Simulation and Test Procedures to correlate Structural Damage with Moisture and Salts Migration in Masonry

In historic masonry structures – focus of the 7FP European project SMOOHS – the monitoring and effects of environmental agents in walls and of structural problems is being investigated in a joint perspective. Numerical simulations and experimental work aim to correlate the decay effects of moisture and salt transport in masonry, with structural damage. To better address the problem, a cross-feeding collaboration is set up between numerical and experimental studies. Initial experimental data obtained in the lab on masonry materials become the main input data for hygro-thermal simulations of behaviour of masonry specimens in aggressive environment, that is solutions of sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄). Simulation output helps to improve the experimental accelerated ageing procedures. Later, the salt damage process development in these specimens and their reduced structural capacity will be mechanically evaluated. A function relating these parameters will couple hygrothermal and structural simulations to predict a structural damage index for historical buildings.