Investigation and Remedial Strengthening of Deteriorated Masonry Walls

Exterior masonry wall construction evolved over the centuries from thick mass masonry walls to modern veneer systems with backup walls and cavities for drainage. Many early cavity wall systems of the 1960s and 1970s were designed with what turned out to be inadequate waterproofing and durability features. Consequently, many older cavity walls now require remedial work to extend their useful life. After completing a multi-million dollar interior renovation of a middle school, the school district became of aware of pre-existing, widespread and severe cracking and spalling of mortar joints in the exterior brick masonry. The deterioration significantly impaired the structural integrity of the walls. Extensive remedial work, required to address the deterioration, had to be implemented from the exterior and without significant disruption to the occupants and recently completed renovations. This paper describes the investigation, evaluation, and remedial strengthening of the exterior walls.

Read the article.