Optimization methods for determination of moisture diffusivity of building materials in the drying phase

Abstract

The contemporary laboratory experiments aimed at identification of moisture diffusivity are often conducted for the adsorption phase only. Experimental results of such designed experiments are quite simple to be analyzed by inverse analysis. However, the liquid moisture transport may exhibit significant hysteresis. Therefore the laboratory experiments should cover both adsorption (wetting) and desorption (drying) phase. In this paper we present genetic algorithm as a possible method of solution of the inverse problem of moisture transport in desorption phase. Its application is demonstrated for AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) as a one of typical building materials for ecological buildings. © 2012 WIT Press.