Confusing cracks and difficult deformations: Interpreting structural damage in masonry

Cracks and deformatiçns in masonry are common phenomena in historical buildings. If they are interpreted correctly, they can be an extremely valuable source çf informatiçn on the load history of the premises. Nevertheless, this interpretation is not always as obvious as one may think. In the framework of a Phd research project, an extensive literature review has resulted in an overview of SM characteristic damage patterns that can frequently be observed in traditional masonry buildings. It appears that damages that, at first glance, look very similar and straightforward to diagnose, can result from very different causes. Moreover, the research project has demonstrated that specialists from the various disciplines within building pathology are not always aware of these “look-alikes”. In order to provide an optimal intervention strategy for a building with damage, a sound diagnosis is indispensable. This can only be achieved if all relevant hypotheses are considered. This paper aims to give architects, contractors and engineers a helping hand in interpreting structural damage during visual inspections. It discusses the subsequent steps of the diagnostic process, with their essences and pitfalls. The examples provided further illustrate what cracks, deformations and tilts can tell one about the cause of damage – and what not.Architectural Engineering +TechnologyArchitectur