STATYBINĖS KONSTRUKCIJOS IR TECHNOLOGIJOS

ENGINEERING STRUCTURES AND TECHNOLOGIES

2010
Lietuvos statybininkų asociacija
2(3): 79–85
doi: 10.3846/skt.2010.11

THE EFFECT OF MOISTURE ON SIGNIFICANT MECHANICAL

CHARACTERISTICS OF MASONRY

Jiri Witzany1, Tomas Cejka2, Radek Zigler3

Czech Technical University in Prague, Department of Building Structures,
Thakurova 7, 16029 Prague, Czech Republic
E-mails: 1witzany@fsv.cvut.cz; 2cejka@fsv.cvut.cz; 3zigler@fsv.cvut.cz
Received 04 03 2010; accepted 22 06 2010
Abstract. Experimental and laboratory research into residual physical and mechanical characteristics of his-
torical masonry structures (GAČR 2008; Witzany et al. 2008), in particular the determination of residual
strength and modulus of elasticity in compression, included research oriented towards the effect of moisture
and porosity on the respective characteristics of masonry units – bricks, sandstone and arenaceous marl. Par-
tial results published in (Witzany et al. 2008) and in this paper testify to the need for further research into the
effects of porosity, moisture and chemism on the development of characteristics of building materials applied
on historical structures.
Keywords: masonry structures, moisture, porosity, chemism, residual strength in compression, modulus of
elasticity in compression, bricks, sandstone, arenaceous marl.

1. Introduction respective characteristics, the workmanship of walling

Despite a relatively extensive research into masonry
structures, the issue of a reliable determination of the
load-bearing capacity of existing, particularly histori-
cal masonry structures is still waiting for solutions with
adequately satisfactory results. The decreasing reliabi-
lity of the determination of physical and mechanical
characteristics of historical masonry must be accompa-
nied by a growing difference between the experimen-
tally specified ultimate strength and the actual loading
of the masonry structure. The determination of residual
mechanical characteristics of historical, mainly compo-
site and stone, masonry provides results that are mostly
of informative value only – due to the heterogeneity of
masonry, the variability of the properties of its different
components, irregularity of walling, the distribution of
moisture content and low reliability of the results obtai-
ned by non-destructive methods of the determination
of compressive strength of masonry units and mortars
and it is applicable only in cases of sufficient reserves
in the load-bearing capacity of masonry in relation to
its actual loading (which, because of the scatter of the
and the degree of mas­onry disintegration, should not
exceed 30% of the ultimate strength of masonry as de-
termined by non-destructive methods).
Of special notice are, in particular, masonry cons-
tructions with a high percentage of building-stone
blocks of sedimentary rock (Kotlík et al. 2000; Pavlík
et al. 2007; Šrámek 1992). Moisture content in the po-
rous system of these materials is the subject of nume-
rous studies (Hall, Hoff 2002; Nwaubani et al. 2000;
Kutílek 1984; Půbal, Myška 2008). Distribution and
integral curves of pores are often a basis for the ana-
lysis of moisture content in relation to significant me-
chanical characteristics. Like building-stone blocks of
sedimentary rock, burnt bricks are also characterized
by changes in their physical and mechanical properties
due to moisture effects depending on their pore distri-
bution and production technology (Kotlík et al. 2000;
Hanykýř et al. 2009). Due to moisture effects, apart
from damage caused by e.g. salt crystallization, freeze-
thaw cycles, bricks are also exposed to hydrolysis of the
glass phase of the matrix. The hydrolysis process is very
slow and continuous in moist masonry.

