Porosity effects on water vapour permeability in earthen materials: experimental evidence and modelling description

Casnedi, Ludovica;Cappai, Marta;Cincotti, Alberto;Delogu, Francesco;Pia, Giorgio

2020-01-01

---

Abstract

This work focuses on the relationship between water vapour permeability and porosity in earthen materials. Earth blocks have been suitably fabricated and their pore size distribution evaluated along with water vapour permeability. Experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions obtained from a fractal model relating porosity to transport processes. Experimental and modelling outcomes compare remarkably well, thus making the fractal model show promise for addressing the design of earth materials with tailored properties.