Static and dynamic elastic moduli of historical brick masonry subjected to freeze-thaw cycles

The research is focused on influence of freeze-thaw cycles on elastic modulus of historic brick masonry subjected to compressive loading test. In order to assess the relative decrease of the static elastic modulus during compressive test, a series of masonry specimens were manufactured with historic bricks and exposed to different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles. Moreover, strength decay of the masonry is investigated and analysing data obtained during ultrasonic test (non-destructive test). The aim of this step is to obtain the dynamic elastic modulus. The analysis shows that the compressive strength of the specimens after exposure to 35 freeze-thaw cycles was not reduced, but was even somewhat higher than by specimens in normal condition. The ultrasonic paulse velocity (UPV) results showed that the dynamic elastic modulus increases with the number of cycles due to the saturation degree’s gain. Thanks to interpolation of the obtained data it will be possible to improve the knowledge of the Elasticity modulus’ reduction of historic masonry subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and to enhance the thermo-hydro-mechanical model of porous material.