Title:
Transitional Masonry Facades: Hidden and Unforeseen Hazards, Part 2
Author(s):
Greggrey Cohen
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F23_GreggreyCohen.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/29/2023
Abstract:
Masonry walls exposed to weather act as reservoirs by collecting rainwater in the body of their mass through capillaries. In transitional masonry facades no provisions were introduced in the original construction to isolate or protect the structural frame from the moisture stored in and migrating through the masonry. Thereby, these frame elements are prone to damage due to corrosion. Depending on the exposure of the masonry facade, the extent of corrosion may be a local or systemic problem. Masonry deterioration such as appearance of bulging, vertical cracks over columns, and horizontal cracks at floor beams are some of signs of underlying deterioration of the structural frame. Deterioration in the masonry facade can result in fall hazards to public safety. Deterioration in the structural frame can compromise structural capacities and the ability to carry loads. This presentation will discuss various aspects and case studies of remedial work of transitional masonry facades and the underlying structural concrete frames