What is accumulation in construction?
Accumulation is the gradual build-up or storage of a substance or energy over a period of time. In construction, accumulation occurs in various contexts: heat accumulation in heavy building materials, water accumulation on roofs, and the build-up of sediment or debris in drainage systems.
Types of accumulation in construction
Heat accumulation (thermal mass)
Heavy building materials such as concrete, brick and natural stone have a high thermal mass. They absorb heat during the day from solar radiation or heating systems and release it slowly at night. This effect contributes to a stable indoor climate:
- Massive walls — a thick brick wall buffers temperature fluctuations
- Concrete floors — ideal in combination with underfloor heating, as the floor stores heat and releases it gradually
- Trombe wall — a purpose-designed wall behind a glazed facade that stores solar heat
Water accumulation
On flat roofs and in low-lying areas, water can build up:
- Flat roofs — if the drainage becomes blocked, rainwater accumulates on the roof. The increasing weight can lead to collapse (ponding failure)
- Blue roofs — deliberately designed to temporarily retain rainwater and release it slowly
- Infiltration systems — rainwater is accumulated in the ground rather than discharged to the sewer
Material accumulation
- Sedimentation — build-up of sand and silt in gutters, drains and sewers
- Salts — accumulation of salts in masonry through moisture migration, visible as efflorescence
Related terms
- Heat pump
- Insulation
- Roofing
- Building physics
- Retention
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