The application of insulating materials for energy refurbishment of buildings improves the thermal transmittance of the envelope. However, if not properly planned and realized, it could reduce the wall's drying potential, modifying its original features and leaving it generally more humid. This can lead to moisture damages, humid insulation material and risk of mould growth. To avoid any problem related to the increased presence of water in the building envelope, it becomes therefore essential to perform the so-called hygrothermal assessments. In this regard, the international standards offer, beside the traditional Glaser method based on the mere vapour transport, the use of dynamic hygrothermal simulations. These allow to simultaneously consider the transport and storage of heat and moisture in building materials, the influence of climate (including rain and solar radiation in different locations), user behaviour and initial conditions. The aim of this paper is to compare Glaser and dynamic methods and to highlight their advantages and disadvantages, considering the different approaches to the evaluation not only of superficial and interstitial condensation, but also of durability, considering biological attack, freeze/thaw cycles, corrosion, etc
h i g h l i g h t sCorrosion of metal inserts in aerial and hydraulic mortars was studied. Carbon steel, stainless steel and titanium inserts were considered. Mortar composition had a secondary effect on the corrosion rate compared to the role of moisture. High corrosion rate was measured only for carbon steel in mortars exposed to 95% RH or water suction. Mortar resistivity was found to be a reliable parameter to assess corrosion of embedded inserts.
a r t i c l e i n f o
b s t r a c tCorrosion of metal inserts may be detrimental to the durability of masonry. The paper discusses corrosion of carbon steel, stainless steel and titanium embedded in aerial and hydraulic mortars simulating those of ancient walls. The effects of temperature (5-40°C), moisture (65-95% RH and water suction) and electrical resistivity of mortars on the corrosion of metal inserts are discussed. Results showed that the corrosion rate of embedded steel, regardless of the mortar composition, is negligible in mortars exposed to 65-80% RH (even at 40°C) and modest even at 95% RH, while high values were obtained in the presence of water uptake.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.