Model building codes and standards have begun adopting new energy efficiency requirements for building envelopes, including more quantifiable assessment of the air permeance characteristics of the materials and assemblies used in the building envelope. This research effort was initiated to understand and quantify the air leakage mechanisms of single wythe concrete masonry construction, which is commonly used in exterior building envelopes.

At the time this project was initiated, test standards lacked specific procedures for evaluating the air permeance of concrete masonry assemblies. As such, the first phase of this research investigation was focused on identifying, defining, and verifying appropriate procedures that produced repeatable and accurate air leakage results of concrete masonry construction. Once appropriate testing protocols were developed, the next phase of research evaluated the influence on air permeance of several different components common to single wythe concrete masonry construction. These variables included integral and surface-applied water repellents and similar surface coatings.

Subject
Buildings, Test methods, Water, Coatings, Materials, Walls, Permeance, Leaks, Masonry, Differential pressure, Construction, Polyethylene, Concrete
© 2012 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. This work is protected by both domestic and international copyright laws. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2012
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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