Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wenner Modes Configurations for Resistivity-Based Moisture Monitoring in Compressed Earth Bricks

Abstract Compressed earth bricks (CEBs) are emerging as an eco-friendly construction material, although their properties are highly moisture-dependent. This study investigates the applicability of electrical resistivity techniques for non-destructive moisture assessment in CEBs and determines the optimal electrode configurations for small-scale CEB samples. Various Wenner array electrode configurations, including Wenner Alpha, Beta, and Gamma arrangements, are tested on the CEB specimens across a wide range of relative humidity levels. Numerical modelling using the finite element method is employed to simulate the current diffusion process in the CEB samples. A mathematical formulation is developed to calculate the true electrical resistivity of the specimens based on the measured resistance and the geometric factor obtained from the numerical model. The results show that the electrical resistivity of CEBs exhibits a logarithmic relationship with moisture content, with Wenner Alpha and Gamma configurations proving most suitable for small-scale samples. This approach demonstrates the potential for enabling continuous moisture monitoring to empower quality control and service life predictions for earthen construction materials.