In 1996, ASHRAE formed a new Standard Project Committee, ASHRAE 160P, to develop a standard for moisture control in buildings. The draft standard—“Criteria for Moisture Control Design Analysis in Buildings”—intends to provide performance-based procedures for moisture design analysis for buildings. The standard sets criteria for moisture design loads, moisture analysis methods, and building performance and applies to the above-grade portions of all types of buildings. It can be used for design analysis of the above-grade portion of the building envelope or help guide specifications for HVAC equipment and controls. Eventually it should form the basis for moisture design rules based on a uniform set of design assumptions and loads. This paper describes the rationale behind this standard, its current outline, and its potential uses.

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