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.