This paper presents the results of testing stone masonry wallettes in compression or in diagonal compression. The specimens that simulate a portion of perimeter walls of historic structures are made of three-leaf rubble stone masonry; they are horizontally reinforced with timber ties. Tests have proven that timber ties contribute to substantial enhancement of the ultimate strain of masonry subjected to compression, accompanied by reduction of the opening of vertical cracks. When timber reinforced masonry is subjected to diagonal compression, the cracking load is several times higher than that of the unreinforced masonry, whereas large diagonal cracks may open without disintegration of masonry. The experimental results are in accordance with in situ observations in historic structures.

This article summarizes the available experimental results related to the behavior of three-leaf masonry: The behavior and the failure mechanism of this type of masonry under compression is studied. The effect of the mechanical properties of ternary and hydraulic lime-based grout on the mechanical properties of masonry in compression is investigated. Simple formulae are proposed for the estimation of the compressive strength of three-leaf masonry after grouting.

This paper provides an overview of the Literature on the behaviour of historic masonry elements and building models. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main parameters affecting the seismic behaviour of historic masonry buildings, as illustrated through the experimental campaigns carried out by numerous researchers. Furthermore, aspects of the seismic behaviour that are not sufficiently studied to-date are identified. Thus, selected publications are evaluated related to the behaviour of historic masonry elements in compression, in diagonal compression, in in-plane shear and simultaneous compression, out-of-plane bending, as well as publications related to the behaviour of subassemblies and building models subjected to monotonic, pseudo-dynamic or dynamic tests on earthquake simulator. The available experimental results illustrate the main weaknesses of historic masonry elements and bearing systems, namely the vulnerability to in-plane shear and to out-of-plane bending, the limited ductility, the negative effect of the flexibility of timber floors and roofs, etc. On the other hand, the beneficial effect of adequate connection between horizontal and vertical elements, as well as the connection among walls is also evident. Moreover, the variety of the construction types of masonry tested by various researchers, the scale of the models, the variety of experimental setups and loading histories do not allow, in most cases, a direct comparison of the experimental results. This is so especially as far as properties related to the deformations of masonry elements are concerned. Thus, the effort to develop sound physical models and to calibrate them is not yet satisfactorily assisted by the available experimental results. Yet, this is a prerequisite for a reliable assessment of the current state of historic structures and, by way of consequence, for the selection of adequate intervention techniques for their preservation.

Scour action is one of the main factors that add significant stress to the growing infrastructure crisis as it is considered one of the most destructive flood-related hazards occurring around underwater foundation elements. Recent cases of bridge failures have highlighted the need for a reliable scour monitoring and early warning system to assess flood and geo-hazards in real-time, providing advanced key info for repair and maintenance actions. Despite the past efforts to provide such a system for scour assessment, most of the developed instruments were not able to offer a reliable solution for scour monitoring, due to technical and cost issues. As a result, there currently exists a gap in the knowledge and understanding of scour mechanism during flood incidents. This study presents the development of a new sensing system to assess hydro-hazards at bridge infrastructure. It initially focuses on factors contributing to the growing infrastructure crisis and provides an overview of the current practices and assessment procedures to assess scour processes and a summary of advantages and limitations of existing monitoring efforts. A new monitoring concept for assessing scour and sediment deposition processes is then presented focusing on modelling the geometric components of a new sensor which is evaluated in simulations under different environments that represent prospective field conditions. Main results are analysed and presented focusing on key criteria that maximize sensitivity of the sensor to scour and sedimentation processes. The obtained results indicate that the sensor has the potential to provide a new monitoring device for scour and sediment deposition monitoring, and it is proposed to be further developed and assessed in laboratory and field conditions. This study aspires to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the use of sensing techniques to monitor, assess, and manage scour action effectively.

In this experimental campaign, concrete‐to‐concrete interfaces were examined under cyclic actions, crossed by postinstalled reinforcing bars or industrial steel screws. In addition, the effect of the embedment length and the roughness was investigated. It was observed that different failure modes occur, depending on the different connector types and embedment depths. The positive effect of roughness on the interface resistance was confirmed, but the results indicate that, for very high roughness values, the resistance may be smaller than for moderate values. It was also noticed that the behavior of interfaces crossed by mechanical anchors was less stiff in the ascending branch and exhibited a less steep falling branch. The extension of the project on testing thin overlays showed that the resistance was significantly affected in case of cyclic loading, suggesting that the use of any type of anchor in seismic conditions needs to be supported by adequate experimental evidence.