CD var/Includes CD:An assessment of dampness in apartment buildings : A case study of Famagusta, North Cyprus

Includes references(93-104 p.)

'ABSTRACT Dampness is one of the many issues, which poses a problem in buildings both public and private. In recent years, building occupants have become more aware of dampness but most are still in the dark on the risk it poses to the structure as well as their health, as other studies have shown that there is a link between dampness and health of the occupants. This research attempts to identify the common factors contributing to dampness in apartment buildings, to see the prevalence of these indicators and postulates solutions to it. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted where primary data gotten via field survey and distribution of 2000 questionnaires was analyzed alongside secondary data gotten from other study's documentation. The structure of approach was the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to find the sources of dampness, which was then analyzed with Fault Mode Effect and Analysis (FMEA), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool to remediate and maintain the sources. The main finding of this research indicates that there is a significant association between space function and dampness, confirming that occupant's behaviour, design considerations and construction skills has a great impact on indoor dampness. The longer the number of hours spent by occupant in a room, the more the number of occurrence of these indicators. Most recorded indicators are window pane condensation 98.5%, visible mould spot 82.5%, visible damp stains 81.5%, cases of damp clothing/bedding 42.0% and 11.9% of mouldy odour was recorded. The analysis of two different materials, brick wall and Adobe wall was also tested by the use of computational fluid dynamics tool and it was discovered that brick walls keep more dampness in the spaces than adobe wall. Keywords: dampness, humidity, indoor air quality, residential buildings, health.'