Research developments at K.U.Leuven for diagnostics and restoration of historical masonry

Abstract

This contribution deals with the ongoing research topics related to diagnostics and restoration of historical masonry. For damage assessment, the focus is on masonry subjected to long term high stress levels and the resulting damage accumulation caused by creep effects. The Acoustic Emission technique is evaluated as a NDT to quantify the damage evolution. To have a better understanding of the brick-mortar interaction the collapse mechanism of masonry is studied by means of micro-focus X-ray imaging. The available test setup allows 3D tomographic imaging of the damage pattern during compressive tests on small scale samples. A comparative study of the collapse mechanism of the same brick with different mortar types is aimed at. Related to consolidation measures, the technique of grout injection is often applied for brick masonry structures. Its applicability towards earthen structures is looked for. Within a preliminary phase, the design requirements are addressed.status: publishe