Abstract
The present Project proposes the development of a study about non-destructive techniques for evaluation of masonry structures. Through a literature review, these methods will be assessed and then, the research project will focus on the feasibility of applying the flat-jack method, which is currently used in masonry structures with solid elements, in masonry walls with hollow concrete blocks. Among the non-destructive techniques, there are: sclerometry and the penetration strength, ultrasound, thermography and flat-jack. The flat-jack method is one of the few that allow obtaining the mechanical properties of a structure, which are needed in the analysis and evaluation of constructions, without necessarily destroying or damaging the masonry wall (Noland, Atkinson & Schuller 1990). The method was firstly developed in the study of stone buildings, then it was adapted to be used in masonry structures with solid elements, such as bricks, by the researcher Paolo Rossi during the 1980s decade (Gregorczyk & Lourenço 2000). Currently, the flat-jack technique is defined by standards and recommendations, as the ASTM C1197-09.Along with the evolvement of the constructive techniques, there is the increase of the use of hollow concrete blocks, either by its properties or by its practicality (Ahmad et al. 2013). Therefore, this research project proposes the study of the feasibility of currently used procedures for solid units, in hollow concrete blocks.This Project intends to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each non-destructive evaluation technique, as well as the difficulties and uncertainty that could be faced during the adaptation of the method for hollow blocks. Using flat-jacks specially designed for the LSE/UFSCar, the resistance of small walls will be tested in laboratory. The comparison between values obtained with experimental tests and the ones from the literature, and mainly the evaluation of the used technique, will indicate the feasibility and/or difficulties in its use. (AU)
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