Historical masonry buildings’ condition assessment by non-destructive and destructive testing

Abstract

The paper presents problems related to the safe operation of historic buildings in terms of their modernization, i.e., changing their functions or complex reconstruction. The subject of research and analysis were buildings with brick construction, in which ceilings in the form of brick vaults, monolithic reinforced concrete ceilings or plates based on steel beams, or wooden ceilings were made. Concepts for carrying out tests of the technical condition of structural elements were formulated, resulting in the recognition of a pre-failure condition and carrying out protective and strengthening works, taking into account the destructive processes that have occurred. The research methods and measuring devices used for testing various structures, i.e. brick, reinforced concrete, steel and wooden structures, were presented. The need to identify the actual material parameters and deformations of the shape and support zones of the structure before implementing the data into programs that numerically verify the compliance with the standard criteria of load-bearing capacity and deformability was indicated.The implemented original concepts, the ideas of which are presented in the work, allowed for the further long-term operation of the historic buildings. The presented examples may serve as guidelines for the assessment of similar facilities and undertaking preventive interventions.