Numerical and experimental data set for benchmarking hygroscopic buffering models

This paper presents experimental data measured in a bed of gypsum boards in the transient moisture transfer (TMT) facility at the University of Saskatchewan. The relative humidity and temperature were measured at two depths in a gypsum bed and the moisture accumulation was measured for the entire bed. Experiments were conducted for both coated (acrylic and latex paint) and uncoated gypsum. These experimental data are compared to simulated data from eight different numerical models. The agreement between the experimental and numerical data is good and often within the experimental uncertainty bounds. A sensitivity analysis was performed to show the influence of material properties such as sorption, vapour permeability and the transfer coefficients on the simulated results. One model examines hysteresis of the sorption isotherm.