TradFabs

About the Project

TradFabs is a sequel to the FabTrads project. While FabTrads focussed on the testing and characterisation of the thermal and hygrothermal properties of individual traditional Irish masonries and mortars, TradFabs takes this research further by investigating the hygrothermal behaviour of masonry composites of brick and mortar, and stone and mortar through extensive laboratory testing and numerical validation.

TradFabs also includes expanded in-situ measurements, investigating the hygrothermal performance of a select number of insulated and uninsulated traditional walls using interstitial moisture monitors, in-situ U-value measurements and hi-spec thermal imaging. 

TradFabs is funded by the SEAI under RDD scheme 23/RDD744.

The project team includes: Dr. Rosanne Walker, Anna Hofheinz, PhD candidate Tracy Connaughton and Dr. Oliver Kinnane from UCD.

The project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Office of Public Works, Dublin City Council, ICOMOS, the Irish Georgian Society and Carrig Conservation with a steering group including members from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Environment Climate and Communications.

Project Abstract

It is anticipated that the latest revision of the EPBD (IV) will introduce minimum performance standards, which will target the poorest-performing buildings – many of which are traditionally built. Currently, inappropriate thermal upgrading methods and insulation materials are widely used in traditional buildings, which can often result in long-term moisture and fabric degradation. The objective of Retrofit of TradFabs is to provide knowledge and increased certainty around the appropriate thermal upgrading of solid masonry walls and traditional windows and doors.

The proposed research will use the equipment, processes and material data established in FabTrads (current ongoing research project by the applicants, funded by SEAI) to test and analyse pre- and post-retrofit solid masonry walls to characterise the complex hygrothermal performance of the wall as a whole, thereby going beyond the characterisation of walls by individual materials. The project will thoroughly investigate the impact of thermally retrofitting walls by (i) determining the laboratory-based thermal and hygrothermal properties of traditional walls including air voids and interfaces between mortar, masonry and insulations, (ii) investigating the in-situ performance of traditional walls by monitoring the moisture and thermal performance of both laboratory constructed walls and existing buildings pre- and post-retrofit with a range of internal insulations, (iii) developing hygrothermal models using results from lab tests and (iv) monitoring and modelling heat transfer through complex areas of walls such as floor junctions and through openings (windows and doors) to investigate optimum and safe retrofit strategies.