The use of a thermal dual - Probe for the moisture measurement of building fabrics: The testing of the technique via comparisons with measurements from an x-ray system

Z. Ye*, M. Tirovic, M. Davies, P. H. Baker, M. C. Phillipson, C. H. Sanders, G. H. Galbraith, R. C. McLean

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The measurement of moisture in building fabrics has been of interest for many years due to the potentially devastating consequences of moisture problems within buildings. A range of potential techniques are available with which to measure the moisture content of building fabrics in-situ and this paper focuses on one particular technique, the 'thermal dual-probe'. Note that this method is distinct from the single probe technique. Essentially, a short pulse of electrical energy is applied to a wire within the 'heating' needle. A separate 'temperature sensor' needle, which incorporates a thermocouple (for example), records the resulting maximum temperature rise in the material at a certain distance from the heating needle from which the moisture content can be deduced. This approach offers the potential for some significant advantages over existing techniques. Whilst the technique has been successfully applied to soil measurements, a reliable and appropriate dual-probe system for in-situ measurements in building fabrics has not previously been established. This study (funded by the UK Government's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) has, for the first time, successfully optimised the technique for this particular application via extensive Finite Element modelling and experimental work. Previous work by the authors has compared moisture measurements taken using the thermal dual- probe with those obtained from gravimetric analyses. Close agreement between the two techniques was achieved. This current work extends the development of the thermal dual-probe via comparisons with moisture distribution measurements made using an X-ray absorption system. This paper details the experimental work and the results obtained. Encouraging agreement between the two methods was achieved. This work is significant as it opens up the possibility of using this technique reliably in the field for an application such as monitoring the drying out of a structure post-flood.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIAQVEC 2007 Proceedings - 6th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings: Sustainable Built Environment
PublisherTohoku University Press
Pages253-260
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9784861630705
Publication statusPublished - 31 Oct 2007
Event6th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings: Sustainable Built Environment - Sendai, Japan
Duration: 28 Oct 200731 Oct 2007

Publication series

NameIAQVEC 2007 Proceedings - 6th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings: Sustainable Built Environment
Volume1

Conference

Conference6th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings: Sustainable Built Environment
Abbreviated titleIAQVEC 2007
Country/TerritoryJapan
CitySendai
Period28/10/0731/10/07

Keywords

  • Measurement
  • Moisture
  • Thermal dual-probe
  • X-ray

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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