Prediction of strength and heterogeneity of low-strength mortars from drilling data

Abstract

The characterization of components from old buildings, with the intention of evaluating their state of conservation, has been one of the main focuses of application for the drilling resistance test. The results given by this low intrusion in situ characterization technique have recently been extended by a proposed classification model, which has contributed to the determination of the probable composition of an unknown mortar. This study extends even more the outputs provided from the method, since it establishes the relationships between the parameters of the distribution function used in the classification model that define the mortars and their properties, namely compressive strength and heterogeneity degree. An application protocol for the assessment of those properties in low-strength mortars using drilling test is also proposed.