Limit State Design for Biodeterioration of Building Materials

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Biodeterioration of building materials due to poor hygrothermal (i.e. heat-air-moisture) conditions is a major concern for the sustainability of buildings and the health and safety of occupants. The risks of biodeterioration are accentuated in highly energy efficient buildings requiring further design considerations. Researchers across the world have tried to characterize this issue through a combination of field experience, modelling, and controlled laboratory investigations. However, integration of these research outputs in building enclosure design process is an unfinished agenda, partly due to the lack of coordination between engineering researchers, building enclosure designers, and biologists. The proposed research aims to synthesize engineering concepts of limit state design with biodeterioration concepts derived from wood science and mycology. Conceptually, the limit state design approach involves a serviceability failure state (surface mould growth), and an ultimate limit state failure state (decay, leading to imminent life-safety risks).