scholarly journals Experimental Investigations and Microstructural Characterization of Construction Materials of Historic Multi-Leaf Stone-Masonry Walls

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 2390-2415
Author(s):  
Osama Amer ◽  
Danila Aita ◽  
Ezzeldin K. Mohamed ◽  
Akram Torky ◽  
Ashraf Shawky
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Inner Core ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Core Layer ◽  
Mineralogical Composition ◽  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Thermal Resistivity ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Masonry Walls

In order to correctly define the pathology of multiple-leaf stonemasonry walls and determine the appropriate interventions for its conservation and preservation, comprehensive studies on its building materials should be carried out since the overall behaviour of masonry structures is highly dependent on the characterization of its construction materials. Consequently, an interdisciplinary procedure for construction material characterization used in multiple-leaf stone-masonry walls in Egypt has been implemented to enrich documentation, conservation and restoration issues of this type of wall. The research methodology integrates experimental data obtained through on-site sampling, conducted tests and analyses, historical information, and field survey observations. The fundamental physical and mechanical properties of the masonry elements were examined by incorporating stone blocks, mortars and core-infill materials. The mineralogical composition and interlocking textures of the collected samples were investigated utilizing a large range of complementary investigation and analysis techniques, including polarizing microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) attached to an EDX unit. Through the results thus obtained, a complete characterization of the mineralogical composition; physical–mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties; and the interlocking textures of the construction materials of both the outer and inner-core layers was performed. The outer leaves of the majority of the multiple-leaf stone-masonry walls in medieval architectural heritage were mainly built of well-dressed limestone blocks with nearly uniform dimensions, while the inner-core layer was usually built of stone-rubble infill with bending lime-based mortar. The uniaxial compressive strengths of core infill (corresponding to the inner core layer) and lime-based mortar of the embedded joints are shown to be 85 and 92.5% lower than the limestone units of the outer layer, respectively. Moreover, experimental observations indicate that the inner core layer exhibits the highest porosity values; consequently, deteriorated, loose and cohesionless core infill could greatly affect the durability and thermal resistivity of this kind of wall. The results provide scientific support for investigating the overall structural behaviour of this type of walls and for decision-making in future conservation and restoration strategies.

scholarly journals Multi-Leaf Stone Masonry Walls in Egypt: A Legend

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2763-2791
Author(s):  
Osama Amer ◽  
Danila Aita ◽  
Ezzeldin k. Mohamed ◽  
Akram Torky ◽  
Ashraf Shawky
Keyword(s):  
Construction Materials ◽  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Masonry Walls ◽  
Construction Technology ◽  
Architectural Heritage ◽  
Construction Technique ◽  
Historic Masonry ◽  
Transversal Section ◽  
Materials Used

Multi-leaf stone masonry walls are a typical construction technique in architectural heritage in Egypt. The assessment, modeling, and strengthening of historic masonry walls of multi-leaf systems essentially require suitable knowledge of their construction technology, typology, geometrical characteristics, and the properties of their components. Within the current research project, a comprehensive structural survey of multiple-leaf walls of medieval historic buildings in Cairo was performed. The observation and statistical analyses allowed characterization of the transversal section of the surveyed walls, as well as examination and identification of the construction materials and techniques. The slenderness ratios of this type of wall, its blocks’ dimensions, the utilized connectivity between the inner and outer leaves, and leaves ratio were also investigated. Three construction hypotheses of multiple-leaf stone masonry walls are presented considering weak, thick, and monolithic core infill layers. The study’s objectives were to enlarge the knowledge of typology, morphology, and construction materials used in three-leaf masonry walls and provide a proper characterization as a prerequisite for determining the most suitable materials and techniques for further strengthening interventions.

scholarly journals Experimental Evaluation of Shear Behavior of Stone Masonry Wall

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2313
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Beconcini ◽  
Pietro Croce ◽  
Paolo Formichi ◽  
Filippo Landi ◽  
Benedetta Puccini
Keyword(s):  
Shear Behavior ◽  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Masonry Walls ◽  
Mechanical Parameters ◽  
In Situ Tests ◽  
Capacity Curves ◽  
Historical Structures ◽  
Definition Of

