Building Physics, Basic Course

Basic heat, moisture and acoustics. Principals for design of thermal, moisture and sound insulation. Wind, air and rain tightness. Choice of materials. Basic principles and calculation methods are used in analysis and design of building assemblies and details.

The course aims at giving an understanding of basic physical and material relations, as well as requirements and influences, relevant to design of building elements and whole buildings.

Knowledge

The candidate should have knowledge of:

• The basic functions of a building apart from load-bearing
• Relevant requirements for a building from user and regulations perspective
• Relevant influences on buildings as a basis for design of the building parts
• Physical relations as a basis for analysis and calculation of heat, air and moisture transport in building assemblies and acoustical in buildings
• Basic methods for calculations in building physics

Skills

The candidate is be able to:

• Assess relevant requirements and influences from a building physics perspective
• Perform basic analyses and calculations of building physical aspects
• Calculate power and energy requirements for a building
• Utilize tools for calculation of hygrothermal transport in assemblies
• Design heat, moisture and sound insulation

General competence

The candidate has:

• An understanding of the background for building requirements related to users, society and the environment
• An understanding of requirements, influences and physical and material relations as a basis for designing assemblies and buildings that fulfill requirements regarding reliability, performance and sustainability
• A good background for communicating with other disciplines (architect, structural engineer, HVAC engineer, electrical engineer, fire safety engineer etc.) involved in design, construction and operation of buildings.

Lectures, calculation excercises, use of simulation programs.