Use of EMW radiation in the building industry at defects in buildings

Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Building Structures, Veveří 95, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic

^* Corresponding author: sobotka.j@fce.vutbr.cz

Abstract

This paper discusses theory and application of microwave radiation and experimental optimization of microwave radiation to eliminate moisture content in wood elements. It will be appreciated that the rising moisture leaking into the structure, resulting in defects and structures of the buildings themselves. Owing to its properties, microwave radiation has been used in the construction industry in modern times, in particular to dry wet masonry of buildings. Effects of electromagnetic radiation on building structures lead to relatively sharp decreases in moisture content from damp building structures or elements. The influence of electromagnetic radiation on building structures lead to oscillation of water molecules contained in the material, which cause a phase transformation of water into vapour. Consequently, the vapour evaporates from the moist material, thereby drying the element exposed to radiation. The article describes experiments carried out at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Faculty of Technology in Brno that demonstrate successful decrease of water content in building materials using microwave radiation. First, the understanding of microwave radiation will be discussed. Following an analysis of research results an optimum intensity of microwave radiation sources as well as the necessary length of the irradiation of microwave radiation have been determined with respect to the particular type of building material and the success rate of elimination of moisture.