Water-repellent treatment of solid brick masonry

[aease]

Hello!

I applied the standard process by which we modify a layer to simulate a water-repellent treatment (A-value, etc.) and noticed that the moisture storage function of the "solid brick masonry" material (Fraunhofer-IBP database) remains unaffected.

Does this make sense, when the surface of the pores is meant to become hydrophobic and, therefore, inhibit water adsoption?

When I applied the same process to a single brick, the moisture storage function was recalculated, in a way that decreased the moisture content for RH values up to about 80% while increasing them for RH>80%.

Thank you in advance for your help,
Apostolos

[Christian Bludau]

Hi Apostoles,

in our approach the moisture storage function is not changed. The influence for such thin layers (a few centimeters) should be neglectable. In reality the moisture storage function should be lower, so we are on the safe side.

If a material has a moisture storage function which is approximated, then this will change by adapting the reference water content or the free water saturation. Changing the a-value does not influence the moisture storage function. Are you sure you changed the right value for the single brick?

Christian