Masonry Structures

Historical masonry buildings often show diffused crack patterns due to different causes in relation to original function, construction technique and loading history. Non-destructive testing methods, and especially the Acoustic Emission (AE) technique, applied as in situ monitoring systems allow reliable evaluation of the state of conservation of these structures and its evolution in time. In this chapter three different case studies are presented to show the AE technique capability on the assessment of damage evolution in ancient brick and stone artworks. All the analyzed structures are located in remarkable Italian sites from the Architectural Heritage point of view.