Rising damp analysis and selection of optimal handling method in masonry construction

Abstract

Masonry construction of architectural heritage is exposed to vertical rising damp process due to inappropriate waterproofing by causing decay and deterioration in porous construction materials. Numerous researches have been devoted in order to find an optimal remedial method for rising damp prevention. For this research in-situ monitoring and laboratory testing were performed in order to analyze the rising damp and masonry units’ quality and in a specific building. The testing of physical and mechanical properties of specimens was done according to the standard. This paper presents a methodical approach for selecting an optimal handling method for rising damp prevention in masonry construction. The selection was performed among the most disseminated rising damp prevention techniques used in engineering practice. The procedure of appropriate damp handling is demonstrated according to the effectiveness, duration and economic aspects of the solution in comparison with recent studies. The main purpose of the analysis is to optimize rising damp handling in masonry construction for conserving architectural heritage of great value.