To assess the strengthening ability of a strain hardening cementitious composite (SHCC), a layer of SHCC was applied to masonry beams subjected to bending. When compared to the strengthening performance of steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) layer for this type of brittle beams, the SHCC presented better workability in fresh state, and provided a higher load carrying capacity and deflection ductility even with a smaller layer thickness. By using the data derived from the experimental tests with the constituent materials of the strengthened masonry beams, the behaviour of the tested strengthened masonry beams was numerically simulated with good accuracy.

This paper presents a methodology based on the Bayesian data fusion techniques applied to non-destructive and destructive tests for the structural assessment of historical constructions. The aim of the methodology is to reduce the uncertainties of the parameter estimation. The Young's modulus of granite stones was chosen as an example for the present paper. The methodology considers several levels of uncertainty since the parameters of interest are considered random variables with random moments. A new concept of Trust Factor was introduced to affect the uncertainty related to each test results, translated by their standard deviation, depending on the higher or lower reliability of each test to predict a certain parameter.

No 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 tubejack 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.

Tube-jack testing is an enhanced non-destructive or minimally-destructive testing technique being developed to determine the state of stress in, and the deformability characteristics of, unreinforced masonry. This test is similar to traditional flat-jack testing, used for the same purpose. Instead of using flat-jacks, the tubejack system consists of several cylindrical jacks inserted into roughly aligned holes drilled in the mortar joints, forming an equivalent flat-jack, that can pressurize the masonry. In previous Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions Conferences, the development of this method has been presented. In this paper, testing in a masonry wall with a semi-irregular typology is presented. Two single tube-jack tests were performed to try to determine the level of stress in the masonry and one double tube-jack test was performed to estimate the deformability characteristics of the masonry. These tests are presented along with comparisons to traditional flat-jack tests performed in the same wall.