Non-destructive evaluation of a dieste’s historical reinforced brick masonry church

A non-destructive evaluation of Eladio Dieste's Church of Christ the Worker in Atlántida, Uruguay, reveals the church's impressive state of preservation despite showing early signs of aging. The study, conducted under UNESCO's Keeping It Modern program, applied techniques such as infrared thermography, ground-penetrating radar, penetration resistance, and ultrasonic testing to assess the structure's conservation. Findings indicate common deterioration mechanisms like moisture presence, steel bar corrosion, and mortar degradation, yet the church remains well-preserved, highlighting Dieste's innovative reinforced brick masonry (RBM) design and construction.

Domenech, L. D., Spalvier, A., Moltini, G., Aulet, A. B., & Cetrangolo, G. P. (2017). Non-destructive evaluation of a dieste’s historical reinforced brick masonry church. International Journal of Heritage Architecture: Studies, Repairs and Maintence, 2(1), 115–127. https://doi.org/10.2495/ha-v2-n1-115-127