The contribution of traditional building materials to hygrothermal comfort in Libyan domestic buildings

Dgali, Mohamed 2022. The contribution of traditional building materials to hygrothermal comfort in Libyan domestic buildings. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Buildings in Libya and other parts of the world are often heavily dependent on mechanical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to compensate for their poor hygrothermal performance. This results in higher energy consumption and increased greenhouse emissions associated with these systems. To reduce energy use, research into the use of passive systems that can reduce or even eliminate some of the energy demand on active systems has gained global momentum. Representing the boundary between internal and external conditions, the building envelope design is a key factor affecting the building’s energy performance and hygrothermal comfort. The materials used in the building envelope impact buildings' hygrothermal comfort and energy consumption by transferring, storing and releasing heat and moisture when the humidity and temperature conditions vary in the building. This research focuses on building materials' hygrothermal properties and how they can be used to provide hygrothermal comfort for occupants of Libyan houses. The research used a methodology that combines energy and hygrothermal performance monitoring of Case Studies, laboratory-based categorisation of common Libyan building materials and hygrothermal simulations of building models. A literature review showed that the building envelope's hygrothermal properties could improve indoor hygrothermal conditions by creating moisture and thermal buffering. The following materials representing Libya's traditional and modern building materials were selected for this research; Limestone, Hollow Concrete, Sandstone, Mud Block, Clay, and Camel's Hair. There was a lack of data in the published research regarding the hygrothermal properties of some of the selected building materials in the context of Libya. To obtain the missing data, the following material properties were experimentally investigated; Moisture Buffer Value (MBV), Water Vapor Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ Value), Sorption Isotherm (u), Water Absorption Coefficient (Aw), Density (ρ), Thermal Conductivity (λ), Thermal Diffusivity (α), and Specific Heat Capacity (

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Architecture
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 May 2023
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 11:51
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/159228

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