ISSN 2029-2317 print / ISSN 2029-2325 online

79
http://www.skt.vgtu.lt
80 J.Witzany et al. The Effect of Moisture on Significant Mechanical Characteristics of Masonry

2. The effect of moisture, porosity and chemism on brick porosimetry

40
compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of C Kutná Hora (beggining of 20. cent.)

percentual representation, %
B Kutná Hora (beggining of 20. cent.)
35
masonry units A Kutná Hora (beggining of 20. cent.)
16 Humpolec (beggining of 20. cent.)
3 Humpolec (beggining of 20. cent.) 25
1 Humpolec (beggining of 20. cent.)
The research of the effect of moisture on the values of 11 Fořt (17. cent.) 20
5 Fořt (17. cent.)
40
the compressive strength fb of masonry units has ma-
15
nifested a significant influence of moisture on the com- 10
pressive strength and modulus of elasticity of porous 5
building materials. 0.001 0.01 0.1
0
1 10
diameter of pores, μm
Fig. 1 displays experimentally determined rela-
tionships of the compressive strength fb, the modulus Fig. 2. Size and distribution of pores –
of elasticity E for bricks obtained from core boreholes bricks specified by mercury porosimetry
sampled from historical masonry in the pore saturati-
on state. Fig. 2 shows diagrams expressing the number, terval from 0% to 100% of saturation is a variable de-
distribution and size of pores for individual types of pending, apart from the saturation degree, also on the
bricks determined by means of mercury porosimetry. size and frequency of occurrence of individual pores.
Based on the analysis of the results of experi- The results of research indicate that the effect of mois-
mental research, with regards to the limited number ture on the investigated characteristics of bricks (fb,
of samples, we may state that the effect of moisture E) is more prominent in bricks with a porous system
content expressed by the saturation degree of the po- with a significant proportion of pores sized d∈ (0.01–
rous system on the compressive strength fb and the 1) mm as compared to bricks with a porous system
modulus of elasticity E of bricks ranging in the in- containing a significant proportion of pores sized d∈
(1.0–10) mm.
Fig. 3 displays experimentally obtained charts of fb
a) bricks – stregth x aborptivity x w and E x w relationships for sandstone and arenace-
140 ous marl. Fig. 4 displays the pore distribution in sands-
120
tone and arenaceous marl. In the case of sandstone, the
respective relationships clearly show that sandstones
100
with a greater proportion of pores sized d∈(10–100)
strength, %

80 mm react more vividly, showing a more progressive

60 drop in the compressive strength fb and the modulus
of elasticity E with the growing pore saturation degree,
40
as compared to the sandstone with a greater propor-
Humpolec
20
Fort
tion of pores sized d∈ (0.1–1) mm. This different ef-
0
fect of the pore saturation degree by the liquid phase
0 20 40 60 80 100 of moisture in bricks and sandstone is, among other
saturation level, %
things, caused by a different structure of both mason-
b) bricks – modulus of elasticity x aborptivity
ry units. Whereas the brick structure created by burnt
120
brick clay is relatively compact, the sandstone structure
100
modulus of elasticity, %

is predominantly composed of two phases – individual

80 grain types creating a matrix whose gaps are filled up
60
with a binder as the second phase. Together with the
original structure, the liquid phase of moisture creates
40
a multi-phase structure (system) in which the mutu-
20 Humpolec al interaction of individual phases affects the resultant
Fort compressive strength and modulus of elasticity (com-
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 pressibility). The understanding of this mechanism of
saturation level, %
the mutual interaction of a multi-phase structure with
Fig. 1. Relationship of compressive strength fb and modulus a sudden change in characteristics at the interface of
of elasticity E on saturation degree determined from core individual phases requires relatively demanding mat-
boreholes Ø 35 mm and ca 70 mm in length hematical modelling.
Statybinės konstrukcijos ir technologijos, 2010, 2(3): 79–85 81

The facts above are in accordance with the results

sandstone, arenaceous marl – of experimental and laboratory research performed on
a)
strenght x absortivity
120
arenaceos marl – T materials sampled from historical structures (Witzany
arenaceos marl – N et al. 2008), which are illustrated in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6,
100 sandstone
strength, %

manifesting, unlike bricks, a significant drop in the

80
compressive strength fb and the modulus of elasticity
60 E of sandstone with growing porosity (Witzany, Čejka
40 2008). A similar drop in the respective parameters was
also monitored in arenaceous marl.
20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 sandstone, arenaceous marl –
saturation level, % a)
strenght x absortivity
120
sandstone, arenaceous marl – arenaceos marl – T
b) modulus of elasticity x absortivity arenaceos marl – N
120 100 sandstone

strength, %
100 80
modulus of elasticity, %

60
80

60 40

40 20
arenaceos marl – T
20 arenaceos marl – N 0
0 20 40 60 80 100
sandstone saturation level, %
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 sandstone, arenaceous marl –
saturation level, %
b) modulus of elasticity x absortivity
120

