摘要
The initial high moisture content of concrete and the low vapor permeability of insu-lation layers on both sides of the concrete complicate the drying process of Insulated Concrete Forms(ICF).In order to facilitate the moisture transport and enhance the drying process,different moisture control stratcgics and wall designs can be implc-mented.The application of an air and vapor barrier is one of the most common moisture control stratcgics.In this paper,the impact of vapor permcance of an air and vapor barriers on the hygrothermal performance of an ICF wall in three differ cnt cold and wet climates is examined using a validated Hcat-Air-Moisture transfer model.The hygrothermal performance of an ICF wall assembly with different types of barriers and locations in the wall system for scveral wall designs is invcstigated.Results indicate that a smaller thickness of insulation on the outside facilitates remov-ing the moisture towards the outside and installing low permcance air/vapor barrier systems on the outside prohibits drying and drives the moisture to the inside.Our findings also show that with the proper sclection of insulation thickncss and vapor control stratcgy moisture-related problems can be avoided.
