Various test conducted for heritage masonary structure, mainly for bricks and mortar to ensure its durability and structure stability?
Brick masonry test inside the frame like flexural strength of brick masonry , crack patten of brick masonry in different reinforcement conditions, retro fitting techniques in back masonry test
The question you asked is not complete. You need to state the age (approximately) of the heritage building. This is because the tests you will need to conduct depends on the technological development at the time of construction of the heritage building.
I have transformed about a 400 years old heritage building (one of the offshoots of the Syrian empire) in Nigeria into a modern reinforced concrete building; at a time when all the building professionals concluded that the building should be replaced with a modern one. But the Emir insisted that no matter how much it costs, it should be transformed internally, while retaining the ancient preserves of his emirate. It was built with mud bricks and the suspended floor was of wood from date palms and laterite with some gravels in it. The suspended floor were of different vertical levels connected by a wooden staircase. The project was completed in 2016 within three months and with sancrete blocks wall cladding and all other exotic building components.
The transformed building was made of reinforced concrete frame structure with a new foundation, floor slab, stairs, concrete roof parapet and gutters and steel roof structure with step tile sheets or steel plate shingles.
So the age of the building to determine construction techniques used and what you intend to do now on the heritage building. You will need an AutoCad drawing of existing and proposed for architectural, Engineering (electrical, structural, mechanical) including adequate geotechnical tests, local temperatures, climate, location, rainfall pattern, etc.
There are various tests that can be conducted on heritage masonry structures, such as bricks and mortar, to evaluate their condition and assess their suitability for preservation and restoration. Some common tests for bricks and mortar include:
- Compressive strength test: This test measures the ability of the bricks or mortar to withstand compressive loads, and is typically performed using a universal testing machine (UTM) or a hydraulic press.
- Water absorption test: This test measures the amount of water absorbed by the bricks or mortar when immersed in water for a specified period of time. This can provide information about the porosity and water permeability of the material.
- Absorption and desorption test: This test measures the ability of the bricks or mortar to absorb and release moisture, and can provide information about the potential for freeze-thaw damage and other weathering effects.
- Efflorescence test: This test involves exposing the bricks or mortar to water and observing the presence or absence of white, powdery deposits, which can indicate the presence of soluble salts in the material.
- Hardness test: This test involves measuring the hardness of the bricks or mortar using a suitable instrument, such as a Schmidt hammer or a Brinell hardness tester.
- Microscopic examination: This test involves using a microscope to examine the microstructure of the bricks or mortar, and can provide information about the composition and physical properties of the material.
These are just some examples of the various tests that can be conducted on heritage masonry structures to evaluate their condition and suitability for preservation and restoration. The specific tests that are appropriate for a given situation will depend on the specific requirements and constraints of the project.
Yassine El Khessaimi, O.S. Abejide , Thank you sir for your suggestions and answers
Imo, sometimes it is recommended to test not only the content of absorbed water, i.e. by making humidity profile (and very easy test for checking the humiditi is carbide method) but also wall salinity level/profile. Harmful salts (chlorides, nitrates, sulfates) penetrate the structure of the wall.
Joanna J. Sokołowska, Thank you sir for your insightful suggestions and answers.
As for your answer, it is physical and chemical analysis techniques such as PH similar to experience long term durability of Portlandite by ATG
Bhavin G. Buddhdev, I am glad I could help! Let me know when you would publish any paper on this subject!
Joanna J. Sokołowska It is a consultancy project i am currently working with.. Once it is completed then I can think of publishing it....Thanks for your kind interest...
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