Fig. 3. Relationship of compressive strength fb and modulus of 100

modulus of elasticity, %

elasticity E of sandstone and arenaceous marl on

saturation degree determined from core boreholes Ø 35 mm 80
and ca 70 mm in length 60

40
arenaceos marl – T
sandstone porosimetry
a) 60 20 arenaceos marl – N
7 Fořt (17. cent.)
6 Fořt (17. cent.)
sandstone
15 Fořt (17. cent.) 0
2 Fořt (17. cent.) 50 0 20 40 60 80 100
percentual representation, %

17 Boseň (17. cent.)

14 Boseň (17. cent.)
13 Boseň (17. cent.)
saturation level, %
40
Fig. 5. Relationship of modulus of elasticity in compression
30 E and compressive strength fb on porosity (brick, sandstone,
arenaceous marl)
20

10 The relationship pattern of the modulus of elasti-

0
city in compression E and the compressive strength fb
0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10
diameter of pores, μm on the total proportion of pores sized 25–7500 nm and
b) arenaceous marl porosimetry pores greater than 7500 nm clearly shows differences in
percentual representation, %

I arenaceous marl (20. cent.) 30

II arenaceous marl (20. cent.) 25 the respective relationships for bricks, sandstone and
20 arenaceous marl. The patterns of the respective relati-
15
10
onships in particular manifest a dramatic effect of the
5 size and proportion of macropores and coarse pores on
0 the strength fb and the modulus of elasticity E.
0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10
diameter of pores, μm The partial results of the effect of salinity (salt
contents in pores) obtained to-date show that the salts
Fig. 4. Pore size and distribution – sandstone, arenaceous marl
specified by mercury porosimetry (Weishauptová 2008) contained in the porous system not only cause chemi-
cal degradation processes, resulting, in a longer time
 82 J.Witzany et al. The Effect of Moisture on Significant Mechanical Characteristics of Masonry

Modulus of elasticty x Porosity perspective, in the reduction of the binder component

a)
12.3
pores 25 – 7500 nm, % pores > 7500 nm, % content, particularly in building materials of sedimen-
bricks bricks
sandstone sandstone tary rock, but also immediately affect the values of the
Modulus of elsaticity, Gpa

ar. marl ar. marl

10.3
strength fb and the modulus of elasticity in compres-
8.3
sion E (Fig. 7).
6.3

4.3 3. The effect of moisture content changes along the

cross section of an extruded unit on compressive
2.3
stress redistribution
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 In terms of the requirement for mechanical resistance
pores, %
b) Strenght x Porosity and stability, an issue of relevance is the assessment of
60 pores 25 – 7500 nm, %
bricks
pores > 7500 nm, %
the structural qualification of particularly load-bearing
bricks
sandstone sandstone
50 ar. marl ar. marl masonry structures with increased moisture contents
40 caused e.g. by extraordinary effects (floods, leaking pi-
Stenght, MPa

pes etc.), or insufficient protection from groundwater

30
and rainwater.
20
A change in the moisture content along the cross
10 section of an extruded masonry unit (pillar, wall) is
0 accompanied by a change in the modulus of elastici-
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 ty E and the strength fuc along the unit’s cross section.
pores, %
A change in the rigidity EiUi along the cross section
Fig. 6. Relationship of modulus of elasticity in compression E of an extruded unit results in the redistribution of in-
and compressive strength fb on pore sizes and their proportion ternal forces – in the “pouring“ of normal forces into
on total porosity
the parts of the cross section with a higher modulus of
elasticity from the parts where the modulus of elastici-
ty has fallen. At the same time, shear forces arise bet-
Fořt (17. cent.)

a)
ween the parts of the unit’s cross section with different
values of the modulus of elasticity E (rigidity E*U) and
Fořt (17. cent.)

