Vochtdrukken

Vochtdrukken is a Dutch term whose literal meaning is “moisture pressing.” The word is formed from vocht (moisture) and druk (pressure). In practice, vochtdrukken is used as a generic way to describe processes in which the moisture content of a material is influenced by applying pressure or by pressurizing the surrounding environment.

Because the term is not tied to a single standard procedure, its exact meaning varies by field. In materials science and construction, vochtdrukken often refers to processes where a moist material is compressed or compacted to influence moisture distribution, accelerate drying, reduce voids, or improve mechanical properties. In soil science or geotechnics, the phrase may appear in discussions of pore water pressure (often referred to as vochtdruk) and its role in soil behavior under load.

Applications mentioned in various domains include drying and curing regimes for wood and paper products, textile finishing where moisture is applied under pressure to achieve uniform distribution, and environmental engineering contexts where moisture under pressure is used in dewatering or conditioning of sediments.

Because terminology can vary regionally and across disciplines, it is advisable to consult field-specific texts to determine the exact meaning of vochtdrukken in a given context.