Application of NDE to Masonry Structures; Current Technology and Future Needs

Abstract

Current practice in the evaluation of the condition of masonry usually involves cutting prisms or cones from a building for use in destructive laboratory tests. The authors report the results of their evaluation of a number of nondestructive evaluation techniques (ultrasonic pulse, mechanical pulse, Schmidt Hammer hardness measurement, neutron probe, flatjack in situ stress measurement, flatjack in situ deformability measurement, and in-place shear test), noting the strengths and weaknesses of each technique. They also mention newer methods from the fields of medicine, aerospace, and exploration seismology that might be applicable to masonry.