Christina Higgins is the Acoustics and Building Physics Lead at Rimkus. She has an MSc in acoustic engineering, a PhD in civil and environmental engineering, and spent over a decade as an acoustic consultant in the construction industry. She has a holistic and systems-thinking approach to building performance and occupant comfort. In this series, Christina will talk through examples of the interface between different building physics-related issues which are at the root of construction claims and disputes.
Introduction
Building physics is a field of science that describes the transfer of mass or energy between the inside and outside of a building, or within its components. This mass or energy can take the form of moisture, heat, light waves, or sound waves. Investigations into building physics-related issues require anything from analytical desk studies to physical measurements or advanced modelling of parameters.
Understanding Building Performance Issues Through a Systems Approach
Claims and disputes related to building physics may involve assessing overheating or thermal comfort, noise, vibration, ventilation adequacy, rights to light, indoor air quality, and damp and mould. Many of these issues overlap and influence one another. Generally, engineering disciplines exist in siloes, out of necessity given the vast amount of knowledge and experience required for each area, but much can be gained from investigating building issues using a systems thinking approach.
How Damp, Mould, Ventilation and Overheating Are Connected
How moisture is transported through the building fabric, for example, and subsequently the build-up of damp and mould, is affected by the ventilation strategy. That ventilation strategy might have been designed in part to minimise external noise ingress but will also, in turn, influence indoor air quality and the risk of the building overheating. Treating these areas as a single interconnected system leads to a better understanding of the root causes of issues.
Why Evidence-Based Building Physics Investigations Matter
“Building science” is another term used in industry that is perhaps more familiar than “building physics.” Technically, it encompasses building physics-related knowledge and practical experience of designing, constructing, and measuring buildings, as well as a social science approach to occupant comfort. As its definition has broadened, however, it has been somewhat watered down and is often used to lend weight to various disciplines and roles that do not include rigorous assessment of building physics. As with any branch of physics, the field is complex and evolving, and an academic, evidence-based approach is required to adequately investigate claims and disputes about building performance.
At Rimkus, our Building Physics and Acoustics team has extensive practical experience, coupled with a background in academic research, making us well-placed to determine the root causes of building performance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is building physics?
Building physics is a field of science that describes the transfer of mass or energy between the inside and outside of a building, or within its components. This mass or energy can take the form of moisture, heat, light waves, or sound waves.
What is “building science”?
An umbrella term used to describe the practical application of building physics principles and occupant comfort and social science methods to study how buildings and occupants interact.
Why is a systems approach important when investigating building performance issues?
Many building performance issues are interconnected. For example, a ventilation strategy designed to reduce noise ingress may inadvertently affect indoor air quality, overheating risk, or moisture levels within the building fabric. A systems approach considers these interactions to identify the true root cause of a problem rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
When is a building physics investigation required?
A building physics investigation may be required when there are concerns about damp and mould, condensation, overheating, thermal comfort, ventilation adequacy, noise, vibration, rights to light, or indoor air quality. Investigations can support claims, disputes, defect assessments, and the diagnosis of building performance issues.
This article is intended to provide general information and insights into prevailing industry practices. It is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, technical, or professional advice. The content does not replace consultation with a qualified expert or professional regarding the specific facts and circumstances of any particular matter.