Microwave radiation and its application on construction materials

Abstract

Drying structures using high-frequency electromagnetic radiation or microwave technology is currently gaining much more usage in the engineering practice. The goal of the method is the quickest elimination of water in construction (wall, floor structure, etc.). Microwave is a part of the electromagnetic radiation of frequency between 300 MHz and 300 GHz and wavelength between 1 mm and 1 m. The frequency of 2.45 GHz and 122 mm wavelength is used for engineering practice. Due to the effect of microwave radiation the divergent homogeneity of temperature field of different building materials can be observed.

This article discusses the spread of thermal field depending on the volume of water and thereby the size of mass humidity of the given material (timber). The temperature fields will be observed by a thermo camera, always after a certain time cycles of the heating.

Keywords:

• humidity
• temperature field
• microwave radiation
• moisture transport
• microwave drying

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Martin Procházka

Martin PROCHÁZKA, Ing. He acquired Master’s degree at Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, in 2014. Nowadays he is a student of doctoral study programme. His research is focused on Analysis of the destruction of biotic pests, which he has several time disscused at international conferences.

Jindřich Sobotka

Jindřich SOBOTKA, Ing., PhD. He acquired Master’s degree at Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, in 2010, and doctoral study programme in 2015. Nowadays he is a assistent Faculty of civil engineering, Brno university of technology. His research is focused on destruction of biotic pests and building dehumidification, which he has several time disscused at international conferences.

Karel Šuhajda

Karel ŠUHAJDA. Dr, Ing., PhD. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Techhnology. Research interests: theory and structural engineering constructions.

Miloslav Novotny

Miloslav NOVOTNY. Professor of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Techhnology. Research interests: issues involved with timber structures, the roof structures of buildings i.e. wooden load-bearing structures as well as sheet and sectional coverings, failures and reconstructions of buildings with a focus on the remediation of dampness in timber, and the application of the possible use of microwave radiation in construction practice.