Björn JohannessonView profile
Professor
Björn Johannesson is a Professor of Building Physics in the Department of Building Technology at Linnaeus University's Faculty of Technology. His research focuses on coupled mass and heat transport processes in porous building materials including concrete, wood, and bricks. He leads research groups in Building Physics and Wood Building Technology, and is associated with the Linnaeus University Centre for Competitive Timber Structures. His work has significant implications for understanding moisture damage in building envelopes and material degradation due to corrosion, frost damage, and wood deformation. PhD in Transport and Sorption Phenomena in Concrete and Other Porous Media (2000), Lund University Licentiate in Modelling of Transport Processes Involved in Service Life Prediction of Concrete (1998), Lund University Professor Johannesson's research primarily centers on coupled mass transport and heat transport processes in porous building materials such as wood, concrete, and bricks. These phenomena are critical for understanding moisture damage in building envelopes and material degradation mechanisms. His work combines theoretical concepts from continuum mechanics and mixture theory with thermodynamic principles to derive constitutive equations. He develops time-dependent and coupled finite element methods to numerically solve governing equations, with applications ranging from simulating degradation processes in concrete to optimizing environmentally friendly concrete binders over a 100-year perspective. His research also addresses mold growth on single-layer sealed facades and moisture-safe construction of wooden houses. Analysis of Professor Johannesson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on multiphase moisture and heat transport in porous materials, particularly in wood and concrete. His work consistently applies advanced numerical methods, especially finite element techniques, to solve complex coupled transport phenomena. A significant portion of his research addresses concrete durability issues including chloride ingress, frost damage, and chemical reactions. The development and application of the hybrid mixture theory appears as a unifying framework across his publications. His more recent work shows an increasing emphasis on wood building technology and sustainable construction methods, reflecting a strategic shift toward environmentally conscious building practices while maintaining his strong foundation in transport phenomena modeling. Professor Johannesson actively supervises doctoral students in specialized areas of continuum mechanics, mixture theory, and numerical methods for solving coupled time-dependent differential equations. His teaching spans undergraduate courses in building materials science, building physics, and concrete technology, as well as doctoral-level instruction in advanced mechanics topics. His research is supported through ongoing projects focused on sustainable timber construction and mechanical long-term effects in dowel connections for extended building lifespan and material reuse. Professor Johannesson leads the Building Physics research group and is affiliated with the Linnaeus University Centre for Competitive Timber Structures. His research environment maintains strong collaborations with VKAB (Växjö Kommunföretag AB) and regional industries, focusing on producing new and renovating old wooden houses in moisture-proof and energy-efficient ways. His work bridges theoretical continuum mechanics with practical building technology applications, creating a robust research ecosystem that addresses both fundamental scientific questions and real-world construction challenges.
