| Learning programme | Building Airtightness Evaluation | |||
| Goals/Objectives | ||||
| Total number of hours | 14 | Total number of credits | N/A | |
| Minimum EQF for participants | 6 | |||
| Pre-curriculum conditions | Building Physics Elements, Heat and Mass Transfer | |||
Learning Outcomes
| Learning unit/ topic | Knowledge | Skills | Responsibility & autonomy |
| 1 | General introduction for airtightness concept.
Importance of airtightness in buildings, e.g. with reference to energy demand, heating load, thermal comfort and structural integrity |
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| Advanced Knowledge on on facts, principles, processes and general concepts on the necessity of airtightness, vapour control and windtightness, relationship between temperature, absolute humidity and relative humidity | Advancedl skills required to design and specify an airtightness strategy for different construction types and ability to select appropriate materials required to deal with specific challenges presented in unusual circumstances.
Cognitive and practical skills required to interpret the Sd values of different materials concerning vapour diffusiveness |
Taking Responsibility for formulating a logical procedure/sequence of work with reference to
airtightness concept. Taking Responsibility and confidence to stop progress on project advancement if necessary and risky.
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| 2 | Design and implementation principles with regards to airtightness. Mechanical ventilation system
Airtightness regulation requirements. Airtight of mechanical ventilation systems. Onsite methods of achieving airtightness |
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| Advanced Knowledge on the facts, principles, processes and general concepts relating to different approaches that can be used to regulate and control air, vapour and wind movement including equipments best-suited to different ventilation systems | Advanced skills required to design and specify an airtightness strategy for different mechanical ventilation systems and ability to select appropriate equipments required to deal with specific challenges presented in unusual circumstances. | Manage complex technical or professionals activities related to reviewing the work of others regarding airtightness of mechanical ventilation systems and make
decisions on design phase or on-site as to appropriate remedies where needed. Self management and awareness to know when it is advisable or necessary to consult with more experienced colleagues and members of the design team |
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| 3 | Design and implementation principles with regards to airtightness. Building envelope
Airtightness regulation requirements. Airtight envelope designs in solid, mixed and lightweight construction. Onsite methods of achieving airtightness |
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| Advanced Knowledge on the on the potential impact of interstitial condensation in terms of structural integrity and occupant health, on the varying ability of different materials to diffuse, absorb and retain moisture, on the potential condensation and structural risks associated with placing internal insulation in older brick buildings | Advanced skills required to design and specify an airtightness strategy for different construction types and ability to select appropriate materials required to deal with specific challenges presented in unusual circumstances.
Advanced skills required to interpret the Sd values of different materials concerning vapour diffusiveness
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Complex Management and supervision related to reviewing the work of others regarding vapour control and airtightness of building envelope and make
decisions on design phase or on-site as to appropriate remedies where needed. Self management and awareness to know when it is advisable or necessary to consult with more experienced colleagues and members of the design team |
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| 4 | Quality check and testing methodology
Awareness of potential weak spots. Verification and monitoring measures. Determination of the reference volume, carrying out a measurement, understanding of the contents of the measurement report, quality assurance. |
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| Advanced Knowledge on the of test procedures for the airtightness measurement and requirements | Advanced skills required to operate fans to create a pressure difference between inside and outside for the purposes of pre checking airtightness in advance of the official pressurisation tests | Complex Management related to performing a blower door test in accordance with international norms, including calculating the net volume and building envelope area | |
| 5 | Evaluation of envelope basic leakages. Possible solutions
Assessment of basic leakages (e.g. holes from nails, power sockets, window connection joints, unplastered exterior wall surfaces, sheeting that has become loose, penetrations that have not been airtightly sealed, open downpipes). |
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| Advanced Knowledge of suitable airtight sealing methods for envelope perforations. | Advanced skills required to identify leaks in a building envelope using a variety of methods including smoke sticks and thermography where practicable.
Advanced skills required to achieve high levels of airtightness using a broad variety of materials and methods including specialist skills in dealing with challenging 3-D connections as well as penetrations and transition points in the envelope |
Take Responsibility for managing and completion of tasks related to ensuring
absolute continuity of the three key layers providing vapour control, airtightness and windtightness and without tears or unsealed penetrations |
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| 6 | Evaluation of envelope serious leakages. Possible solutions
Assessment of serious leakages (ends of wooden beams in masonry construction, unplastered exterior walls behind interior cladding (e.g. stairs), regularly occurring penetrations (e.g. due to continuous rafters) |
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| Advanced Knowledge of suitable airtight methods for assesment of serious leakages and regularly occuring penetrations | Advanced skills required to achieve high levels of airtightness | Take Responsibility for completion of tasks related to ensuring
absolute continuity of the three key layers providing vapour control, airtightness and windtightness and without tears or unsealed penetrations |
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Detailed content of the topic (module)
| Learning unit/topic | Teaching methods (classical, video presentation, ppt presentation) | Type of activity (course, applied activity, practical activity) | No. of hours |
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classical, digital, interactive, powerpoint presentation | Course | 3 |
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classical, digital, interactive, powerpoint presentation | Course | 2 |
| 3. Design and implementation principles with regards to airtightness. Building envelope | classical, digital, interactive, powerpoint presentation | Course | 2 |
| 4. Quality check and testing methodology | classical, digital, interactive, powerpoint presentation | Course and applied activity | 3 |
| 5. Evaluation of envelope basic leakages. Possible solutions | classical, digital, interactive, powerpoint presentation | Course and applied activity | 2 |
| 6. Evaluation of envelope serious leakages. Possible solutions | classical, digital, interactive, powerpoint presentation | Course and applied activity | 2 |
| Total no. of hours | 14 | ||