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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/C510305/1
Title: In-Situ Measurement of Moisture Content Profiles within Building Envelopes
Principal Investigator: Davies, Professor M
Other Investigators:
Ridley, Dr I
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Cranfield University Ecclesiastical Insurance Group Energy Monitoring Company Ltd
Historic Bldgs & Mnts Commis for England Historic Scotland Proctor Group Ltd
Protimeter plc Tarmac
Department: Bartlett Sch of Graduate Studies
Organisation: UCL
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 April 2005 Ends: 30 September 2008 Value (£): 134,969
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Building Ops & Management Civil Engineering Materials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Construction
Related Grants:
EP/C002229/1
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The use of computer-based models to simulate the hygrothermal performance of structures plays a critical role in the prevention and alleviation of moisture problems in buildings. However, the lack of reliable validation data from real buildings reduces confidence in the results and hampers further development, as no suitable instrumentation which can give accurate in-situ measurements is currently available. This project will overcome this deficiency by developing innovative measurement systems based on three different technologies: Time Domain Reflectometry, which is currently used in soil science but has yet to be applied to buildings, a Dual-Probe Heat Pulse technique, which has had some initial development by the applicants and an Electrical Resistance Array approach, which will enhance existing techniques to facilitate dynamic profile measurement. Three prototype systems will be optimised and their performance within a range of building materials assessed and compared under both laboratory and field conditions. A practical methodology for on-site measurements will be developed for each and evaluated in field trials on the facade of Brodick Castle, Arran, which is currently being used in a related EPSRC project. The new knowledge generated will result in a range of techniques which can be properly matched to the moisture measurement requirements of any particular on-site investigation either for model development or fault diagnosis.
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