Water movement in porous building materials—XIV. Absorption into a two-layer composite (SA < SB)

The absorption of water into a composite bar consisting of two dissimilar materials in hydraulic contact is considered. In the case analysed in this paper the first absorbing medium has a lower sorptivity than the second. The sharp wet front method of analysis is developed to describe the absorption process. Experimental data are reported for composite bars made of various plaster/sand mixes. It is concluded that the absorption of water into two-layer composites is ultimately controlled by the properties of the second material.