Wetting and drying cycles

Wetting and drying cycles refer to the repeated process where materials or surfaces alternately absorb moisture and then lose it. This occurs naturally, such as with soil, or artificially, like in construction. During wetting, materials swell as they take in water; during drying, they contract as moisture evaporates. These cycles can cause stress and movement within the material, leading to deterioration over time, such as cracking or weakening. Understanding these cycles is important in designing durable structures and managing materials that are exposed to fluctuating moisture conditions.