Strength- and Moisture-Related Studies of Historical Building Materials: A Case Study from Southern Estonia
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Demolition of existing buildings turns building products into waste. The amount of demolition waste is increasing globally. The current case study is an example of fulfilling the EU Waste Framework Directive of reducing demolition waste by reuse of historical materials in their original structures. The aim of this paper is to investigate construction materials from 19th and 20th centuries and their mechanical and physical properties in a case study building from the conservation area of Võru city, South Estonia. Timber structures of the case study building were non-destructively tested on-site using a resistive method. Ceramic brick plinth and basement walls, as well as concrete and granite ceiling, were tested in situ non-destructively (rebound hammer test) for compressive strength estimation. Previously dismantled timber logs, slats and ceramic bricks were tested in the laboratory for compression and bending, respectively. The logs and slats matched the European timber bending strength classes C22 and C40, respectively. The compressive strength of the studied ceramic bricks was comparable to that of newly produced bricks. The non-destructive moisture content of timber structures varied in spring (5–20%) but was steady in the autumn (5–7%) tests. The rebound hammer test overestimated by 1.5…2 times the compressive strength of the studied materials compared to laboratory tests.
Source: Buildings
Authors: Aljona Gineiko, Mihkel Kiviste
Institutions: Estonian Academy of Arts, Tallinn University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
Funder: Tallinna Tehnikaülikool
OpenAlex ID: W4404283454