Hygrothermal assessment of internally insulated solid masonry walls fitted with exterior hydrophobization and deliberate thermal bridge

Relative humidity (RH) and temperature were measured in several solid masonry walls with embedded wooden beams, fitted with autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) thermal insulation on the interior surface and exposed to a cool, temperate climate. The field study was based on the use of a 40‐feet insulated reefer container reconfigured with eight 1 × 2 m holes containing the solid masonry walls. The study investigated the influence of AAC thermal insulation on the interior side with a combination of exterior hydrophobization and a deliberate thermal bridge in front of the embedded wooden wall plate using a material with higher thermal conductivity. Validated HAM simulations were used to investigate the effect of controlling the indoor humidity, and how this would affect the theoretical risk predictions from the damage models. Experimental findings indicate that hydrophobization of solid masonry walls with internal insulation have both positive and negative effects on the moisture balance of the wall, in relation to moisture‐induced damage, and that a deliberate thermal bridge installed in front of the embedded wooden wall plate can reduce the moisture content in the wooden elements. Simulation findings indicate that a combination of exterior hydrophobization and decreased indoor moisture load can reduce the RH to acceptable levels in relation to moisture induced damage at the interface between existing wall and new insulation. No major changes were observed in relation to the risk of frost damage at the exterior surface.