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EXPERIMENTAL SETUP FOR MEASURING DIFFUSIVE AND ADVECTIVE TRANSPORT OF RADON THROUGH BUILDING MATERIALS

M. van der Pal 1 , E.R. van der Graaf 2 , R.J. de Meijer 2 , M.H. de Wit 1 , N.A. Hendriks 1
1 Department of the Physical Aspects of the Built Environment, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
2 Nuclear Geophysics Division, Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut, Zernikelaan 25, 9747 AA, Groningen, The Netherlands.

This study describes an approach for measuring and modeling diffusive and advective transport of radon
through building materials. Goal of these measurements and model calculations is to improve our
understanding concerning the factors influencing the transport of radon through building materials. To
reach this goal, a number of experiments has to be conducted. These experiments, including
measurements in a large cylinder for creating diffusive and advective transport of radon under controlled,
‘dwelling-like’ conditions, are described here and the initial results are presented. A better understanding
about the transport of radon through building materials will lead to more effective ways to decrease or to
prevent the entrance of radon into dwellings.

Keywords: Radon, exhalation, building materials, aerated concrete, diffusion, advective flow, modeling.