An innovative modeling platform estimates the impact of moisture damage on the buildings industry.
Why it matters:
This modeling capability assesses the potential for moisture damage, which is one of most expensive types of building repair in the U.S. and can lead to mold growth and associated health risks.
The innovation:
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed a software tool in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) known as WUFI that performs hygrothermal modeling on any type of building structure.
- Modeling tool: Estimates hygrothermal impact, which is the movement of heat and moisture through a building or material.
- Moisture entry points: The tool assesses potential moisture damage impacts from exterior entry (roofs, walls, basements, and windows) or from interior (plumbing, fixtures, pipes or water heaters).
This is the first tool to capture impacts of both heat and mass transfer within multi-layer building components exposed to various climate conditions.
Real-world impact:
This breakthrough tool has assisted in the development of the national ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 160 that specifies performance-based design criteria for predicting, mitigating or reducing moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings and based on climate, construction type, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system operation.
The benefits:
- Models impact for any type of construction
- Provides builders/owners with information to prevent future damage
Backed by science:
This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office.
- Research conducted at DOE’s Building Technologies Research and Integration Center.
Deep dive:
Read about how this capability was recognized for excellence in research.
The big picture:
This modeling capability enables moisture damage to be minimized and with just a 10% reduction in repairs, $3.2 billion can be saved annually.