Experimental investigation of hygrothermal performance of recycled aggregate concrete

Increasing demand on energy efficiency and natural resources conservation is challenging the construction sector. Construction and demolition waste can gain added value through its reuse as aggregate in concrete, thus it could contribute to the natural resources conservation. Prefabricated ventilated concrete wall panel, produced by using recycled aggregate, is a benchmark construction product that unites reduction of energy consumption and sustainable use of construction and demolition waste. How building envelope built with this kind of panels perform when exposed to the real weather conditions and real conditions of use, i.e. people living inside the building, defines its hygrothermal performance (combined heat, air and moisture transfer). Hygrothermal performance of a building envelope is reflected in temperature and moisture content variations within the building assemblies, thus directly affecting the energy consumption, durability of building envelope and comfort of inhabitants. Since there is no experimental confirmation on hygrothermal performance of prefabricated ventilated concrete wall panels, produced using the recycled aggregate, experimental set-up for hygrothermal monitoring was designed in order to provide a deeper insight in heat, air and moisture transfer through this kind of panels.