CEN/TR 14613:2003

Overview

CEN/TR 14613:2003 is a CEN Technical Report that provides the theoretical background and principles for assessing the thermal performance of moist building materials and components. The report focuses on how moisture in the hygroscopic range affects heat transfer and the thermal properties of materials. It is applicable to all material types but is explicitly limited to moisture contents within the hygroscopic (adsorbed moisture) range rather than bulk liquid moisture.

Key Topics

• Theory of moisture–heat coupling: conceptual principles describing how bound moisture modifies heat transfer mechanisms in porous and composite materials.
• Effect of hygroscopic moisture on thermal properties: how thermal conductivity, heat capacity and related properties vary with moisture content in the hygroscopic range.
• Principles for determination: guidance on the theoretical basis for measuring and modelling thermal properties of moist materials (measurement context and interpretation), without prescribing a single test procedure.
• Material universality: frameworks and assumptions that apply across different building materials and components while restricting scope to hygroscopic moisture levels.
• Terminology and definitions: consistent terms related to hygrothermal behaviour, moisture states, and thermal performance to support harmonised communication among practitioners.

Applications

CEN/TR 14613:2003 is intended to support better understanding and reliable evaluation of hygrothermal behaviour in buildings and components. Practical uses include:

• Informing laboratory testing strategies and interpretation of results when moisture is present in the hygroscopic range.
• Providing theoretical input for numerical hygrothermal models used in building physics and energy simulations.
• Guiding product development and specification for manufacturers of insulation, masonry, wood-based and other porous materials.
• Assisting designers and energy assessors to anticipate moisture-related changes in thermal performance for retrofit and new-build projects.
• Supporting research into moisture-dependent thermal behaviour across material classes.

Who uses this standard

• Building physicists and hygrothermal researchers
• Test laboratories and material characterization teams
• Manufacturers of insulation and porous building materials
• Architects, engineers and energy-performance assessors
• Standards bodies and technical committees developing measurement or calculation methods

Related standards

CEN/TR 14613 complements other CEN and ISO guidance on thermal insulation and hygrothermal properties. It should be used alongside applicable measurement standards and national/regional test methods that define specific test procedures and reporting formats for thermal properties and moisture content.

Keywords: CEN/TR 14613:2003, thermal performance, moist materials, hygroscopic range, thermal properties, heat transfer, hygrothermal, building materials, thermal conductivity, thermal insulation.