Comparison of Measurement Possibilities by Non-Invasive Reflectometric Sensors and Invasive Probes

The measurement of the moisture content of building materials is of key importance both in the process of building structures and in their subsequent operation. In engineering practice, indirect techniques of moisture measurement, mainly, resistance and capacitive, are the most popular. The main objective of this research work was to compare the classic TDR measurement technique to the non-invasive, surface TDR sensors. Moisture measurements were carried out on samples made of cellular concrete with density class of 400 and 600. These samples were moist to various degrees, from 0 to 69% (400 c.c.) and from 0 to 55 (600 c.c.). For each sample, five measurements were carried out. Both the RMSE and the expanded uncertainty values were more favorable for the TDR FP/mts probe and were consistent with the literature data. Compared to them, the measurement result for the 400 c.c. samples with the S1 probe was 154.6%, and that with the S2 probe was 87.03% of the values obtained with the invasive probe. When measuring the 600 c.c. samples, we found values of 122.16% for S1 and of 120.1% for S2 of those obtained with the invasive probe. The use of surface TDR sensors provided an easy and quick measurement without damaging the surface and structure of the tested material, as there was no need to introduce the probe actuators inside the tested material.

Automated summary

The measurement of building material moisture content is crucial in both the construction and operation of building structures. The most popular techniques for moisture measurement are indirect methods, such as resistance and capacitive measurements. This study aimed to compare the classic TDR measurement technique with non-invasive surface TDR sensors. Moisture measurements were conducted on cellular concrete samples with density classes of 400 and 600, which were moist to varying degrees. The use of surface TDR sensors provided accurate and non-destructive measurements without the need to penetrate the tested material.