EFFECT OF RAIN ON THE HEAT GAIN THROUGH BUILDING WALLS IN TROPICAL CLIMATES

A study was carried out to investigate the heat and moisture transfer through porous building walls exposed to outdoor weather conditions in cluding rain. A mathematical model which can account for rain effects on exterior building walls was developed. The model was verified under laboratory and outdoor conditions. The calibrated model was used to s tudy the effects of rain on heat gain through two typical building wal ls subjected to known weather conditions. It was found that significan t overestimation of the heat gain through porous walls could take plac e if rain effects were not accounted for. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Lt d.