Free of Volatile Organic Compounds Protection against Moisture in Building Materials/Zabezpieczenia Przegród Budowlanych Przed Wilgocią Wolne Od Lotnych Związków Organicznych

Abstract The article presents information about moisture protection of building materials. The discussed parameters determining the efficiency of the water protection are material porosity, water absorptivity and surface condition of building materials. Moreover the ecological aspect of hydrophobic VOC-free preparations available on the market has been underlined. The first part of the article is a description of moisture problem in the building envelopes and the possibilities of its prevention. The special attention is put on the electric methods of moisture estimation with a special emphasis on the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) method. The second part of the article is devoted an experiment of model red-brick walls exhibited on capillary uptake process. For the experiment three model red-brick walls were built and prepared for water uptake process. The experiment was monitored by the capacitive and surface TDR probes thanks to which the necessity of sampling and material destruction could be avoided. Conducted experiments show the progress of water uptake phenomenon in the model walls which differ in type of protection against moisture and prove the potential of the non-invasive measurements using the surface TDR probes. Basic physical parameters of the applied bricks were determined together with the reflectometric measurements. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the hydrophobic layer continuity.

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Is the Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Technique Suitable for Moisture Content Measurement in Low-Porosity Building Materials?

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12197855 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (19) ◽

pp. 7855 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Teresa Stingl Freitas ◽

Ana Sofia Guimarães ◽

Staf Roels ◽

Vasco Peixoto de Freitas ◽

Andrea Cataldo

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Time Domain ◽

Building Materials ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Gravimetric Method ◽

Time Domain Reflectometry ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

The Time Domain ◽

Low Porosity

Measuring moisture content in building materials is essential both for professional practice and for research. However, this is a very complex task, especially when long-term minor destructive measurements are desired. The time-domain reflectometry (TDR) technique is commonly used for soil moisture measurements, but its application in construction materials is considered a relatively new method, particularly for low-porosity building materials. The major obstacles to its current use in construction materials are (1) the difficulty of ensuring good contact between the TDR probe and the material, and (2) the lack of appropriate conversion functions between the measured relative permittivity and the moisture content of building materials. This paper intends to contribute to overcoming these difficulties by explaining in detail all the required steps to monitor moisture content in real-scale limestone walls. For that, a device is presented to guarantee the correct installation of the TDR probes on the walls, and a calibration procedure through the gravimetric method is proposed to avoid the use of an unsuitable calibration function developed for soil moisture measurements. In addition, the importance of the individual probe calibration is discussed, as well as TDR advantages and disadvantages for construction materials. The results obtained so far reveal that the TDR technique is suitable to detect moisture content variations in limestone, which is a low-porosity building material.

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A Noninvasive TDR Sensor to Measure the Moisture Content of Rigid Porous Materials

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s18113935 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 3935 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Zbigniew Suchorab ◽

Marcin Widomski ◽

Grzegorz Łagód ◽

Danuta Barnat-Hunek ◽

Dariusz Majerek

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Porous Materials ◽

Building Materials ◽

Capillary Rise ◽

Capacitive Sensor ◽

Time Domain Reflectometry ◽

Capillary Uptake ◽

Individual Calibration ◽

Sample Application ◽

The Time Domain

The article presents the potential application of the time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique to measure moisture transport in unsaturated porous materials. The research of the capillary uptake phenomenon in a sample of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) was conducted using a TDR sensor with the modified construction for non-invasive testing. In the paper the basic principles of the TDR method as a technique applied in metrology, and its potential for measurement of moisture in porous materials, including soils and porous building materials are presented. The second part of the article presents the experiment of capillary rise process in the AAC sample. Application of the custom sensor required its individual calibration, thus a unique model of regression between the readouts of apparent permittivity of the tested material and its moisture was developed. During the experiment moisture content was monitored in the sample exposed to water influence. Monitoring was conducted using the modified TDR sensor. The process was additionally measured using the standard frequency domain (FD) capacitive sensor in order to compare the readouts with traditional techniques of moisture detection. The uncertainty for testing AAC moisture, was expressed as RMSE (0.013 cm3/cm3) and expanded uncertainty (0.01–0.02 cm3/cm3 depending on moisture) was established along with calibration of the applied sensor. The obtained values are comparable to, or even better than, the features of the traditional invasive sensors utilizing universal calibration models. Both, the TDR and capacitive (FD) sensor enabled monitoring of capillary uptake phenomenon progress. It was noticed that at the end of the experiment the TDR readouts were 4.4% underestimated and the FD readouts were overestimated for 12.6% comparing to the reference gravimetric evaluation.

