Innovative and easy-to-implement moisture monitoring system for brick units. (20th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cacciotti, Riccardo; Valach, Jaroslav; Wolf, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 186(2018)
• Page Start: 598
• Page End: 614
• Publication Date: 2018-10-20
• Subjects: Brick unit -- Moisture content -- Monitoring -- Electrical resistance -- Graphite powder; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Graphite sensor can effectively monitor moisture in masonry due to rain penetration. Graphite-resin mix gives electrode electrical conductivity, viscosity and strength. The proposed system detects different moisture regimes and transport mechanisms. Calibration procedure converts electrical resistance into moisture content values. System fosters non-destructive, repeatable measurement with adequate resolution. Abstract: The system measures the change in electrical resistance due to the presence of water. It is composed of an electronic board and brick (P20) instrumented with graphite electrode-couple sensors. It is mainly designed for the laboratory evaluation of rain penetration in masonry components. The system successfully monitors the change in moisture content correctly detecting storage and transport mechanisms. Compared to similar systems it is cost-effective with easy fabrication and installation, fostering non-destructive, repeatable measurements with adequate space and time resolution, identifying transient conditions at different depths into building components. Application to real structures is proposed as future work.