Research Associate Marissa Bartz adding water to the Rilem tube.
This test is used to determine the absorptivity of materials by measuring the length of time it takes a material to soak up 1 mL of water. We frequently use the Rilem test to examine how quickly building materials will absorb water/moisture. Running the test requires a specifically designed graduated tube temporarily sealed to the surface of the material with a putty, as well as water and a timer. The resulting data are reported as mL water absorbed by unit of time (either minute or second).
This test has been used in the anti-salt efflorescence coating study and during the examination of the effects of alternative herbicides on building materials.
Example table and graph to report Rilem absorption data.
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