Experimental Investigation on Innovative Stress Sensors for Existing Masonry Structures Monitoring

Historical masonry structures often suffer gradual deterioration that in many cases can compromise the safety levels and the operating conditions of the buildings. In this context, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an effective tool for the prediction of the structural behaviour and the state of conservation of buildings. Although many monitoring systems have recently been proposed, there is a lack of practical application of low-cost systems. This paper presents an experimental study based on the use of two innovative stress sensors—capacitive stress sensor and ceramic stress sensor—for the monitoring of existing masonry elements. In order to reproduce the actual conditions of onsite masonry, sensors are post-installed in the mortar joints of two series of pre-stressed specimens made of calcarenite stone masonry and clay brick masonry. The best practice of post-installation of the two sensors is investigated. The reliability of the proposed sensors is evaluated through comparison with data recorded from classical measurement devices.