Monitoring the effect of external conditions on the properties of building materials

Abstract

Durability of building materials, as a vital parameter affecting the lifetime of structures, is related to their resistance to harmful effects of the external environment. This article is aimed at studying the changes in the properties of frequently used building materials after being exposed for four years to weathering in the conditions of Prague, Czech Republic. The selected materials were sandstone, normal strength concrete, fired clay brick and autoclaved aerated concrete. Their resistance to weathering was assessed using the measurement of basic physical properties, mechanical properties and water vapour diffusion parameters.