Inspection and mechanical characterisation of materials in a historical masonry arch bridge

Abstract

The preservation and assessment of the historical infrastructures, par-ticularly masonry bridges, is crucial in safeguarding heritage and promoting sus-tainable development. This study focuses on the characterisation of the Joncadella Bridge, employing a combination of non-destructive and minor de-structive testing techniques, alongside historical documentation analysis. Through examination of historical records, geometrical survey, and pathology assessment, insights into the construction details and materials used in the bridge's construction were gained. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods such as thermography, magnetometry, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and the rebound ham-mer test were utilized to assess structural integrity. Additionally, Minor Destruc-tive Testing (MDT) techniques including the pin penetration test, helix screw pull-out test, and torque penetrometric test were employed to evaluate mechani-cal properties of materials. Furthermore, laboratory experiments involved mortar identification, and mechanical characterisation of stone and brick samples. The obtained data will be used to feed analytical models of the bridge, aiding engi-neers in assessing structural performance, identifying vulnerabilities, and formu-lating maintenance strategies. This comprehensive approach, integrating histori-cal research with different types of testing methodologies, can provide valuable insights into the condition and behaviour of masonry infrastructure, facilitating effective preservation strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of com-bining quantitative and qualitative analyses, thereby contributing to the advance-ment of methodologies for masonry infrastructure characterisation and conserva-tion.