Date of Award

10-1-2021

Publication Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Keywords

ASTM E514, Clay brick, Raked joint, Surface treatment, Veneer, Water penetration

Supervisor

S. Das

Supervisor

M. Kahlid

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess

Abstract

Rainwater penetration through building enclosures is one of the critical factors affecting building performance and durability. Understanding and assessing rainwater penetration within and through the veneer is crucial to controlling and avoiding moisture-related problems such as biological growth and corrosion in interior structural elements.

Adding a layer of clay bricks as a cladding to the windward surface of a building envelope is customary in Canadian residential building construction. Cladding made of clay bricks (often known as clay brick veneer) serves multiple purposes, such as providing additional thermal insulation, aiding in weather resistance, and improving the building’s aesthetics. Though clay brick veneer provides adequate weather resistance for the building, it does not offer complete resistance to rainwater penetration. Rainwater tends to seep through masonry walls, especially when rain is combined with heavy wind conditions. The accumulated excess moisture inside the building may degrade building materials, reduce the insulation quality, and facilitate the growth of fungal mold, endangering the health of the occupants of the building. Hence, studying the resistance of commonly used cladding systems to water penetration is of utmost importance.

The experimental program involved the through-wall water penetration of nine full-scale test panels as per ASTM E514/E514M - 20 and supplement surface treatment tests. The water permeance of the brick veneer under air pressure was studied in the laboratory. This research project is laid out to evaluate and compare the resilience of four commonly used clay bricks and stucco cladding systems when subjected to wind-driven rain.

Download

Share

COinS