PhD project: Moisture performance of ground constructions

Moisture control is fundamental for proper functioning of buildings i.e. protecting the building from moisture damages, decay and most importantly, to ensure occupants health and comfort. Nordic climate change, with more intense precipitation and larger and more frequent floods, entails increased moisture loads on buildings and infrastructure. Designing buildings with optimal moisture performance is therefore an essential part of future climate adaptation strategies. Future construction methods, requirements and guidelines must be developed and adapted to the increasingly humid climate. This applies in particular to ground constructions (building components against terrain), where moisture damage already is a major challenge and the knowledge and research basis is limited. 

In addition to a more humid climate, the drying capacity of building components against terrain might be further reduced due to on-site stormwater management strategies that involve infiltration and detention in the ground. There is a need for more knowledge and a better basis for predicting and assessing the moisture performance and moisture safety in ground constructions. 

The research of PhD Candidate Silje Kathrin Asphaug will aim to develop and improve a thorough understanding of the building physics (heat and moisture performance) of ground constructions. Special attention will be directed towards increasing the drying capacity and moisture safety in exterior walls against terrain by utilizing natural convection in permeable insulation materials. 

Through increased knowledge and greater understanding of the building physics involved in ground constructions, the research will form a basis for and inspire to the development of new robust, sustainable and cost-effective products, solutions and methods, with low risk of moisture damages.

The supervisor team is Prof. Tore Kvande (NTNU), Prof. Stig Geving (NTNU) and Chief Scientist Berit Time (SINTEF).