Complex Permittivity of Adobe Verses Frequency and Water Content

The complex permittivity of adobe is measured using a coaxial probe system verses frequency (500 MHz to 7 GHz) and water content (0% to 6%). Measurements are performed using adobe samples collected from abode bricks. The geotechnical properties of the compressed earth bricks are characterized by (1) percentage of gravel, sands, and fines; (2) Atterberg limits; and (3) grain-size distribution. The variation in adobe complex permittivity verses frequency is measured at discrete levels of water content using small adobe samples exposed to controlled levels of constant humidity in an environmental chamber. The typical water content profile verses depth for an adobe brick is also determined.