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EP-4741823-A1 - HUMIDITY MEASURING DEVICE FOR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTIONS AND RELATED METHOD

EP4741823A1EP 4741823 A1EP4741823 A1EP 4741823A1EP-4741823-A1

Abstract

A humidity measuring device (100) for measuring humidity of a construction (1) comprising a cementitious material (2) and a related method are disclosed. A casing (110) of the device (100) has a first set (111) of through-holes and a second set (112) of through-holes. A cavity (130) of the casing (110) is in fluid communication with the first and second sets (111, 112) of through-holes. A first vapor-permeable membrane (151) is arranged at the first set (111) of through-holes. A second vapor-permeable membrane (152) is arranged at the second set (112) of through-holes. At least one of the first and second vapor-permeable membranes (151, 152) is oleophobic and hydrophobic.

Inventors

  • HAHTO, Rickard

Assignees

  • ElectroTech Kalix AB

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20251107

Claims (9)

  1. A humidity measuring device (100) for measuring humidity of a construction (1) comprising a cementitious material (2), wherein the humidity measuring device (100) comprises: a casing (110) having a first set (111) of through-holes and a second set (112) of through-holes, wherein the casing (110) comprises a cavity (130) that is in fluid communication with the first set (111) of through-holes and the second set (112) of through-holes, and a humidity sensor (120) configured to measure water vapor content in humid air in the cavity (130), wherein the humidity sensor (120) is arranged in the cavity (130), wherein the first set (111) of through-holes and the second set (112) of through-holes are arranged at spaced positions of the casing (110) to allow the humid air to be received at the humidity sensor (120) when the humidity measuring device (100) is installed in the construction (1), wherein the measuring device (100) comprises a first vapor-permeable membrane (151) arranged at the first set (111) of through-holes, and a second vapor-permeable membrane (152) arranged at the second set (112) of through-holes, wherein the humidity measuring device (100) is characterized by that at least one of the first and second vapor-permeable membranes (151, 152) is oleophobic and hydrophobic.
  2. The humidity measuring device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (130) has a volume of less than 15 milliliters, preferably less than 10 milliliters.
  3. The humidity measuring device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one of the first and second vapor-permeable membranes (151, 152) is provided with an oleophobic coating,
  4. The humidity measuring device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the humidity sensor (120) is a surface mounted humidity sensor with a single flat surface (121) that is sensible to humidity.
  5. The humidity measuring device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the humidity sensor (120) is arranged to be oriented such that the flat surface (121) faces downwards and/or sideways, when the humidity measuring device (100) is installed in the mold (200) or is embedded in the construction (1).
  6. The humidity measuring device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the humidity measuring device (100) comprises a protective arrangement (160) arranged at the first and second vapor-permeable membranes (151, 152), thereby protecting the first and second vapor-permeable membranes (151, 152) from mechanical damage and/or wear before and/or during installation in the construction (1).
  7. The humidity measuring device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the protective arrangement (160) has pass-through holes (161) for receiving the cementitious material (2), wherein the pass-through holes (161) are located in the protective arrangement (160) in the vicinity of the first set (111) of through-holes and/or the second set (112) of through-holes, wherein preferably the pass-through holes (161) form a grid, a lattice, an irregular pattern, or a regular pattern.
  8. The humidity measuring device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second sets (111, 112) of through-holes and the cavity (130) are arranged and configured to cause the humid air to flow vertically, or substantially vertically, at least in the vicinity of the humidity sensor (120).
  9. The humidity measuring device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first set (111) of through-holes emerges at a first outer surface (103) of the casing (110), wherein the first outer surface (103) faces in a first direction (D1) that is at an obtuse or right angle with respect to a second direction (D2) in which a second outer surface (104) faces, wherein the second set (112) of through-holes emerges at the second outer surface (104), or wherein the first direction (D1) is parallel with the second direction (D2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The embodiments herein relate to monitoring humidity in concrete curing environments, such as newly cast concrete constructions. In particular, a humidity measurement device and a related method are disclosed. BACKGROUND Measuring the humidity in concrete is essential in various construction and maintenance applications to ensure structural stability, durability, and optimal curing. Accurate humidity measurements help monitor concrete hydration during curing, and determine the appropriate timing for applying surface treatments and/or applying further constructional or surface layers. This data is also valuable in long-term monitoring of existing structures, helping to identify potential moisture-related issues that may compromise integrity over time. However, ensuring accurate humidity measurements in concrete presents several challenges. The high moisture content of freshly mixed concrete, coupled with environmental fluctuations, makes it difficult to obtain reliable readings. Condensation, in particular, poses a significant problem, as it interferes with sensor readings, potentially leading to false data and sensor degradation. Inaccurate measurements risk premature application of surface layers or further construction, which can inadvertently trap moisture within the structure. Over time, this trapped moisture may lead to mold growth, release of volatile compounds, material degradation, and compromised structural health. In addition, release of volatile compounds can cause health problems for humans. To prevent these issues, it is crucial to monitor humidity levels carefully to confirm that the concrete is sufficiently dry before proceeding with subsequent construction phases, such as applying surface treatments. By ensuring that excess moisture is not present, builders can mitigate the risks of mold formation and extend the lifespan of the structure, promoting a safer and more durable built environment. EP2699901B1 discloses a measurement device for determining parameters of screeds in a building construction. The measurement device has a housing in which a moisture sensor is arranged. The moisture sensor can determine the residual moisture of the screed in a non-destructive manner. The housing has at least one interior chamber which is in communication with surroundings of the housing via at least two openings, e.g. designed as grids to prevent solids of liquid screeds from entering the chamber. The opening(s) can be closed by water vapor permeable membrane(s) arranged in the interior of the measuring device. The moisture sensor is arranged in the interior chamber. The housing of the measurement device has fastening means, by means of which the measurement device can be fixed to a carrier layer. In view of the above, a problem may thus be how to provide reliable and/or accurate measurement device for measuring humidity in the context of concrete curing. SUMMARY An object is to alleviate, or eliminate, one or more of the problems and/or disadvantages mentioned herein. This object, or possibly other objects, can be achieved by the independent claims appended herewith. According to an aspect, there is provided a humidity measuring device for measuring humidity of a construction comprising a cementitious material. The humidity measuring device comprises a casing having a first set of through-holes and a second set of through-holes, wherein the casing comprises a cavity that is in fluid communication with the first set of through-holes and the second set of through-holes, and a humidity sensor configured to measure water vapor content in humid air in the cavity, wherein the humidity sensor is arranged in the cavity. The first set of through-holes and the second set of through-holes are arranged at spaced positions of the casing to allow the humid air to be received, e.g., from beneath, at the humidity sensor when the humidity measuring device is installed in the construction. Furthermore, the measuring device comprises a first vapor-permeable membrane arranged at, e.g. covering, or the like, the first set of through-holes, and a second vapor-permeable membrane arranged at, e.g. covering, or the like, the second set of through-holes. At least one of the first and second vapor-permeable membranes is oleophobic and hydrophobic. Thanks to that at least one of the first and second vapor-permeable membranes is oleophobic gathering of the cementitious material on and/or clogging of the membrane(s) by the cementitious material can be prevented, or at least reduced. This is unexpected, since the cementitious material, such as a concrete mixture, or the like, is typically a water-based mixture, which normally can be repelled, or turned away, by a hydrophobic membrane. Since gathering at, or clogging of, the membrane(s) is reduced, the humid air is not obstructed, or at least less obstructed, when passing in and/or out of the humidity measuring device, e.g. in and/or out of the casing, and e.g. in more