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Time Domain Reflectometry flat sensor for non-invasive monitoring of moisture changes in building materials

Measurement ◽

10.1016/j.measurement.2020.108091 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 165 ◽

pp. 108091 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zbigniew Suchorab ◽

Dariusz Majerek ◽

Václav Kočí ◽

Robert Černý

Keyword(s):

Time Domain ◽

Building Materials ◽

Time Domain Reflectometry ◽

Invasive Monitoring ◽

Non Invasive

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Moisture measurements of the chalk rock walls from Kazimierz Dolny with the application of TDR method

Budownictwo i Architektura ◽

10.35784/bud-arch.2317 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 125-140

Author(s):

Zbigniew Suchorab ◽

Danuta Barnat-Hunek ◽

Henryk Sobczuk

Keyword(s):

Time Domain ◽

Building Materials ◽

Capillary Rise ◽

Good Alternative ◽

Time Domain Reflectometry ◽

Composition Analysis ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Water Parameters ◽

Vistula River ◽

Structure Changes

The article presents monitoring measurements of the physical parameters and mineralogical-petrographical composition analysis of the chalk rock from the Kazimierz Dolny region. The experiments involve the reflectometric techniques TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) as a perspective alternative in moisture determinations. The investigation domain was the stone from the Castle of Janowiec by the Vistula river, which walls indicate the progressive corrosion depending on external exposition and age. Other object of investigations was the stone from quarry in Kazimierz Dolny. Porosimetric examinations of the chalk rock from the southern and northern elevation of the castle indicate differences in structure changes of the stones. These differences influence different behaviour of the chalk rock during capillary rise of water and salt solutions. It is connected with the suitable matching of the conservation protection, wall protecting preparations which kind and application depend on porosimetric parameters of the material. The TDR method is applied as a good alternative of water transport measurement in porous building materials and other water parameters characterisig described material.

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Valuation of the capillary uptake phenomenon in the wall of the historic building using the surface TDR probe

Budownictwo i Architektura ◽

10.35784/bud-arch.1964 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 083-093

Author(s):

Zbigniew Suchorab ◽

Stanisław Fic ◽

Danuta Barnat-Hunek

Keyword(s):

Building Materials ◽

Quantitative Estimation ◽

Capillary Rise ◽

Visual Observation ◽

Time Domain Reflectometry ◽

Capillary Uptake ◽

Historical Objects ◽

Vertical Variations ◽

Uptake Process ◽

Moisture Detection

Article discusses measuring potential of the TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) technique for terrain measurement of moisture in the masonries of the historical buildings. For the measurements it was applied modified TDR probe which enables noninvasive moisture detection in building materials, thus enables its application for in-situ measurements, especially in old, historical objects. Terrain measurements were realized on the external masonry made of red ceramic brick, being the part of the historical hospital located on the area of the “Wojewódzki Samodzielny Psychiatryczny Zespół Publicznych Zakładów Opieki Zdrowotnej im. prof. dr Jana Mazurkiewicza” in Pruszków. The masonry is stricken with capillary rise phenomenon by the water coming from the ground, which is also visible by visual observation. Conducted measurement enabled quantitative estimation of the phenomenon which threatens to the discussed object. Within the research, reflectometric measurements were conducted using the prototype surface TDR probes. Measurements were repeated to verify moisture changes in time. First series of measurement was conducted in summertime, in July 2010. The second one was conducted in November of the same year. Then, with the obtained data there were drawn moisture maps of the masonry, which indicated horizontal and vertical variations of moisture and interpretation of the obtained results enabled to confirm capillary uptake process in the examined masonry.

