The selection of appropriate flow potentials for moisture transport models

Central to the formulation of a mathematical model to describe moisture transport through porous building materials is the initial choice of the flow driving potentials. Over the years, a considerable number of different formulations have been proposed involving a variety of potentials. A consequence of this is that, at the present time, there is no commonly accepted model with an associated data base of material properties, which can be applied by the simulation community. This paper identifies the various combinations of potentials which can and have been used by researchers and considers their advantages and disadvantages.