(CHEF Chapter 7, Paragr. 7.5) Effects of Floods on Masonry Walls: NDTs for measuring drying rates

After an investigation on the most recent floods occurred in Italy, an experimental research started on site on full-scale masonry models. The masonry materials used and the full scale models were largely investigated in the past and subjected to decay caused by the crystallisation of sodium sulphate solution coming from the foundations. Within the frame of the CHEF Contract a research program was developed on the studied walls. A flood has been simulated by adding water to the walls of the full-scale salt contaminated models for a period of several days. The aim was to evaluate with ND techniques the evolution of the decay after the introduction of uncontaminated new water, simulating a flood. Radar, thermovision, sonic tests as well as drilling tests were applied to evaluate the moisture distribution in the masonry, after flooding and after natural drying both on treated and non treated walls