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Architectural ruins: geoculture of the anatomy of buildings as illustrated by Casa Ippolito, Malta

Heritage Science ◽

10.1186/s40494-021-00500-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lino Bianco

Keyword(s):

Material Culture ◽

Building Materials ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Primary Source ◽

Secondary Sources ◽

Non Invasive ◽

History Of ◽

Aerial Vehicle ◽

Materials Used ◽

Building Physics

AbstractRuins are a statement on the building materials used and the construction method employed. Casa Ippolito, now in ruins, is typical of 17th-century Maltese aristocratic country residences. It represents an illustration of secondary or anthropogenic geodiversity. This paper scrutinises these ruins as a primary source in reconstructing the building’s architecture. The methodology involved on-site geographical surveying, including visual inspection and non-invasive tests, a geological survey of the local lithostratigraphy, and examination of notarial deeds and secondary sources to support findings about the building’s history as read from its ruins. An unmanned aerial vehicle was used to digitally record the parlous state of the architectural structure and karsten tubes were used to quantify the surface porosity of the limestone. The results are expressed from four perspectives. The anatomy of Casa Ippolito, as revealed in its ruins, provides a cross-section of its building history and shows two distinct phases in its construction. The tissue of Casa Ippolito—the building elements and materials—speaks of the knowledge of raw materials and their properties among the builders who worked on both phases. The architectural history of Casa Ippolito reveals how it supported its inhabitants’ wellbeing in terms of shelter, water and food. Finally, the ruins in their present state bring to the fore the site’s potential for cultural tourism. This case study aims to show that such ruins are not just geocultural remains of historical built fabric. They are open wounds in the built structure; they underpin the anatomy of the building and support insights into its former dynamics. Ruins offer an essay in material culture and building physics. Architectural ruins of masonry structures are anthropogenic discourse rendered in stone which facilitate not only the reconstruction of spaces but also places for human users; they are a statement on the wellbeing of humanity throughout history.

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On the Dielectric Properties of Poly(glutamic acid) As Studied by the Time Domain Reflectometry Technique

Macromolecules ◽

10.1021/ma961513m ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 30 (4) ◽

pp. 1216-1217 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Bo Gestblom

Keyword(s):

Dielectric Properties ◽

Glutamic Acid ◽

Time Domain ◽

Time Domain Reflectometry ◽

The Time Domain

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Construction and calibration of TDR probes for volumetric water content estimation in a Distroferric Red Latosol

Engenharia Agrícola ◽

10.1590/s0100-69162013000500004 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 919-928 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rosimaldo Soncela ◽

Silvio C. Sampaio ◽

Marcio A. Vilas Boas ◽

Maria H. F. Tavares ◽

Adriana Smanhotto

Keyword(s):

Water Content ◽

Irrigation Management ◽

Time Domain Reflectometry ◽

Volumetric Water Content ◽

Coefficient Of Determination ◽

Calibration Model ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Disturbed Soil ◽

Red Latosol ◽

The Time Domain

The determination of volumetric water content of soils is an important factor in irrigation management. Among the indirect methods for estimating, the time-domain reflectometry (TDR) technique has received a significant attention. Like any other technique, it has advantages and disadvantages, but its greatest disadvantage is the need of calibration and high cost of acquisition. The main goal of this study was to establish a calibration model for the TDR equipment, Trase System Model 6050X1, to estimate the volumetric water content in a Distroferric Red Latosol. The calibration was carried out in a laboratory with disturbed soil samples under study, packed in PVC columns of a volume of 0.0078m³. The TDR probes were handcrafted with three rods and 0.20m long. They were vertically installed in soil columns, with a total of five probes per column and sixteen columns. The weightings were carried out in a digital scale, while daily readings of dielectric constant were obtained in TDR equipment. The linear model θν = 0.0103 Ka + 0.1900 to estimate the studied volumetric water content showed an excellent coefficient of determination (0.93), enabling the use of probes in indirect estimation of soil moisture.

