Introduction

The present invention describes a method and system for activating and controlling the process of water repulsion in wall structures. The activation takes place by introducing fluid resins under pressure which are mobilized via electrophoresis, whilst microgeophysical methods are used to control the flow in near-real time. This can be of interest to the construction sector particularly in the field of building reclamation.

Technical features

The dehumidification procedure consists of the following steps: 1) Carry out “blank” investigations on the wall to ascertain their physical condition, to be later used as reference for subsequent tests. 2) Insert an over-pressurized fluid resin (emulsion), which has been heated to measure 3°C higher than the environmental temperature, and direct it with electrophoretic methods towards the negative pole. 3) Follow the progress of the emulsions inside the wall, with a series of time-lapse geophysical tests (2D and 3D ERT, EM, SP, thermography and thermal tomography, micro seismic etc.). The resin moves the interstitial water, which is collected at the cathode which also acts as a drainage tube. 4) Modify the electrical and mechanical injection parameters to optimize dehumidification.

Possible Applications

• Construction sector, in particular in the reclamation of stone buildings.

Advantages

• Moisture monitoring;
• Control and addressing of reclamation substances;
• Verification of progress, correction of control parameters, verification of completion of reclamation.
• Final testing.