Master’s thesis mainly deals with XRF analysis of building materials. Comprehensively analyzes the factors that limit the accuracy of the obtained data, creates a new methodology for the rapid analysis of silicate materials by XRF instrument and discusses the influences determining the reproducibility of the results of XRF analysis.

The possibility of using high-frequency electromagnetic radiation in the construction sector is a common knowledge. Various experiments have been carried out to dry construction materials, or even to destroy biotic pests. However, the majority of these experiments have been executed in laboratory conditions. It means they have been carried out under exact limiting conditions, often very far off those conditions in real building practice. Therefore, this dissertation aims at exploring the possibility of utilizing microwave technology in drying and heating of construction materials, in disposing of biotic pests and sterilizing building materials under real conditions in building practice. The thesis will explain that microwaves are a term given to a part of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is based on the principle that the radiated energy is absorbed by water molecules present in moist building material. In the mass of the irradiated material, the radiated energy is transformed into thermal energy, where a so-called “motion” of water molecules occurs with the energy then being transformed into kinetic energy. The microwave technology itself offers a very wide range of use, which can be easily achieved, thus making the technology available to use in the future. Part of the experiments and the necessary measurements, too, has been carried out on selected types of building materials in the premises of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of Brno University of Technology. They have been executed under conditions which most closely correspond to the conditions in real buildings. Part of the experiments and the necessary measurements were carried out on particular constructions, by the so-called in situ method. As stated in the conclusion of the dissertation, laboratory measurements and the in situ measurements differ considerably in some cases.