Innovation in Construction: Electro-Osmosis for the Durability of Masonry Walls in Coastal Areas

Figueroa S.B.M.; Figueroa A.M.; Robladillo M.L.; Fernandez M.A.L. · SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (2026) · DOI: 10.14445/23488352/ijce-v13i7p106

Resumen

Rising damp is one of the main causes of deterioration in masonry walls, due to the capillary migration of water and soluble salts, which causes efflorescence, loss of strength, and, in extreme cases, structural failure. This research evaluated the effectiveness of electro-osmosis as a technique for dehumidification and salt reduction in walls built with pandereta brick, King Kong brick, solid brick, and concrete block. Sixty 1.00 × 1.00 m walls were constructed, previously saturated with 0.5 M NaCl, applying voltages calculated using the Helmholtz Smoluchowski equation and evaluated at 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days. Monitoring included moisture measurements and determination of soluble salts in accordance with NTP 339.152:2015, as well as energy consumption and operating costs. The results showed that electro-osmosis reduced the initial moisture content (6.8 to 13.8%) below the hygroscopic value of 2.5% and soluble salts from 1750 to 2300 mg/kg to 470 to 590 mg/kg, classifying it as ‘very low saline propensity’. The 14-day prototype interval proved to be technically and economically optimal, simultaneously achieving the reference humidity and minimum salt content with reduced material costs. Over longer periods, the improvements were minimal compared to the increase in time and energy. It is concluded that electro-osmosis is an effective, sustainable, and non-invasive method for controlling rising damp in masonry walls, helping to preserve their durability and prevent deterioration associated with salinity.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental