Procedures and Techniques Used to Increase the Durability of Weak Masonries with Clay Mortars

Abstract

For the past decades the importance of structural rehabilitation of historical buildings, in order to preserve the cultural heritage, has increased considerably. The weak masonry (made from bricks and bounded with low-strength mortars) were created using mortars which, depending on different external factors, were degraded and there are necessary urgent rehabilitation interventions in order to assure the masonrys durability by protecting the joints with new, compatible and reversible materials and techniques (according to Venice charter requirements). In order to increase the durability characteristics of the weak masonry, the design and application techniques of some particular materials and solutions used will be considered in present paper. The used procedures are based on joints reinforcing using fibre reinforced mortar (fibres made of steel, carbon and glass). The test results have revealed a significant improvement of the structural response and a noticeable increased durability depending on the materials and techniques used.