Masonry Cracks: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Masonry surface cracks are objectionable because they are the primary source of water permeance and may be aesthetically displeasing or indicative of structural distress. Cracks are the most frequent cause for masonry's failure to perform as intended. The types, locations, patterns, sizes, and causes of cracks are discussed. Methods are described for their prevention and repair.

The combination of geomatic approaches and operational modal analysis to improve calibration of finite element models: A case of study in Saint Torcato Church (Guimarães, Portugal)

“…Masonry walls are very common in the vast majority of existing monuments. Cracked elements, associated with different events (settlements and/or excessive displacement loadings) are a common problem that reduces the service life of these structures [2]. The fracture phenomena (cracks) are caused by the masonry's high brittleness to tensile stresses.…”

Heritage site preservation with combined radiometric and geometric analysis of TLS data

“…The FF3D120 was calibrated in a previous field campaign [9] for the range of distances between 9 and 36 m. This range has been extended from 3 to 36 m to use the calibrated laser intensity in field campaigns where a greater proximity to the object of study is required, as in the case study covered by this paper. Specifically, a reflectance-based radiometric calibration [28] consisting of analysing the distance-behaviour of the backscattered TLS radiation was performed by using the same equipment and methodology as was used in the previous experiment.…”

“…This popularity arises from its resistance to degradation agents compared with other materials such as wood or adobe [6,7]. However, as the other constructive systems, biological colonization, salts, and moisture among others [8] can promote the deterioration of the ornamental pieces presented on the monument as well as a reduction of its service life [9].…”