The evaluation of the shear behavior of masonry walls is a first fundamental step for the assessment of existing masonry structures in seismic zones. However, due to the complexity of modelling experimental behavior and the wide variety of masonry types characterizing historical structures, the definition of masonry’s mechanical behavior is still a critical issue. Since the possibility to perform in situ tests is very limited and often conflicting with the needs of preservation, the characterization of shear masonry behavior is generally based on reference values of mechanical properties provided in modern structural codes for recurrent masonry categories. In the paper, a combined test procedure for the experimental characterization of masonry mechanical parameters and the assessment of the shear behavior of masonry walls is presented together with the experimental results obtained on three stone masonry walls. The procedure consists of a combination of three different in situ tests to be performed on the investigated wall. First, a single flat jack test is executed to derive the normal compressive stress acting on the wall. Then a double flat jack test is carried out to estimate the elastic modulus. Finally, the proposed shear test is performed to derive the capacity curve and to estimate the shear modulus and the shear strength. The first results obtained in the experimental campaign carried out by the authors confirm the capability of the proposed methodology to assess the masonry mechanical parameters, reducing the uncertainty affecting the definition of capacity curves of walls and consequently the evaluation of seismic vulnerability of the investigated buildings.

Mechanical characterization of rubble stone masonry walls using non and minor destructive tests

2013 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 266-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Lombillo ◽  
C. Thomas ◽  
L. Villegas ◽  
J.P. Fernández-Álvarez ◽  
J. Norambuena-Contreras
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Characterization ◽  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Masonry Walls ◽  
Rubble Stone Masonry

scholarly journals Ancient Great Wall Building Materials Reveal Paleoenvironmental Changes in Northwestern China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Patalano ◽  
Jing Hu ◽  
Qing Leng ◽  
Weiguo Liu ◽  
Huanye Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ming Dynasty ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Nitrogen Isotope ◽  
Han Dynasty ◽  
Northwestern China ◽  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Masonry Walls ◽  
Carbon And Nitrogen ◽  
Isotope Analyses ◽  
Great Wall

Abstract Plant material used in the construction of segments and beacon towers of the ancient Great Wall in northwestern China contain untapped potential for revealing paleoenvironmental conditions. Here, we characterize the molecular preservation and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of common reeds (Phragmites) collected from Great Wall fascines dated to the Han Dynasty in today’s Gansu and Xinjiang provinces using a combination of chromatographic techniques and isotope analyses. Our data demonstrates that ancient reeds were harvested from local habitats that were more diverse than exist today. The isotope data also capture differential rates of environmental deterioration along the eastern margin of the Tarim Basin, leading to the intense evaporative stress on modern plants. This study demonstrates the wealth of environmental and climate information obtainable from site-specific organic building material of ancient walls, which have received considerably less attention than the iconic brick and stone masonry walls of the later Ming Dynasty.

scholarly journals Characterization of clay deposits in the Adrar region, with a view to their valorization in the building materials industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 149 ◽  
pp. 01079
Author(s):  
Abbou Mohammed ◽  
Moulay Omar Hassan ◽  
Semcha Abdélaziz ◽  
Kazi-Aoual Fatiha
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Clay Deposits ◽  
Algerian Sahara ◽  
Local Materials

In the context of sustainable local development of the Adrar region, one of the largest regions in the Algerian Sahara. The search for local useful substances has been initiated by the Algerian state to cover the need for building materials in the construction industry. However, from a geological point of view, the Adrar zone is located in the extension of the primary chain of the Ougarta which separates two sedimentary basins of Reggane and Timimoun, as well as the basin of Sbâa. In this context, an experimental study is focused on the characterization of clay deposits, with a view to their valorization in the construction materials industry (ceramics) sector, with the aim of contributing to the use of local materials.

scholarly journals Finite Element Analysis of Beams Reinforced with Banana Fiber Bars (BFB)

Fibers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amgad Elbehiry ◽  
Marwan Mostafa
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Natural Fibers ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Banana Fiber ◽  
Finite Element Program ◽  
Element Program

