Masonry crack damage: its origins, diagnosis, philosophy and a basis for repair Available to Purchase

This paper deals with the repair of brick-work and masonry walls that have cracked as a result of ground movement. It outlines work in this field over the last 60 years, identifying the options of repairing the foundation or increasing the ductility of the brittle structure. Practice has been to underpin or otherwise strengthen the foundation but this paper examines the potential to modify the behaviour of the masonry itself by introducing reinforcement. A study of four building facades, verified by a programme of laboratory tests, leads to the conclusion that if the ductility of existing masonry can be improved then the need to underpin will be reduced. This is of particular relevance to non-invasive restoration of historic buildings but also offers an economic repair to more routine structures. The paper concludes that localized reinforcement of masonry walls can significantly increase their tolerance to foundation movement.