A TOOL TO PREDICT WATER ABSORPTION IN POROUS BUILDING MATERIALS

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Ana Sofia Guimarães (Author) FEUP; Vasco Peixoto De Freitas (Author) FEUP; Isabel Martins Ribeiro (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Porous Media

Vol. 20 No. 2

Pages: 127-141

ISSN: 1091-028X

Publisher: Begell House

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-NN4

DOI: 10.1615/jpormedia.v20.i2.30

Abstract (EN): The knowledge of moisture transfer in the inner parts of the materials and construction building components is of great importance for its characterization, durability, waterproofing, degradation appearance, and thermal behavior, causing changes with difficult performance prediction. Using simulation tools for the determination of water content profiles inside building materials is essential to predict the real behavior of those materials when in contact with moisture. The main characteristic of the proposed model is that it was developed to predict liquid water transport. It is based on water content potential instead of relative humidity potential, as is usually considered in approximations and numerical simulation programs. In liquid phase, the water content potential describes the phenomenon better, as can be seen in these results. This work describes the moisture transfer process in building materials when in liquid water absorption processes. Mathematical one-dimensional equations were undertaken to obtain values of water content along the materials. Based on the water content potential a numerical program was also developed able to suitably simulate the transport of liquid water along a constructive element. To validate the model and the simulation results, capillary absorption tests and gamma-ray hydric profiles with red brick and autoclaved cellular concrete were done. Material properties and climate data necessary to the simulation were also measured. The results of the experiments are in good accordance with the executed simulations, which means that this approach can straightforwardly be used to study the watertight integrity of the building materials.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15