Statistical quantification of the effect of temperature on capillary water absorption in some porous building materials. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hanumanthu, Korakuti; Sarkar, Kaustav
• Is Part Of: Building and environment. Volume 198(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Porous building materials -- Temperature -- Capillary water absorption coefficient -- ANOVA; Buildings -- Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; Constructions -- Technique de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 696
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107889
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-1323

Abstract

Abstract: The capillary water absorption coefficient is an important transport property that facilitates a relative assessment of the potential durability of porous building materials. The dependence of this water transport property on temperature has been widely studied, sometimes with conflicting conclusions. This study undertakes a statistical investigation using ANOVA and Fisher's LSD post hoc analysis to determine the contribution of temperature as a factor towards influencing the transport parameter. The analysis uses data harvested from previously published independent sources and that obtained through laboratory experimentation. A total of one-hundred-and-eighty-nine test samples covering forty-eight materials in the temperature range of 3–80 °C were analysed. Results reveal that experimental errors and sample inhomogeneity can mask the effect of temperature leading to incorrect interpretations. An increase in resistance to water absorption concomitant to the reduction of porosity can also outweigh the effect of temperature in cementitious systems. A previously reported model based on the Lucas-Washburn law, with due calibration for a given material, can describe the temperature dependence of the transport parameter. Highlights: Temperature is a significant factor in influencing the water absorption process. The sample inhomogeneity can mask the effect of temperature on A cap . Reduction of porosity can outweigh temperature towards influencing A cap . Lucas-Washburn law can describe the temperature dependence of A cap .