Non-Destructive Testing of Masonry

Structures
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Non-destructive testing of masonry structures is not common in practice.

However methods of NDT testing of masonry structures are available which
can be used for evaluation of existing masonry structures when visual
inspection is not sufficient or is not reliable.

Appearance of cracks in masonry structure is a clear indication of distress

and deterioration of masonry structures which can be evaluated through
visual inspection. But, deterioration of masonry materials inside the
structural element, internal cavities, weak bond etc. can cause the safety
concern for the structural masonry elements.

Thus to ensure it becomes necessary for regular monitoring an inspection of

masonry structure by the use of non-destructive testing methods available.
Use of NDT methods for testing existing masonry structures time to time
ensures the quality and strength requirements for intended use.

Sometimes, the masonry structure has to be used for purpose other than
intended use when designed, in that case, it is essential that the structure is
evaluated for new loads or load combinations or additional loads based on
existing capacity and conditions.

Identification of ongoing distress and damages in early stage is essential to

prevent further damages and to select suitable repair and rehabilitation
methods for masonry structures.

Table of Contents
 Methods of Non-Destructive Testing of Masonry Structures
o Flat Jack Testing of Masonry Structures
o Impact Echo Testing of Masonry Structures
o Impulse Radar Testing of Masonry Structures
o Infrared Thermographic Method of Masonry Testing
 o Boroscope Method of Masonry Structure NDT

Methods of Non-Destructive Testing of Masonry Structures

1. Flat jack testing method

2. Impact echo testing method

3. Impulse radar testing method

4. Infrared thermography

5. Boroscope testing method

Flat Jack Testing of Masonry Structures

Flat jack NDT testing method for masonry structures is used to determine
engineering properties such as compressive strength and in-situ stress of
older structures for structural evaluation.

A flat jack testing equipment consists of flexible steel envelope which is very
thin and fits within the masonry mortar joint. This flat jack is then
hydraulically pressurized to apply stress on the surrounding masonry
structures.
 This method directly measures the existing compressive stress present
within the masonry structure. It is useful for determination of stress gradient
present within masonry structural elements such as walls, columns.

Flat jack NDT testing works on the principle of stress relief within the
masonry. The testing procedure involves removal of mortar from a joint.
When mortar is removed from the joint, the compressive stresses in the
masonry element forces the slot to close by a small amount.

A flat jack is then inserted into the slot and pressurized to restore the slot to
its original opening size. The pressure which is required to restore the
original slot dimension is a measure of compressive stress in masonry
element. The compressive stress value is obtained by comparing the
pressure with calibration constant of flat jack equipment.

The other tests done by using the flat jack equipment is in situ deformability
test. This test is used for direct measurement of masonry deformability
properties and to estimate the masonry compressive strength.

For conducting in-situ deformability test, two parallel flat jacks are used.
Then masonry between them is subjected to compressive stress. The stress
strain curve which is obtained during the test is used for obtaining both
compressive modulus and an estimate of compressive strength.

Impact Echo Testing of Masonry Structures

Impact echo NDT testing method is used for detection of stress wave
propagation and flaw in masonry structures as well as concrete structures.

An impact-echo test system is consists of following three components:

o An impact source.

o A displacement transducer.

o A computer or waveform analyzer.

The principle of this test is inducing stress pulses on the surface of masonry
elements by a mechanical impact and then measure the stress propagation
at the other end of the masonry element.

It measures the time of travel and speed of the wave propagation from the
originating source to the source at which it is measured. All the data
obtained from this test is analyzed with the help of a computer.

Impulse Radar Testing of Masonry Structures

The impulse radar testing method is used for detection of delamination in
masonry structures. This is the electromagnetic analog of sonic & ultrasonic
pulse echo methods. In this method, the electromagnetic waves propagate
through materials of different dielectric constants.

The reflection of energy from various interfaces is measured in this NDT

method for determination of various defects.

Infrared Thermographic Method of Masonry Testing

This NDT test is conducted to determine subsurface delamination in masonry
structures. This test is also used to detect the internal voids, cracks in
masonry structures. Infrared thermographic method gives fairly accurate
picture about the condition of masonry elements inside and can be
effectively applied for larger surfaces.
Boroscope Method of Masonry Structure NDT
Boroscope method is used for commonly used for concrete and masonry
structure, and also used for steel structural elements. A boroscope is used to
look inside inaccessible or small voids.

For masonry structures the boroscope can be used to gain information of the
depth of the outer layer of bricks or natural stones and it can provide
information of the filling material in between the arches. It may also be used
to examine the mortar between bricks or natural stone.