Exploring Moisture Performance of Two Distinctive Solid Bricks underCurrent and Future Climate in London

Abstract

The increasing concerns surrounding climate change have raised apprehension about the heightened frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, globally as well as in the UK. Historic solid brick buildings, due to their construction materials and prolonged exposure to changing climate conditions, are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, resulting in increased moisture risks that undermine their durability. Understanding the moisture behaviour of solid bricks facing climate change is therefore significant. This study aims to investigate the moisture performance, with a specific focus on moisture content, of two distinct types of bricks: handmade bricks from the 19th century and more recent – early 20th century - bricks, under current and future climate scenarios in London. The results reveal that the more recent bricks can have greater susceptibility to climate changes, providing valuable insights for the implementation of effective moisture control strategies and informed decision-making in the retrofitting of solid brick buildings in the UK.

Full Paper