Building Physics Laboratory

The Building Physics Lab is part of the Civil Engineering Laboratory at LTH which can be found via LTH Open Door. The Building Physics lab can provide equipment and expertise in large scale testing of building elements such as external walls and windows. The lab also conducts climate monitoring through a local weather station. With regard to teaching, the lab is used in education of civil engineers, fire safety engineers, amongst other students at LU.

In-house expertise 

At Building Physics we have a long tradition of studying heat and moisture transport through building envelopes. Typical topics include testing of thermal conductivity (U-values), thermal imaging, blower door testing, measurements of relative humidity and moisture content in materials.

User skill requirements 

A basic knowledge of how to use the equipment is expected, but not mandatory. A brief introduction to the equipment is included. Staff members are available for assistance depending on your specific requirements. Some of the equipment needs to be operated by our staff.  

Equipment 

We have a Guarded Hot Box for testing the thermal conductivity of building components such as walls and windows. The lab also hosts equipment for field measurements including infiltration air flow (air change rates), air temperature, surface temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content.

Typical customers/users 

Companies and researchers who want to measure heat transport through building components or look at moisture/temperature effects. 

Fees 

Information about the lab fees and lab access is available upon request, depending on the equipment and assistance needed and duration of the testing.  

Insurance and safety 

The instruments in our lab are very sensitive and expensive, therefore we expect users to have their own insurance. All users must sign a safety and security agreement before entering our premises and using the equipment.