Influence of environmental factors in the assessment of mechanical properties of masonry in historic construction

Environmental humidity significantly influences the mechanical properties of historic masonry, as demonstrated by a study at the Monastery of Batalha. The research found that humidity acts as a confounding factor, altering measurements of wave propagation velocity and Schmidt hardness obtained through non-destructive testing. Predictive models incorporating humidity improved the accuracy of estimating P-wave velocity, offering a more reliable approach for assessing elastic properties in heritage structures. This study establishes a framework for integrating environmental effects into conservation practices, enhancing the reliability of mechanical characterisation in historic masonry.

Bourgeois, I., Ferreira, V., & Rodrigues, H. (2026). Influence of environmental factors in the assessment of mechanical properties of masonry in historic construction. Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/10589759.2025.2612259