Identification of Moisture Diffusivity of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in the Form of Smooth Two-Variable Function

The identification of moisture diffusivity of autoclaved aerated concrete as a function of both temperature and moisture content is presented. At first, a series of laboratory experiments at various temperatures is carried out. Then, the measured moisture profiles along the sample are analyzed using inverse analysis. For the definition of moisture diffusivity an empirical formula is chosen and its parameters are identified by genetic algorithm. In this way, a single inverse analysis procedure is conducted that allows for the identification of one global smooth moisture diffusivity function depending on both temperature and moisture content. Since the hygrothermal performance of wall assemblies has a significant effect on energy efficiency of building envelopes, the identified material parameter may help to increase the accuracy of energy related calculations.