60
thus with a tendency towards a different primary de-
Fořt (17. cent.)

formation ensuring the unit’s integrity and preventing

Stenght, MPa

40
its separation. The exceeding of the shear strength of
Boseň (17. cent.)

Boseň (17. cent.)

Boseň (17. cent.)

masonry may lead to the appearance of vertical cracks.

20 The disturbance of the equilibrium state of an extruded
unit (the equilibrium of internal and external forces)
0
due to a change in the distribution of the rigidity along
0.25 0.33 0.38 0.45 1.498 1.71 the unit’s cross section E*U, or a drop in the strength
total content of salts, %
fuc due to the effect of moisture in cases where the load-
b) bearing structure possesses sufficient reserves in load-
bearing capacity is limited to a mere redistribution of
15
internal forces. In the cases where sufficient reserves
Modulus of elsaticity, Gpa

Fořt (17. cent.)

in the load-bearing capacity no longer exist in the ma-

Fořt (17. cent.)

Fořt (17. cent.)

10 sonry structure due to e.g. degradation processes, the

Boseň (17. cent.)

Boseň (17. cent.)

Boseň (17. cent.)

disturbance of the equilibrium state due to changes in

5
the moisture content w and the induced redistribution
of compressive stresses may cause an integrity failure
or the exceeding of the ultimate bearing capacity of a
0 masonry unit.
0.25 0.33 0.38 0.45 1.498 1.71
total content of salts, % Numerical analyses of masonry pillars 600 mm
in thickness made of bricks, sandstone and arenace-
Fig. 7. Relationship of compressive strength and modulus of
elasticity of bricks, sandstone and arenaceous marl on total salt ous marl exposed to continuous loading on the upper
contents in the porous system (according to Wasserbauer) edge proved that due to a non-uniform distribution of
Statybinės konstrukcijos ir technologijos, 2010, 2(3): 79–85 83

moisture along the cross section of extruded masonry
pillars (w∈(0%; 20%)), contrary to the constant mois-
ture content pattern (w = const.), the equilibrium state
is disturbed and the normal compressive stresses are
redistributed along the cross section of the masonry
pillar (Fig. 8).
Dry Drying up
Course of moisture
as well as the results of experimental research of the
effect of moisture on the strength R and the modu-
lus of elasticity E of P15 and P30 bricks (Witzany et
al. 2003; Čejka 2002), in the moisture content interval
whm ∈ (3.5%; 15%) (Fig. 10).
The comparison of vertical and horizontal de-
formations of extruded masonry pillars with different
Getting wet moisture contents of masonry (whm ∈ (1.36%; 15.81%))
clearly shows a progressive growth in the deformations

~ 20% ~ 20%
~ 20%
(strain) of masonry pillars with high moisture contents
< 3% < 3% by weight (Figs. 11, 12). Fig. 13 manifests the effect of
< 3%
increased masonry moisture contents on a drop in the
masonry rigidity (growth in deformations, additional
Dry Drying up Getting wet pushing) by up to 80 to 90% with a simultaneous drop
in the masonry strength by up to 40% (Fig. 9) at a ma-
Stress – bricks

102.2% 102.6%
101.3%
102.2%
101.1% 101.1% sonry moisture content of 15.81% by weight as com-
100%
pared to the masonry moisture content of 3.56% by
98.8% 98.8%
98.6% 98.6%
weight (Witzany et al. 2009).
Stress – ar. marl

125.6%
120.6% 700 631 kN 626.8 kN
101% 100%
600
100% 481.2 kN
93.1% 93.1% 500 76%
93%
Load, kN

380.2 kN
400 60%
Stress – sandst.

