Assessment of flood and wind driven rain impact on mechanical properties of historic brick masonry

Author(s): Victoria Stephenson, Yasemin D. Aktas, Dina D’Ayala
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the International RILEM Conference
Materials, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering 2016 segment on
Historical Masonry
Editor(s): Inge Rörig-Dalgaard and Ioannis Ioannou
ISBN: 978-2-35158-178-0
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-179-7
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 168-177
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract: As a result of increased rainfall and flooding the building fabric of historic structures in exposed
areas are likely to be subject to higher and more sustained moisture content levels, along with
experiencing an increased frequency and severity of wetting and drying cycles. This study aims
to evaluate the impact of such cyclic wetting and drying on the mechanical behaviour of historic
brick masonry. The reported results are obtained from a series of weathering and mechanical
tests carried out on clay bricks and masonry specimens. The weathering test regime derives
from analysis of observed weather data, combined with review of similar existing test protocols.
Similarly, a modified mechanical test procedure is applied to simulate fatigue observed in the
field. The results indicate that exposure to the weathering tests results in a reduction of masonry
shear strength. This is discussed within the context of wider work carried out at a case study
location, and highlights the value of designing a weathering regime that can more closely
replicate the in-situ weathering processes. In this way the data collected in this experimental
programme is shown to be suitable for use in contextual analysis of individual historic masonry
case studies, with respect to climate change and the associated alteration of wetting regimes.

Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00