Deformations and volume changes due to moisture variations in heritage buildings - Use of NDT techniques

Abstract

Elements of building envelope, during service life, are subjected to deformations and volume changes due to moisture variations, which can cause anomalies in the building, such as the cracking of facade walls and consequent rain penetration, with increase of their moisture content. In case of heritage buildings with structural concrete elements and infill masonry walls, when, besides moisture variations, other different causes can be hypothetically possible, it can be justifiable to investigate more profoundly the anomalies with the available NDT techniques. This study is related to the application of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, with a view to the evaluation of anomalies related to the presence and flow of moisture in masonry walls, notably through Ultrasound, Infrared Thermography (IRT) and Photogrammetry. These NDT techniques are used in the evaluation of masonry specimen with variable moisture content, subjected to compression test, before and after been tested, when cracking will be present.