Building Physics (5 cr)

Objective

After completing the basic physics part of the course, you will be able to identify hygrothermal phenomena that occur in a structure in certain conditions and study these phenomena from the point of view of structural design. You will be able to estimate the air pressure difference across a building envelope and resulting air leaks. You will be able to model different types of heat transfer, describe moisture in air and building materials using physical quantities and model different types of moisture transfer. You will be able to find the U value and temperature profile of a building part and assess the hygric performance of a structure.

After completing the structure section of the course, you will know the importance of air flow control in buildings and structures and good structural solutions for air flow control. You will understand the factors affecting the energy efficiency of a building. You will know how to calculate the heat losses of a building. You will know the principles, requirements and instructions related to the moisture performance of a structure. You will be able to find the steady state relative humidity distribution of a structure. You will understand the requirements related to the sound environment of a building. You will be able to control the sound environment effectively with structural choices.

Content

Air flows in building structures and chimney effect
Air pressure difference across a building envelope and air leaks
Types of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation
Small- and large-scale greenhouse effect and nighttime radiative cooling of building surfaces
U value and temperature profile of a building part
Moisture in air and building materials
Convection and diffusion of water vapour and moisture risk assessment
Capillary transfer of liquid water

Positive and negative effects of air flows in buildings and structures
Heat losses of structural parts, effects of cold bridges and air leaks
Criteria for the moisture performance of a building, diffusion calculations
Quantities related to the sound environment of a building and noise prevention

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

You are able to apply building physics in simple cases by making use of solved problems appropriate to the situation at hand.
You understand factors affecting the physical performance of a building and know good standard structural solutions.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

You are able to apply building physics in cases essentially familiar to you.
You understand the principles of the physical performance of a building and know good conventional structural solutions.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

You are able to apply building physics open-mindedly and critically in new and demanding cases.
You understand the building physical performance of structures and know good conventional structural solutions.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

You are able to apply building physics in simple cases by making use of solved problems appropriate to the situation at hand.
You understand factors affecting the physical performance of a building and know good standard structural solutions.