103.5% 103.5% 300

103% 103%
100% 100.3%
200
95% 95% 94.7% 100
0
1.36% 3.56% 14.26% 15.81%
w. moisture, %
Fig. 8. Idealized moisture profiles of a wetting and drying
masonry unit, The pattern of normal stress in compression Fig. 9. Comparison of ultimate bearing capacity of masonry
corresponding to an idealized moisture content pattern along pillars in relation to moisture content (Witzany et al. 2003) of
the cross section – stone masonry (arenaceous marl, brick P15, P30 bricks
masonry, sandstone)

relative load bearing capacity by EC 6 and ČSN ISO 13822, (e = 0)

relative load bearing capacity by ČSN 731101 and ČSN 730038, (e = 0)
relative load bearing capacity calculated with brick strength (Čejka, T., 2002)
4. The effect of moisture on the load-bearing experimentaly obtained relative load bearing capacity of masonry columns
105
capacity and deformation characteristics
relative load bearing capacity, %

100
of masonry 95
Experimental research of the effect of moisture on the
85
load-bearing capacity and rigidity of masonry pillars
has manifested a prominent drop in the load-bearing 75
capacity of extruded masonry pillars with their gro-
65
wing moisture content up to a value of 60% at a mois-
ture content of 15.81% by weight, as compared to their 55
100% load-bearing capacity at a 3.5% moisture content
by weight (Fig. 9). 0 5 10 12 15 25
w. moisture, %
A relative drop in the experimentally determined
load-bearing capacity of masonry in compression in Fig. 10. Comparison of load-bearing capacity of masonry in
relation to the masonry moisture content is in a good compression determined experimentally (Witzany et al. 2003),
using regulations for reconstruction design currently in force
accord with the relative drop determined using the re-
and using experimentally determined relationships R x w for
gulations for reconstruction design currently in force P15 bricks (Čejka 2002)
 84 J.Witzany et al. The Effect of Moisture on Significant Mechanical Characteristics of Masonry

6E-03 Comparison of rigidity of masonry columns with different

105.45 kN levels of moisture in dependence on load (K × N),
210.90 kN 5.28E-03 thickness of bed joint 15 mm, lime mortar, 450 × 450 mm
5E-03 324.75 kN 2
column 1 (3.0%)
1.8 column 2 (3.6%)

Rigidity (N/(εy × A)), kN.mm2

column 3 (1.4%)
4E-03 1.6 column 4 (4.1%)
column 9 (13.5%)
1.4
strain, m

column 8 (15.0%)
3E-03 2.90E-03 column 8 (16.6%)
1.2
1
1.96E-03
2E-03 1.81E-03 1.82E-03 0.8
1.24E-03 1.24E-03 0.6
9.34E-04
1E-03 0.4
4.92E-04 4.67E-04 5.57E-04
3.66E-04
0.2
0
1.36% 3.56% 14.26% 15.81% 0
w. moisture of masonry columns, % 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Load, kN
Fig. 11. Comparison of experimentally determined vertical
deformations of extruded masonry pillars for selected levels of Fig. 13. Comparison of rigidity of masonry pillars for various
loading with compressive force and masonry moisture content moisture content values in relation to loading

w. moisture of masonry columns, % In connection with the reconstruction of histori-

1.36% 3.56% 14.26% 15.81%
0
–5.78E–05 –4.68E–05 –4.58E–05 –4.87E–05
cal structures, the models of homogenized masonry are
–1.23E–04 –1.36E–04 –1.63E–04 presently applied in numerous cases. Numerical ana-
–3.60E–04 –2.28E–04
–5E-04 lysis based, on the one hand, on mathematical models
–6.53E–04
and, on the other hand, on insufficiently accurate mate-
strain, m

–1E–03
rial and physical models, may lead to erroneous conclu-
sions, but it may also be the cause of a faulty reconstruc-
–1.5E–03
tion concept and a subsequent appearance of structural
–2E–03 failures and defects. Insufficiently cogent boundary
105.45 kN
210.90 kN conditions and input parameters describing the physi-
324.75 kN –2.28E–03
–2.5E–03 cal and mechanical characteristics of masonry and its
individual components cannot be overrated by the ap-
Fig. 12. Comparison of experimentally determined horizontal
plication of “the most sophisticated” numerical model.
deformations of extruded masonry pillars for selected levels of
loading with compressive force and masonry moisture content
Acknowledgements

