The aim of this paper is to present the results of a research series done during 1999-2000 at Tampere University of Technology concerning the moisture and thermal behavior of ground slabs under Finnish climatic conditions. The results show that the subgrade must be considered a moist material in moisture balance examinations. The pore air of a soil mass is usually saturated. The water content of the fill or drainage layer is increased by capillary rise and horizontal capillarity. The temperature field has a decisive impact on the moisture behavior of ground slabs. The temperature difference between indoor air and subgrade pore air determines the volume of water vapor flow through the floor structures. The moisture resistance characteristics of structural materials and the water vapor resistance of the entire floor structure dictate the performance of the ground slab structure at the prevailing temperature and moisture flow fields.

Authors:Virpi Leivo, Jukka Rantala, Ralf Lindberg, Ph.D., Jorma Hartikainen, Ph.D.
Citation:Indoor Air Quality 2001: Moisture, Microbes, and Heath Effects: Indoor Air Quality and Moisture in Buildings Conference Papers
Keywords:November, 2001, California