One of the challenges of the century is to reach compatibility between the required resistance and the usage of lightweight building materials that may negatively affect the mechanical properties. Natural fibers nowadays are used as enhancers in the industrial field. Hence, the fibers contribute by giving an ideal solution to improve mechanical proprieties of the structural elements such as tensile and impact strength. In previous studies, the use of natural fibers as reinforcement in construction materials has increased. Natural fibers have a lot of characteristics such as being strong, lightweight, inexpensive, and eco-friendly. This paper aims to investigate the performance of banana fiber bars (BFB) as reinforced material. Through this study, the development and characterization of natural fibers-based composite beams were observed. After the beams were designed, several types of finite element analysis were conducted using ‘ANSYS’ nonlinear finite element program under one-point loading. Results show good correlations between experimental and predicted results.

scholarly journals Experimental characterization of the out-of-plane performance of regular stone masonry walls, including test setups and axial load influence

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2667-2692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Miguel Ferreira ◽  
Alexandre A. Costa ◽  
António Arêde ◽  
Ana Gomes ◽  
Aníbal Costa
Keyword(s):  
Axial Load ◽  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Masonry Walls ◽  
Experimental Characterization ◽  
Out Of Plane

Grouts with Improved Durability for Masonry Consolidation: An Experimental Study with Non-Standard Specimens

2017 ◽  
Vol 747 ◽  
pp. 480-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis G. Baltazar ◽  
Fernando M.A. Henriques ◽  
Maria Teresa Cidade
Keyword(s):  
Inner Core ◽  
Linseed Oil ◽  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Mechanical Resistance ◽  
Masonry Walls ◽  
Water Penetration ◽  
Hydraulic Lime ◽  
Natural Hydraulic Lime ◽  
Standard Specimens ◽  
Potential Use

Multi-leaf stone masonry walls are among the most vulnerable elements of historic constructions. Grout injection is a common and efficient technique to consolidate such masonries. It consists of introducing a grout into the masonry inner core in order to upgrading the cohesion of the wall by ensuring the transversal bond between the external leaves and improving its monolithic behaviour. Notwithstanding, the recrystallization of salts due to changes in moisture content causes several damages in these masonries, even after the consolidation intervention. This paper aims to assess the potential use of linseed oil in natural hydraulic lime-based grouts to mitigate the water penetration and therefore the damages from salts crystallization. Linseed oil was used in former times as an additive for mortars in order to grant hydrophobicity. In this study several properties of the grouts were evaluated: rheology, mechanical strength, water absorption, adhesion and durability assessed by testing the resistance to sodium chloride. Moreover, this paper also analyses the correlation between non-standard specimens (with reduced size) and standard specimens (40x40x160 mm3). The experimental results revealed that the grouts durability and water transport are significantly improved with added linseed oil. It was also possible to observe a small reduction in mechanical resistance with the presence of linseed oil; however, acceptable strength values to promote an appropriate consolidation were ensured. Furthermore, the reduced size specimens revealed to be a viable alternative to the standard ones.

scholarly journals Mechanical and Typological Characterization of Traditional Stone Masonry Walls in Old Urban Centres: A Case Study in Viseu, Portugal

Buildings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Carlos Domingues ◽  
Tiago Miguel Ferreira ◽  
Romeu Vicente ◽  
João Negrão
Keyword(s):  
Safety Evaluation ◽  
Stone Masonry ◽  
Masonry Walls ◽  
Masonry Buildings ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Urban Center ◽  
In Situ Characterization

Essential for any intervention in existing buildings, a thorough knowledge of both structural and material characteristics is even more important in the case of traditional stone masonry buildings, due both to the variability of this technology’s properties and the degradation buildings might have sustained. In Portugal, a number of in situ and laboratory experimental campaigns has allowed us in recent years to expand the knowledge on the mechanical properties of stone masonry walls. Nevertheless, the existence of different wall typologies built with the same material necessitates that this characterization takes into account the various regional constructive cultures. This paper presents the results obtained through an in-situ characterization campaign carried out in the old urban center of Viseu, for which there is no information available in the literature. Granite stone masonry walls of two different buildings were analyzed and characterized considering their geometrical and material features, contributing to the identification of stone masonry typologies present in the city’s old urban center. Flat-jack testing yielded resistance and deformability parameters to be used both in safety evaluation and intervention design. The properties obtained can be said to be consistent with those deriving from other experimental campaigns, conducted in granite walls of different typologies, throughout the country. Simultaneously, relevant conclusions about the use of flat-jacks to characterize this type of stone masonry were drawn.

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