5. Summary The paper was written with support from Research

Research into residual characteristics of selected types
of masonry units used in historical structures has ma-
nifested a need for further theoretic and experimental
research of the effects of moisture, porosity and che-
mism on their physical and mechanical characteristics.
Among serious findings there is, in particular, a drop in
the strength and modulus of elasticity of masonry units
of sedimentary rock – mainly sandstone and arenace-
ous marl, i.e. masonry units applied in a large scope
in historical structures built in the early Middle Ages
due to their availability and good workability (e.g. St.
George’s Basilica, St. Vitus’s Cathedral, Charles Bridge).
Without the necessary knowledge in this area, adequ-
ate reliability and durability of structural interventions
implemented within repair or reconstruction projects
of mainly listed monuments where masonry structures
had been exposed to long-term effects of moisture can-
not be guaranteed.
Plan MSM 6840770001 “Reliability, optimization and
durability of building materials and structures“.
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DRĖGMĖS ĮTAKA SVARBIAUSIOMS MECHANINĖMS MŪRO CHARAKTERISTIKOMS

J. Witzany, T. Cejka, R. Zigler
Santrauka. Straipsnyje pateikti eksperimentiniai ir laboratoriniai tyrimai nustatant tokias fizines ir mechanines istorinių
pastatų mūro charakteristikas (GAČR 2008; Witzany, Čejka, Zigler 2008), kaip faktinis (liekamasis) mūro gniuždomasis sti-
pris bei gniuždomojo tamprumo modulis, įvertinant drėgmės ir poringumo įtaką mūrui (plytoms, smiltainiui ir mergeliui).
Dalis rezultatų publikuota Witzany, Čejka, Zigler (2008) straipsnyje. Jame aiškiai parodytas tolesnių tyrimų tikslingumas
siekiant išplėtoti istorinių pastatų mūro svarbiausių charakteristikų nustatymo metodus, įvertinant drėgmės, cheminių me-
džagų (pvz., druskų kristalizacijos) ir poringumo įtaką.
Reikšminiai žodžiai: mūrinės konstrukcijos, drėgmė, poringumas, faktinis (liekamasis) gniuždomasis stipris, tamprumo
modulis, plytos, smiltainis, mergelis.

Jiří WITZANY. Professor, Dr Sc., Dr.h.c., Eng., Rector Emeritus, Department of Building Structures, Faculty of Civil En-
gineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech republic. Chief researcher of 2 research plan and 10 grant, author
and co-author of 10 monographs, 58 defended research reports, 180 scientific and technical articles and papers on domestic
and international conferences, 18 university textbooks, 8 experimental buildings and constructions, 5 utility models. His
extensive research activity, mainly in recent years, has been concentrated on the problems of designing building structures,
has carried out extensive theoretic and experimental research of prefabricated structures, reconstruction and rehabilitation
designs of concrete and masonry buildings, degradation processes, durability and reliability of buildings. He has designed the
reconstruction concept of Charles Bridge.

Tomáš ČEJKA. Ph.D., Eng. Assistant lecturer at the Department of Bulding Constructions, Faculty of Civil Engineering,
Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech republic. Co-researcher of 2 research plan and 8 grant, author and co-author of
10 monographs, 3 utility models, 32 scientific and technical articles and over 40 papers on domestic and international confer-
ences, 18 defended research reports His research interests include structural analysis, mainly of masonry and precast conrete
structures, reconstructions and renovations of buildings etc.

Radek ZIGLER. Ph.D., Eng. Assistant lecturer at the Department of Bulding Constructions, Faculty of Civil Engineering,
Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech republic. Co-researcher of 2 research plan and 8 grant, author and co-author of
10 monographs, 3 utility models, 32 scientific and technical articles and over 40 papers on domestic and international confer-
ences, 18 defended research reports His research interests include structural analysis, mainly of masonry and precast conrete
structures, reconstructions and renovations of buildings etc.