Durability Study of 14-Year Old Masonry Wallettes: Fid-Bau Portal

Durability Study of 14-Year Old Masonry Wallettes

K. A. Gutschick / J. R. Clifton

A series of brick wallettes originally built to study the effect of 5 variables, particularly dolomitic lime, on dimensional stability were analyzed as to their durability performance after 14 years of outdoor exposure. Durability performance was assessed in terms of cracking (bond separation), mortar erosion, and efflorescence, with the influencing factors including type of lime, mortar, and brick, loading, climate, and exposure. Generally, most walls performed well, considering that they in essence were 'parapet' walls, unprotected from the elements on all sides. The greatest incidence of cracking occurred in walls built with the dense, low absorptive white brick and mortar made with high expansive lime; frost action was undoubtedly a contributing factor. Mortar erosion was most prevalent on the south faces of walls, particularly in walls built with the high absorptive red brick and mortar made with high expansive lime; thermal expansion was undoubtedly a contributing factor. Efflorescence was only slight. The study points to the importance of using compatible mortar-brick combinations to get the best performance. Portions of this document are not fully legible.