A mathematical model for the description of drying shrinkage of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is presented, bringing together the hygrothermal and mechanical considerations. The verification of the model is done using an approximation of a real laboratory experiment. Then, the applicability of the model is demonstrated by a numerical simulation of drying shrinkage and wetting expansion of A...

The viability of a novel sustainable polymeric composite material, based on photocurable linseed oil resin was explored, with a view to exploiting its potential in marine environments. The study focused on a UV-curable resin subjected to setting through photoinitiated cationic polymerisation. Deployment of heterogeneous solid catalysts, containing isolated Brønsted acid centres, further improve...

Recent advances in computer technology have aided the development of a number of hygrothermal models. These models can predict the distribution of temperature, relative humidity, and airflow pattern through building envelope components as they vary with time. This paper presents the results of an investigation, which evaluated the applicability of fourhygrothermal computer models, viz. hygIRC, ...

The development and application of bio-based insulation materials can contribute to the minimization of the environmental impacts of buildings through reduction of embodied and in-use energy demand, in addition to many other major impacts such as resource depletion and waste generation. The hygrothermal performance of natural building materials has direct and indirect impacts on moderating indo...

Abstract—Thermal insulation materials based on natural fibers represent a very promising area of materials based on natural easy renewable row sources. These materials may be in terms of the properties of most competing synthetic insulations, but show somewhat higher moisture sensitivity and thermal insulation properties are strongly influenced by the density and orientation of fibers. The pape...

This paper investigates the influence of stress level and hygrothermal conditions on creep/recovery behaviour three high-grade composites made GreenPoxy flax hemp fibres. The results show that levels instantaneous, time-delayed residual strains increase with applied load severity environment. materials are higher in creep phase than recovery phase. A stiffening effect is also observed during po...

There is clear evidence that house dust mite populations in many climatic regions can potentially be controlled by modifying temperature and humidity within dwellings. This paper describes a current multi-disciplinary UK funded research project to develop a predictive model of house dust mite response to varying hygrothermal conditions. The project involves the development of two component mode...

Fibre metal laminates (FMLs) have appeared as the most suitable materials for shipbuilding, aeronautical and aerospace applications due to their superior mechanical properties over traditional materials. In this paper, degradation in flexural and impact properties of glass fibre/epoxy composite (GF/E composite) and stainless steel glass fibre/epoxy fibre metal laminate (SS FML) due to hygrother...