determining such information.
limitations. Determining the most appropriate hygrothermal
1.7 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
model for a particular application requires a thorough analysis
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
of the problem at hand, understanding the required transport
values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equiva-
processes involved, and available resources to conduct the
lents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each
analysis. Users of this guide can describe the functionality of
system shall be used independently of the other, and values
the hygrothermal model used in an analysis in a consistent
from the two systems shall not be combined.
manner.
1.3 This guide applies to hygrothermal models that range 1.8 This guide offers an organized characterization of
from complex research tools to simple design tools. This guide hygrothermal models and does not recommend a specific
provides a protocol for matching the analysis needs and the course of action. This document cannot replace education or
capabilities of candidate models.
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
1.4 This guide applies to the use of models that include all
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
or part of the following thermal and moisture storage and
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
transport phenomena: (1) heat storage of dry and wet building
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
materials, (2) heat transport by moisture-dependent thermal
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
conduction, (3) phase change phenomena (for example, evapo-
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
ration and condensation), (4) heat transport by air convection,
document means only that the document has been approved
(5)moistureretentionbyvaporadsorptionandcapillaryforces,
through the ASTM International consensus process.
(6) moisture transport by vapor diffusion (molecular and
effusion), (7) moisture transport by liquid transport (surface
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41 on Air
Leakage and Ventilation Performance.
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E3054/E3054M–16.
DOI: 10.1520/E3054_E3054M-23. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E3054/E3054M − 16 E3054/E3054M − 23
Standard Guide for
Characterization and Use of Hygrothermal Models for
1
Moisture Control Design in Building Envelopes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3054/E3054M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
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
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-dependantmoisture-dependent
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 electrophoretic forces; (3) salt or other solute transport; or (4)
material properties that change with age.
1.6 This guide intends to provide guidance regarding the reliability of input and how the corresponding results can be affected as
well as a format for determining such information.
1.7 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41 on Air Leakage and
Ventilation Performance.
Current edition approved March 15, 2016Jan. 1, 2023. Published May 2016January 2023. Originally approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as
E3054/E3054M–16. DOI: 10.1520/E3054_E3054M-16.10.1520/E3054_E3054M-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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E3054/E3054M − 23
1.8 This guide offers an organized characterization of hygrothermal models and does not recommend a specific course of action.
This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all
aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the
standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied
without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the
document has been approved through the ASTM International consensus process.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It i
...