The relationship between compressive strength and sonic velocity depending on moisture content in case of historical masonry

Abstract

Historical masonry structures made from locally available materials such as stone, brick, and mud are an integral part of our cultural identity. Moisture content is a critical environmental factor that can significantly impact the durability and strength of these structures. Moisture ingress in masonry can cause detrimental effects such as decreased strength, increased porosity, and reduced bond strength between the mortar and masonry units. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and maintenance decisions that can help protect these structures from moisture-related damage. This paper explores the impact of moisture content on the compressive strength of historical masonry structures and highlights the factors that can affect this relationship.