Abstract
The aim of this research was the investigation of the properties of clay brick masonry arch bridge materials with a purpose of finding the best methods for reconstruction and renovation of the structure. The restoration, reconstruction and upgrading of historical heritage bridges require a careful investigation of materials and causes of damages. In many cases, the use of incorrect composition of joint mortar and clayed brick may lead to unfavourable result. It is important to ensure the natural water migration in historic masonry as it should not be interrupted after restoration or reconstruction measures performed. As an example the results of investigations and upgrading of historical clayed brick masonry bridge over the Venta River in Kuldiga town in Latvia had been analyzed. During the long lifetime and pro-active maintenance polity, the bridge had a lot of damages that could affect its further service life. For geometrical data collection laser scanning method was used that ensures sufficiently accurate data for reconstruction design, as well as the information for architectural investigation. Three-dimensional scanning of the heritage structure using 3D laser scanners allows the further transformation of information into the surface mesh model. This paper presents results of the investigation, and design of restoration and reconstruction works.
Highlights
The clay bricks had been known even since the 12th century
Since the bridge building from clay bricks occurs in Europe in the relatively short period, today in many countries investigations regarding the restoration of old brick masonry structures have been carried out, investigations of brick clay, methods of determination of load carrying capacity and restoration methods are among them, see Gattesco et al (2012), Jurina et al (2012), Krizek et al (2012)
The mechanical behaviour of ancient masonry made during the nineteen century with bricks along with lime mortar have been investigated by Domède et al (2009) where mechanical behaviour of masonry up to collapse of solid bricks had been experimentally obtained
Summary
The clay bricks had been known even since the 12th century. Their use for bridge structures started only in the 19th century. Prior to performing restoration of the historical and cultural heritage it is crucial to carry out a careful investigation of composition of brick material, to determine its chemical and mechanical properties, and to give the prognosis of remaining service life. It is important because during restoration the old bricks require to be strengthened or covered by contemporary cover layers that would neither alter nor impose any damage on the existing brick masonry. The new materials for restoration and repair must have high resistance and stability against environmental actions; in many cases they can disarrange the inner environment of masonry: moisture migration, transport mechanisms of gas, liquid and ions and other processes, thereby they can deteriorate or even completely destroy the rehabilitated structure
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