Modified cup method and ventilation treashold for VOC

Research Project, 2025 – 2027

Moisture-sensitive adhesives on damp concrete floors can cause harmful emissions that often appear years after construction, as pollutants accumulate deep in the concrete or leveling layers. Newer, denser concrete types with longer drying times may behave differently, but this is not well understood. Current emission assessments are costly and rely on empirical methods, which are limited when new materials or construction techniques are introduced.

This project aims to evaluate the long-term performance of semi-permeable barrier layers on emission-damaged concrete floors and test a modified cup method for more efficient emission characterization. It also investigates alternative construction approaches—such as ventilating VOCs before applying new layers or using retarding layers instead of barriers—and their impact on ventilation needs and indoor air quality. The developed method will support analysis of emissions in buildings and may also be applied to issues like material odors, reused materials, or VOC intrusion from soil.