Empowerment of decision-makers in mould remediation

Although research efforts have been conducted to prevent mould problems in the building industry, practical and comprehensive mould risk-assessment methods have not been developed. Mould is typically the result of unexpected behaviour, which cannot be explained by current deterministic simulation models, except in those cases where an obvious design or construction error can be identified. In most other cases, a more sophisticated approach is necessary. The consideration of uncertainties associated with building parameters helps to identify the risk that 'unexplained' mould growth will occur. A new probabilistic mould risk-assessment method is employed, introducing a novel mould risk indicator (MRI). The MRI captures the risk of mould occurrence at identified 'trouble spots' under uncertainty. A real case study shows how mould risks can be determined by incorporating uncertainty associated with various mechanisms of mould phenomenon. The value of information about mould risks is demonstrated in the decision-making process concerning remediation of an actual case of mould infestation. The MRI enables the best selection of remediation actions for the preferences of the decision-maker. This approach has the ability to increase the confidence in the right choice of remedial action. A detailed case study is presented to demonstrate the approach.