The use of structural assessment techniques and reinforcement technologies for the conservation of the built heritage: The structural restoration of the Vistabella church’s tower

Abstract

This paper presents the use of structural assessment techniques (Non-destructive testing and numerical modelling) and reinforcement technologies for the restoration of the Vistabella Church’s Tower (La Secuita, Tarragona). The intervention was carried out due to evident construction pathologies that affected the resistant behaviour and stability of the steeple. The first step was to have the mechanical characteristics of the resistant elements that conform it. In this case, through the use of the Hole-drilling test such as Non-destructive techniques (NDTs), applied on four resistant ribs of brick masonry to establish the mechanical characteristics in combination with a numerical modelling with the objective of determining its structural behaviour and the evaluation of the steeple’s structural damage of the building studied. This information was necessary to determine the reinforcement needed, according to the observed pathologies. In order to provide additional vertical load without substantively modifying the structural scheme, a solution based on external prestressed bars (strengthening technology), was implemented. The procedure and the results of the follow-up are described in detail, these being the objective of the paper. © 2018, University of Cantabria - Building Technology R&D Group. All rights reserved.