Rakennusfysikk

Rakennusfysikk, or building physics, is a discipline within building engineering that deals with the physical phenomena occurring in buildings. It focuses on understanding and predicting how buildings interact with their environment, particularly concerning heat, moisture, and air movement. The goal of building physics is to ensure a comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient indoor environment while also protecting the building structure from damage.

Key areas within building physics include thermal performance, which involves analyzing heat transfer through building elements such as walls, roofs, and windows. This is crucial for designing effective insulation and minimizing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Moisture management is another critical aspect, addressing how water vapor moves through building components and how to prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth and material degradation. Air tightness is also studied to control unwanted air leakage, which affects both energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Building physics principles are applied in the design, construction, and renovation of buildings. Through calculations and simulations, building physicists assess the performance of building materials and assemblies. They also conduct site investigations and measurements to verify performance and identify potential issues. Ultimately, building physics contributes to creating sustainable, durable, and comfortable living and working spaces by applying scientific principles to the built environment.