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CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DA ÁGUA NO SOLO PARA IRRIGAÇÃO POR GOTEJAMENTO

Irriga ◽

10.15809/irriga.2009v14n4p564-577 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 564-577 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Leonardo Do Nascimento Lopes ◽

Elton Martins ◽

Bruno De Lima Santoro ◽

Claudinei Fonseca Souza

Keyword(s):

Water Content ◽

Time Domain ◽

Water Distribution ◽

Water Storage ◽

Time Domain Reflectometry ◽

Wetting Front ◽

Applied Water ◽

Flow Rates ◽

Abstract Knowledge ◽

The Time Domain

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DA ÁGUA NO SOLO PARA IRRIGAÇÃO POR GOTEJAMENTO Leonardo do Nascimento Lopes1; Elton Martins2; Bruno de Lima Santoro2; Claudinei Fonseca Souza31Universidade de Taubaté, Unitau, Taubaté, SP, [email protected] Engenharia Civil e Ambiental, Universidade de Taubaté, Taubaté, Unitau, SP 3Departamento de Recursos Naturais e Proteção Ambiental, Universidade Federal São Carlos, São Carlos, SP 1 RESUMO O conhecimento da distribuição da água no solo é de grande importância para a agricultura, uma vez que a água é um dos fatores que mais influenciam o rendimento das culturas. Existem muitas técnicas utilizadas para o monitoramento do conteúdo de água do solo, a reflectometria domínio do tempo (TDR) tem sido difundida entre os pesquisadores por apresentar várias vantagens, entre as quais a determinação em tempo real e a possibilidade de leituras automatizadas. O principal objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a distribuição da água no perfil de um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo. Sondas de Reflectometria no domínio do Tempo (TDR) foram utilizadas para monitorar a distribuição de água no solo aplicada através de gotejadores de fluxo constante nas taxas de 2, 4 e 8 Lh-1. Considerando os resultados de diferentes perfis, observa-se um maior armazenamento da água próximo do gotejador diminuindo progressivamente para frente de molhamento. Aproximadamente, um terço da água aplicada (33%) foi armazenado na primeira camada (0-0,10 m) para todos os ensaios. Comparando diferentes taxas de aplicação, observa-se maior armazenamento de água para o gotejador de 8L h-1, com 30, 33 e 34% de água aplicada acumulada na primeira camada (0-0.10 m) para gotejadores de 2, 4 e 8L h-1, respectivamente. Os resultados sugerem que, com base no volume e frequência utilizada neste experimento, seria vantajoso aplicar pequenas quantidades de água em intervalos mais frequentes para reduzir perdas por percolação. UNITERMOS: TDR, conteúdo de água, bulbo molhado LOPES, L. N.; MARTINS, E.; SANTORO, B. L.; SOUZA, C. F.WATER DISTRIBUTION CHARACTERIZATION IN SOIL FOR DRIP IRRIGATION 2 ABSTRACT Knowledge of water distribution in soil is of great importance to agriculture, since water is one of the factors that most influence the yield of crops. There are many techniques used to monitor soil water content. The time domain reflectometry (TDR) has been widespread among researchers because it presents several advantages, among which the determination in real time and possibility of automated readings. The main goal of this research was to evaluatethe water distribution in a profile of Red-Yellow Oxisol. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes were used to monitor the water distribution from drippers discharging at constant flow rates of 2, 4 and 8 Lh-1 in soil. Considering results from different profiles, we observed greater water storage near the dripper decreasing gradually towards the wetting front. About one third of the applied water (33%) was stored in the first layer (0-0.10 m) for all experiments. Comparing different dripper flow rates, we observed higher water storage for 8 L h-1, with 30, 33 and 34% of applied water accumulating in the first layer (0-0.10m) for dripper flow rates of 2, 4 and 8 L h-1, respectively. The results suggest that based on the volume and frequency used in this experiment, it would be advantageous to apply small amounts of water at more frequent intervals to reduce deep percolation losses of applied water. KEYWORDS: TDR, water content, wetted soil volume

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