Work

Strength Characteristics of Historical Mortars—Experimental Study Using the Double Punch Method

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Identification of the strength characteristics of mortars in brick or stone masonry is crucial in the structural analysis of heritage buildings and selecting materials for their repairs and reconstruction. Non-destructive, minimally destructive, and minor-destructive tests have been developed to establish the strength of mortar in existing masonry. This paper presents strength tests on mortar samples extracted from bed joints of heritage buildings erected in the historic center of Cracow during the 19th and 20th centuries. The mortar samples were tested using the double-punch method, a minor-destructive technique especially useful for heritage structures where cutting out large masonry specimens is not possible due to conservation reasons. The impact of sample thickness and type of capping materials on the test results were analyzed in detail. Practical recommendations are also proposed for the procedure of the double-punch method in relation to historical mortars.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18214868

Authors: Piotr Matysek, Michał Witkowski

Institution: Cracow University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Masonry and Concrete Structural Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Politechnika Krakowska