Tube-Jack Testing for Irregular Masonry Walls: Regular Masonry Wall Testing

Abstract

This paper presents the continued development of a novel non-destructive testing method termed tube-jack testing. The goal of the tube-jack system is to provide an enhanced and less destructive method than traditional flat-jack testing for determination of mechanical characteristics and local stress states in irregular masonry walls. Single tube-jack tests were performed, using previously developed rubber tube-jacks, in regular masonry walls of granite and cement-lime mortar. A traditional flat-jack test was also performed in the same masonry wall. Conclusions suggest that tube-jacks are successful in applying pressure to the masonry at low stress states.