Evaluation of Hygrothermal Behaviour in Heritage Buildings through Sensors, CFD Modelling and IRT

Sensors (Basel). 2021 Jan 14;21(2):566. doi: 10.3390/s21020566.

Abstract

Architectural heritage, building materials and interior space are highly susceptible to temperature and relative humidity. A better knowledge of the hygrothermal dynamics inside buildings allows an adequate conservation of heritage. This work compares three non-destructive techniques (NDT), such as temperature and relative humidity sensors, finite element simulations (CFD) and thermographic pictures (IRT). The work has made it possible to carry out an assessment of the risk of condensation over a year and to identify affected periods and areas of the building. Sensors and IRT pictures provide real data to validate CFD simulations, facilitating a global analysis of the building. The results provided reflect a great concordance between the NDTs used.

Keywords: CFD; IRT; building materials; heritage; natural convection.