Assessment of anomalies related to vertical deformations in heritage buildings with reinforced concrete structure and infill masonry walls

Abstract

Anomalies in heritage buildings with reinforced concrete structure, related to the cracking of infill masonry walls due to vertical deformations of their structural supporting elements, can have strong negative impact on these buildings, as they usually represent an important cultural and historical value to preserve. These deformations can affect the functionality, aesthetics and the safety of the referred heritage buildings, leading to significant costs associated to repair actions and decrease of their patrimonial value. Hence, a better knowledge of the vertical deformations in heritage buildings with reinforced concrete structure is needed. In this paper, a general description of anomalies related to vertical deformations of the masonry walls and their reinforced concrete supporting elements (beam or slab support) is made. Relevant influencing factors of the wall-support basic behaviour are presented. An analysis of wall-support behaviour related to vertical deformations is carried out, based on the study of the stresses in the constituent elements of wall-support assembly (especially, masonry units, mortar joints and interface wall/support), and of their main types of deformation related with the rigidity of the reinforced concrete support of the wall, and also of the reinforced concrete element (beam or slab) confining at the top of the wall. Serviceability requirements related to the limitation of damage in infill masonry walls, through the control of the deflections of reinforced concrete supports with due consideration of the respective building heritage relevance, are discussed. Finally, general strategies for repair and rehabilitation of building infill masonry walls with anomalies related to vertical deformations of their reinforced concrete supports, as well as for strengthening of these supports, are proposed.