Thesis Defense Announcement for Yuchen Chen – PhD in Wood and Biobased Materials Engineering, March 31, 2026, at 9:00 AM!
You are cordially invited to attend the thesis defence of Yuchen Chen for the PhD in Wood and Biobased Materials Engineering, which will take place in a hybrid format on March 31, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Université Laval.
For those who wish to attend online, here is the connection link : https://ulaval.zoom.us/j/63785655137?pwd=8c9tP0bR8TQ13FkAjeAeQdBagmiqif.1.
March 31, 2026, 9:00 AM
Gene-H.-Kruger Building
Room GHK-2320-2330
2425 De la Terrasse
Université Laval
Jury Members
- Chair: Eric R. Labelle – Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics, Université Laval
- Supervisor: Pierre Blanchet – Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics, Université Laval
- Co-Supervisor: Xiaodong Wang – Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering, Université du Québec à Rimouski
- Co-Supervisor: Louis Gosselin – Faculty of Science and Engineering, Université Laval
- Université Laval Examiner: Alain Cloutier – Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics, Université Laval
- Université Laval Examiner: Bertrand Laratte – Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics, Université Laval
- Université Laval Examiner: André Potvin – Faculty of Planning, Architecture, Art, and Design, Université Laval
- External Examiner: Adrien Gaudelas – Cecobois.
Title: Hygrothermal performance of biobased wall envelopes in cold and humid climates
Summary: The building sector plays a major role in global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which has driven increasing interest in sustainable construction materials. Among these, biobased insulation materials have attracted significant attention due to their low environmental impact and potential to improve building performance. However, their long-term hygrothermal performance under severe cold climate conditions remains insufficiently understood, particularly in regions such as Quebec.
This doctoral research investigates the hygrothermal performance of biobased insulated wood-frame wall assemblies exposed to cold and humid climates. The study combines numerical simulations and experimental investigations to evaluate the thermal and moisture behavior of different wall configurations using materials such as straw bales, cork, hemp, and wood fiber.
First, long-term hygrothermal simulations were conducted to assess the performance and durability of various biobased wall assemblies under realistic climate conditions. Then, optimized wall configurations were developed and analyzed. Finally, controlled climate chamber experiments were performed to examine the dynamic response of selected wall assemblies under step and sinusoidal temperature variations.
The results provide new insights into moisture transfer mechanisms, thermal performance, and durability of biobased wall envelopes in severe cold environments. The findings contribute to improving the design and implementation of sustainable building envelopes and support the development of low-carbon construction solutions adapted to northern climates.