Possibilities and limitations of hygrothermal modelling illustrated based on a field study on masonry walls with lime hemp interior insulation

Abstract

This study presents a building case with solid masonry walls that are internally insulated with lime hemp. In addition to field measurements, the case is numerically simulated by use of a frequently used simulation tool, i.e. Delphin, and the simulation results are compared with the measurements. The study has two main objectives: (1) to build knowledge on the performance of interior lime hemp insulation based on field measurements, and (2) to assess to what extent hygrothermal simulation tools can predict the measured hygrothermal response. The field measurements reveal a high relative humidity in the loose lime hemp, particularly for walls exposed to wind-driven rain. Regarding the numerical modelling, the findings highlight that the accuracy of the input data provided to the simulation tools is critically important.