Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

9-30-1985

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Erv L. Bales

Second Advisor

Miller, R. Gerry

Third Advisor

Eugene Stamper

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the literature on moisture in buildings for its usefulness in the understanding of the theory involved in moisture transfer in buildings. Because analysis of the effects of moisture migration and development of condensation control strategies in structures depends on the knowledge of heat and moisture transfer theory as well as on the documented data on building material properties, evaluation of the usefulness of the reference material will serve as an indication of the availability of pertinent information.

To fulfill this objective, the literature listed as references to Chapter 21 of the 1985 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook was annotated to provide a summary and presentation of significant results and to indicate how the references are utilized in the Handbook. Based on this literature and on additionally consulted reference material, a text discussing the theory, effects, control, and testing of moisture transfer in buildings is presented.

To provide an indication of the usefulness of the literature, a critical evaluation is presented. This gives a summary of what is and is not known about moisture in buildings and what research needs are apparent.

The results of this thesis have shown that while there is information available on the various aspects of moisture in buildings, there is lack of a universal guide to the specific control methods that can be incorporated into building design and construction. Development of mathematical models for more accurately predicting moisture migration is also warranted.

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