EN 16682:2017

European foreword
Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Symbols and abbreviations
5 Moisture and water content in materials
6 Absolute and relative methods
7 Taking and handling samples
8 Calibration
9 Use of existing European Standards concerning modern
   building materials
10 Test report
Annex A (normative) - Absolute methods
Annex B (normative) - Relative methods
Annex C (informative) - Other relative methods
Annex D (informative) - Methods with special safety requirements
Bibliography

This European Standard is aimed to inform and assist users in the choice and use of the most appropriate method to obtain reliable measurements of the moisture content, or water content, in wood and masonry (including brickwork, stonework, concrete, gypsum, mortars, etc.) in the specific case of the built cultural heritage.It provides a basic framework to take and interpret this kind of measurements on the above cultural heritage materials that have undergone weathering, pest attack, salt migration or other transformations over time.It specifies four absolute methods (i.e. gravimetric, Karl Fischer titration, azeotropic distillation and calcium carbide); explains their characteristics, pros and cons, and gives specifications for the transformation of readings into the same unit to make measurements taken with different methods comparable.It specifies the three principal relative methods (i.e. electrical resistance, capacitance, and relative humidity in equilibrium with the material), pointing out their characteristics and uncertainties when used in the field of cultural heritage.In addition, it provides an informative overview of ten other relative methods, their characteristics, pros and cons.It gives specifications for the calibration of the various methods. It also compares the above methods in relation to their accuracy, sampling requirement, sample size, laboratory or field use, and other problems encountered in the field of cultural heritage to prevent instrument misuse, reduce uncertainties and avoid reading misinterpretation.