Evaluation of the influence of the degree of saturation, measuring time and use of a conductive paste on the determination of thermal conductivity of normal and lightweight concrete using the hot-wire method

The determination of thermal conductivity of cement-based materials is relevant from the perspective of buildings’ energy efficiency. The absence of unified tests for its measurement in mortars and concrete results in a heterogeneity of the data available in the literature. This work’s purpose is to determine the relevant influence from a a statistical viewpoint that three factors; degree of saturation, measuring time and use of a conductive paste, have in the measurement of the conductivity using the hot-wire needle probe method in two concretes with different thermal behavior: standard-weight concrete and lightweight concrete. The results obtained allow for the establishment of recommendations for future researchers on the minimum information to be included in their reports of thermal conductivity of cement-based materials by the needle probe method, the need to treat outliers, the most favorable saturation conditions and measuring times, as well as the possible benefits of using conductive pastes.