A non-destructive method for estimating resilience of aging masonry veneer and cavity walls

Established cost-effective remediation solutions for unstable masonry wall systems exist. However, non-invasive procedures do not exist for detecting the extent of stability loss due to corrosion of wall ties within mortar joints, thus identifying which walls are prone to imminent collapse. A working method for estimating remaining stability and resilience of aging brick veneer and cavity brick masonry walls is proposed. Grounded by in-situ field inspection and condition assessments for various aged brick veneer and cavity brick walls, the proposed non-destructive in-situ assessment method and associated numerical structural analysis model have been validated and calibrated against detailed experimental corrosion science testing of metal wall ties. While still restricted to ground walls or where access can be safely gained by either scaffolding or abseiling, the proposed method can qualitatively detect vulnerability of masonry veneer and cavity brick wall collapse.