We propose in this work to construct, by periodic homogenization, macroscopic models of moisture transfer in unsaturated porous media. To do this, the liquid water and water vapor transport equations are averaged from the microscopic scale. The dimensional analysis of transport equations naturally lets appear dimensionless numbers characterizing the moisture transfer in unsaturated porous media. Three different transfer regimes are addressed (predominant water vapor diffusion, coupling diffusion / convection, predominant liquid water convection). For each transfer regime, the associated homogenized moisture diffusion tensor has a different expression. Then, the homogenized moisture diffusion tensors are calculated in both hygroscopic and super-hygroscopic regions on several geometries with varying complexity, describing 2D and 3D microstructures. Comparisons with experimental values are also addressed. Finally, based on experimental data of a BHP concrete, a numerical resolution of the homogenized macroscopic moisture transfer equation is performed.
