Comparative testing of replacement infill materials for historic timber-framed buildings.

Whitman, Christopher ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7779-6930, Prizeman, Oriel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4835-9824, Walker, Pete, McCaig, Iain and Rhee-Duverne, Soki 2020. Comparative testing of replacement infill materials for historic timber-framed buildings. Presented at: Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings (EEHB 2022), Benediktbeuernen, Germany, 4th-5th May 2022.

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Abstract

It is known that inappropriate energy retrofits of traditionally constructed buildings may lead to moisture accumulation within their external envelope. Whilst numerical modelling can assist in identifying these threats, it is acknowledged that physical testing is still required. Research in the UK to date has focused on solid masonry construction. The work presented in this paper therefore focuses on the previously under-researched area of the impact of energy retrofits of British historic timber-framed buildings, of which approximately 68,000 survive in the UK. Specifically, the project aims to establish the risk of interstitial condensation and increased moisture content within replacement infill panels for timber-framed buildings, and the risk posed to surrounding historic fabric. Due to the limitations of computer simulations, which model only idealised, homogeneous, continuous layers, with limited material data for traditional building materials in the UK, and the physical constraints of monitoring within real walls, the methodology utilised for this project is the monitoring of mock-up infill panels. A physical test cell has been constructed, with an internally controlled climate, allowing the comparison of wattle-and-daub, woodfibre, expanded cork board and hempcrete replacement infill panels within a reclaimed oak frame. Over the next two years interstitial temperature and moisture content will be monitored, both within the panels and more importantly at their interface with the oak frame, in addition to their thermal performance. This presentation will focus on the design, construction and methodology of the experiment. Initial data will also be shared. The research, funded by Historic England, is being carried out at Cardiff University, in collaboration with the University of Bath, Ty Mawr Lime Ltd, Royston Davies Conservation Builders and UK Hempcrete.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Architecture
Subjects:	N Fine Arts > NA Architecture Q Science > QC Physics
Funders:	Historic England
Date of Acceptance:	18 June 2020
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2023 14:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/152284

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