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Phenomenologic analysis on the moisture flux through cracks in masonry constructions



Author(s): Klaas Calle, Nathan Van Den Bossche
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings on International RILEM Conference on Materials, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering Conference segment on Moisture in Materials and Structures
Editor(s): Kurt Kielsgaard Hansen, Carsten Rode and Lars-Olof Nilsson
ISBN: 978-2-35158-178-0
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-179-7
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 254 - 265
Total Pages: 12
Language : English


Abstract: Historic masonries contain a lot of cracks in different sizes and shapes because of structure movements over time, frost thaw cycles, poor workmanship and so many other reasons. But are these cracks worth mentioning in light of rain penetration and hygrothermal behavior? On the one hand most historic masonries are rather thick, so it can be assumed that the driving force for rain penetration, the pressure difference over the first brick layer, will be rather small if the interior finish is plastered relatively airtight. But on the other hand historic masonries have highly unreliable material properties and even air gapes in the construction cannot be excluded, which might lead to a vulnerable situation. To be able to discuss this subject for porous building materials the physical processes behind water penetration through cracks without pressure difference has to be discovered more precisely. Therefore preliminary rain penetration tests through slits in PMMA plates will be discussed depending on their width and direction. The pressure difference over the construction will be kept at 0 Pa most of the time to imitate the first brick layer of a thick historic wall construction with an air cavity behind it.


Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00


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