Basics of Building Physics (5 cr)

Objective

On completion of the course, the student
- can describe the basic building physical phenomena along with the quantities and present the quantities and laws related to them
- can describe the phenomena related to sound insulation of structures and noise

Content

1. Constructional air flows in buildings, chimney effect, free convection
2. Pressure ratio of a building
3. Heat transfer mechanisms
4. Heat transmittance rate of a homogenous and non-homogenous construction, the heat profile of a wall, thermal insulation calculations
5. Moisture in air and construction materials, condensation and Dew Point
6. Water vapour convection and diffusion
7. Capillary transfer of liquid water
8. Control of ventilation, air humidity and air temperature as a tool for the foreman
9. The division of heat and moisture between structures
10. Basics of noise reduction

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student
- can describe the basic building physical phenomena along with the quantities and present the quantities and laws related to them
- can identify and describe different mechanisms of heat and moisture transfer
- can calculate the U-value of a simple structure.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
- can describe the basic building physical phenomena along with the quantities and present the quantities and laws related to them
- can model heat and moisture transfer in simple structures
-can calculate the U-value of a inhomogenous structure.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
- can describe the basic building physical phenomena along with the quantities and present the quantities and laws related to them
- can calculate the U-value of a structure containing an inhomogeneous layer and the temperature distribution of the structure
- knows how to calculate the moisture content of the air and can deduce when moisture condenses in the structure
- can calculate the humidity, heat and ventilation rate calculations required by the humidity control of the construction site
- can calculate the sound pressure produced by several sound sources

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student
- can describe the basic building physical phenomena along with the quantities and present the quantities and laws related to them
- can identify and describe different mechanisms of heat and moisture transfer
- can calculate the U-value of a simple structure.

Qualifications

Mathematics and physics 1