Decision framework to select moisture reference years for hygrothermal simulations

The dominant degradation agent in facades is exposure to moisture. Damages resulting from long-term moisture are typically evaluated through hygrothermal simulations. These simulations computationally expensive. Therefore, a Moisture Reference Year (MRY), i.e. one year representing the stress of climate, often used instead simulating damages with climate itself. Usually, methods select MRYs were developed for specific wall types and damages. Up now, no guideline exists these particular cases. we 21 existing MRY methods, decision framework on how appropriate data This paper presents comparison between using solid masonry walls Brussels. assemblies analysed without interior insulation 16 parameter variations each. A number able represent risk freeze-thaw damage wood decay, but best performing vary different Further, consists 5 levels, each level requiring less computational power at cost its precision. It recommended perform whenever possible. Second an respect simulation reference case. For large studies, climate-based accounting expected mechanisms could be considered as first estimate results. In this study, was successfully tested