The research group has the ability to test the hygrothermal behaviour of different construction materials as well as structures and their components in laboratory and field experiments. Typical structural tests are:
- thermal and moisture condition test
- air impermeability test
- U-value tests
- expedited weather durability tests
The building physics research group has a wide range of research facilities for structural testing. The group has developed and built research equipment for studying the building physical behaviour of wall and roof structures. Furthermore, the group has access to weathering test equipment (for studying the effects of outdoor climate conditions on wall structures) along with freezer rooms and climate chambers, where the temperature and moisture conditions can be controlled.
With structural testing, the following can be examined:
- variations in thermal and moisture conditions of a structure in different indoor and outdoor climates
- a structure’s sensitivity to mould growth, corrosion, or condensation of moisture
- moisture content and deformations
- effects of rain and air leaks
- changes in U-value
- air tightness
More information about structural testing from Juha Vinha and Petteri Huttunen.