Interpreting structural damage in masonry: Diagnostic tool and approach

A sound diagnosis can only be reached starting from a correct interpretation of the damage. This is not always an easy task: symptoms may be misunderstood, alternative hypotheses overlooked, and the context of the damage left unconsidered. This paper aims to offer architects, contractors and engineers a helping hand in interpreting structural damage in masonry. It presents a simple but consistent approach for visual inspections, discussing both essences and pitfalls of the diagnostic process. In addition, it explains the outline of a diagnostic tool that incorporates this approach. The tool, a prototype of which is available for download, offers diagnostic guidance by means of 60 characteristic damage patterns. Since plans are to further develop this tool, the authors would welcome feedback and opporhrnities for cooperation