Numerical analysis of heat and moisture transfer in historical ceramic masonry wall

Building physics processes in some parts and elements of revitalized historical buildings play an important role in their future energy efficiency and maintenance. The unique character of 100-years-old post-industrial buildings results from masonry-brick façades with precise ornamentation and sophisticated details which should be retained and reconstructed in renovation works. Any changes in wall properties, such as the addition of new layers (insulation, rendering or plaster), are at variance with cultural heritage protection. Therefore, structural and material properties of wall structures and the geometry of external surfaces have to remain unchanged. Heat and moisture transfer across a single-layer masonry wall is discussed. The modeling, numerical solution and climatic, boundary and initial conditions are described. Simulation results of coupled heat, air and moisture in building-envelope systems show the effect of material properties and boundary conditions on water content in the wall. Two cases differing by brickwork mortar (original lime-sand mix and cement mix) are analysed. The influence of the renovation method on heat and mass transfer is examined. The results show overall hygrothermal processes in renovated brick masonry walls. The method of coupled heat and mass transfer is very useful in the prediction of possible damage-related processes and the estimation of rainwater transfer in the wall.