scholarly journals In Situ, Non-Destructive Testing for Evaluating the Role of Pointing Mortar in Preventive Conservation Strategies. A Case-Study on Reigate Stone at the Wardrobe Tower, Tower of London

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 345
Author(s):  
Martin Michette ◽  
Heather Viles ◽  
Constantina Vlachou ◽  
Ian Angus

The correct choice of pointing mortar is considered crucial to the conservation of historic masonry. A proliferation of cement and eminently hydraulic lime mortars since the late 19th century has accelerated the deterioration of built cultural heritage in many parts of the world. Whilst the use of softer, lime-based mortars in stone conservation is now common practice, their role in the overall conservation strategy of highly vulnerable building stones such as Reigate Stone requires assessment. In this paper non-destructive testing (NDT) is used across a two-year period to investigate the impact of different pointing mortar types in situ. NDT data on surface hardness and moisture are interpreted at different scales to assess moisture regulation of Reigate Stone masonry at the Wardrobe Tower, a ruined structure at the Tower of London, following repointing carried out in Spring 2017. Joints repointed using a hydraulic lime mortar (NHL3.5) are shown to regulate moisture in adjacent Reigate Stone blocks less well than those repointed using a lime putty mortar. However, despite an initially inappropriate recipe, older hydraulic lime mortars are in some instances shown to perform similarly to the lime putty mortar, suggesting that NHL can weather sympathetically. The results also indicate that, whilst pointing mortar type does play a role in the moisture regulation of individual stones, its effect is outweighed by both properties of the stone itself, such as strength and past decay, and by wider micro-contextual factors, such as exposure or adjacent topography. Findings from the Wardrobe Tower indicate that pointing mortar only plays a part in overall moisture regulation; to enable its effective functioning and minimise the need for repeated interventions, it may be necessary to take additional protective measures to mitigate moisture ingress, such as water run-off and channelling following heavy rainfall. The overall implication is that in vulnerable historic masonry such as Reigate Stone, sustainable conservation strategies must incorporate a broad appraisal of, and tailored response to, specific decay mechanisms. With careful calibration across repeated survey campaigns, data collected in situ using NDT can inform the role of pointing mortar within such strategies.

Author(s):  
S. V. Yushchube ◽  
I. I. Podshivalov ◽  
G. I. Tayukin

The paper analyzes the influence of defects detected in a monolithic base slab on the possibility of its further application in the construction of a 25-storey high-rise frame building. Non destructive testing and vertical core sampling techniques are used for the detailed analysis of the monolithic base slab. It is found that irregularities in the procedure during winter concreting of the base slab decreases the strength properties of concrete and provides the defect formation in the slab structure, namely delamination of the lower protective concrete layer and uncovering of working reinforcement. For the safe use of the 25-storey high-rise building, the base slab is proposed to be strengthened by adding in-situ reinforced concrete layer 100 cm thick.


1999 ◽  
Vol 6 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 267-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.N. Watson ◽  
P.S. Addison ◽  
A. Sibbald

This paper presents the results of feasibility study into the application of the wavelet transform signal processing method to sonic based non-destructive testing techniques. Finite element generated data from cast in situ foundation piles were collated and processed using both continuous and discrete wavelet transform techniques. Results were compared with conventional Fourier based methods. The discrete Daubechies wavelets and the continuous Mexican hat wavelet were used and their relative merits investigated. It was found that both the continuous Mexican hat and discrete Daubechies D8 wavelets were significantly better at locating the pile toe compared than the Fourier filtered case. The wavelet transform method was then applied to field test data and found to be successful in facilitating the detection of the pile toe.


2021 ◽  
pp. 20-26
Author(s):  
V. M. Ushakov

Topical aspects of non-destructive testing (NDT) of equipment and pipelines of power units of nuclear power plants (NPP) are considered. Non-destructive testing is an integral part of the entire life cycle of a nuclear power plant. Briefly analyzed documentation and types of non-destructive testing at the stage of manufacturing equipment and pipelines. Power of ultrasonic testing of welded joints of pipelines with a thickness of 2 to 6 mm. The main points of drawing up technological maps of non-destructive testing are noted. A brief analysis of the application of non-destructive testing in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory documents of the Russian Federation and the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency is provided. It is shown that in recent years there has been a tendency to expand the role of NDTs from the classical approach of detecting and assessing defects to the use of NDTs in the study of metal degradation and ageing processes during the operation of NPP equipment and pipelines.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1124 ◽  
pp. 273-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ladislav Carbol ◽  
Jan Martinek ◽  
Ivo Kusák

Ultrasonic non-destructive testing methods such as Impact-echo are often conducted under different conditions. Such results might be distorted by ambient temperature or by water content of the tested sample. Tested mortar sample displayed shift of the fundamental frequency by 3.7 %. This article confirms necessity of standardized conditions during ultrasonic testing for both laboratory and in-situ testing.


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