Preliminary Assessment of Dampness in Walls of Residential Buildings in Four Climatic Zones in Ghana

Agyekum, Kofı; Ayarkwa, Joshua; Koranteng, Christian; Adinyira, Emmanuel

doi:10.5539/jsd.v6n9p51

Cited by 13 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Building related illness such as headaches, skin irritation, memory loss, loss of concentration, blood pressure, pulse, brain activity, biorhythms and watering eyes/nose have been reported in several studies (Claudio et al, 2016;Gou and Lau, 2012;Tanner, 2000;Vafaeenasah et al, 2015;Wong and Jan, 2003). Putus (2012) and Agyekum et al (2013) have associated health problems experienced in buildings with low functionality of building facilities. Defects reduce the efficiency and performance of indoor spaces in academic buildings.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Educational building conditions and the health of users

Abisuga

Famakin

Oshodi

2016

CEB

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In order to maintain a healthy learning environment, diagnosis and management of defects in the educational facility are paramount. The preliminary results of the ongoing research reported here seek to identify defects associated with educational buildings and their effects on the health of polytechnic students and staff in Nigeria. A questionnaire survey, including 34 defects based on a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) was used to establish relationships with the health of polytechnic students and staff. Two hundred (200) respondents were randomly selected based on their schools (faculty) within Lagos State Polytechnic. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis of the collected data. The results of the study indicate that defects such as plumbing and dampness problems, cobwebs and dust, are prominent in the institution. Also the relationship between building conditions (defects) and health problems was established, with the predictors of the health problems. Based on the findings, it is important for designers and managers of facilities within tertiary institutions to develop and implement design and maintenance policies targeted at minimizing the likelihood of plumbing, dampness, electrical, cobweb and dust problems in educational buildings due to the health risks induced by the defects. It is evident that effective maintenance schedules and policies should be put in place to ensure that facilities are not left to decay before replacement.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Educational building conditions and the health of users

Abisuga

Famakin

Oshodi

2016

CEB

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“…Dampness can also be defined as an excessive quantity of moisture contained in building materials and components that cause adverse movements or deterioration, resulting in unacceptable internal environmental conditions [1]. Dampness is defined as the amount of moisture content present in a material and classified it as capillary moisture content, equilibrium moisture content, hygroscopic water content, total water content, and potential moisture content [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preventing Dampness Related Health Risks at the Design Stage of Buildings in Mediterranean Climates: A Cyprus Case Study

et al. 2018

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Dampness is a major building challenge that poses a health risk by aiding the growth of mold and other related microorganisms in very humid areas. Thus, the correction of these post-effects results in high maintenance costs via energy consumption, due to the prolonged heating of damp rooms and post-treatment, especially during the winter. A survey of 2000 valid respondents living in apartment-style buildings was conducted and analyzed using SPSS software. In this study, the AutoDesk Computational Fluid Dynamics (ACFD) software was used to perform a simulation for building materials analysis, to evaluate them for suitability in high humidity areas and to select the best building orientation for adequate and natural ventilation. The analysis aimed to observe the indoor air conditions due to environmental air flow conditions. The relationships of the airflow conditions to the material properties were measured. The methodology involves a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis to determine the level and nature of the dampness sources. The Design-Expert Statistical-Software 10 confirmed the simulation results. The simulation revealed a lower percentage of relative humidity and temperature in Adobe walls than in brick walls.

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“…The slow process of absorption of water into block wall with subsequent evaporation leads to gradual deposit of salts in masonry walls. The masonry wall acts as a filter system for impure water as the various soluble salts are drawn into the wall and are left behind [15].…”

Section: Causes Of Rising Dampmentioning

confidence: 99%

Construction Practices Contributing to Rising Damp in Kumasi Metropolitan and Ejisu Municipal Assemblies in Ghana

Asamoah

Ankrah

Bannor

et al. 2017

Journal of Construction Engineering

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Buildings represent significant investment of developers and, as such, it is important to ensure value for the capital injected into the construction of buildings. Unfortunately, due to neglect of proper construction practices, buildings are facing defects, and one of such defects is rising damp. This study sought to identify some of the construction practices contributing to rising damp in buildings and their effects and suggest some remedial measures for controlling and treatment of rising damps. Snowball sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to gather data from a cross section of 78 building environment professionals in Kumasi and Ejisu who have experienced the effects of moisture rise. Relative Importance Index was used to rank the significance of the causes. The study revealed that failure to use damp-proof membrane or course, presence of groundwater, porosity of masonry, and concrete element sand flooding were the main causes of rising damp. Undersetting and saw slotting, making good plumbing leakages, using approved waterproof chemical injection, and application of admixtures were the main measures recommended to avert rising damp.

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Preliminary Assessment of Dampness in Walls of Residential Buildings in Four Climatic Zones in Ghana

Cited by 13 publications

References 3 publications

Educational building conditions and the health of users

Educational building conditions and the health of users

Preventing Dampness Related Health Risks at the Design Stage of Buildings in Mediterranean Climates: A Cyprus Case Study

Construction Practices Contributing to Rising Damp in Kumasi Metropolitan and Ejisu Municipal Assemblies in Ghana

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