Abstract
The paper presents the results of several flat-jack tests conducted on large sections of brick walls prepared in a laboratory. The influence of two basic factors was studied – the shape of the flat-jacks and distance between them – on the magnitude of the recorded strains. The three most common flat-jack shapes (semi-circle, rounded-rectangle and rectangle) were used for that purpose. The aforementioned spacing adopted for the purpose of the test was 3, 5 and 7 layers of bricks forming the analyzed brick wall specimen. Both of these factors have a significant impact on the boundary conditions of the test and the recorded results. For the purpose of comparison, brick prisms of a height corresponding to the spacing of the flat-jacks were cut out of the tested walls. The entire walls and then the cut out prisms were subjected to a load with a compressive force in order to estimate the modulus of elasticity E of the brick wall. Comparison of the values obtained shows that the semi-circle flat-jacks widely used in engineering practice might overestimate the rigidity of the wall tested. The reason seems to be the small surface area of this type of flat-jack and insufficient depth of its placement inside the wall bed joint. Only rounded-rectangle and rectangle flat-jacks allowed for estimating results that were more similar to those recorded in the other tests on masonry. Double flat-jacks testing allows for a minor-destructive assessment of the deformation parameters of the outer layer of brick wall. The recorded values were comparable with the results obtained by other authors.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
ASTM D4729-19: Standard Test Method for In Situ Stress and Modulus of Deformation Using the Flat Jack Method. ASTM International (2019). https://doi.org/10.1520/D4729-19
Rossi, P.: Analysis of mechanical characteristics of brick masonry tested by means of in-situ tests. In: 6th International Brick and Block Masonry Conference, Rome, Italy, pp. 77–85 (1982)
ASTM C1196-20: Standard Test Method for In Situ Compressive Stress Within Solid Unit Masonry Estimated Using Flatjack Measurements. ASTM International (2020). https://doi.org/10.1520/C1196-20
ASTM C1197-20e1: Standard Test Method for In Situ Measurement of Masonry Deformability Properties Using the Flatjack Method. ASTM International (2020). https://doi.org/10.1520/C1197-20E01
RILEM TC 177-MDT, RILEM Recommendation MDT. D.4: In-situ stress tests based on the flat jack. Mater. Struct. 37, 491–496 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481588
RILEM TC 177-MDT, RILEM Recommendation MDT. D.5: In-situ stress – strain behaviour tests based on the flat jack. Mater. Struct. 37, 497–501 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481589
Binda, L., Saisi, A., Zanzi, L.: Sonic tomography and flat-jack tests as complementary investigation procedures for the stone pillars of the temple of S. Nicolo` l’Arena (Italy). NDT&E Intl. 36, 215–227 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0963-8695(02)00066-X
Lombillo, I., Thomas, C., Villegas, L., Fernández-Álvarez, J.P., Norambuena-Contreras, J.: Mechanical characterization of rubble stone masonry walls using non and minor destructive tests. Constr. Build. Mater. 43, 266–277 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.02.007
Manning, E., Ramos, L.F., Fernandes, F.M.: Tube-jack testing for irregular masonry walls: regular masonry wall testing. J. Nondestr. Eval. 35(3), 1–13 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10921-016-0360-x
Casarin, F., et al.: Mechanical characterization of masonry typologies in Israel via flat jack tests. In: Aguilar, R., Torrealva, D., Moreira, S., Pando, M.A., Ramos, L.F. (eds.) Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions. RB, vol. 18, pp. 625–633. Springer, Cham (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99441-3_67
Tacas, K., Gonzales, M., Aguilar, R.: Mechanical characterization of adobe constructions using flat jack tests: case study of the Virgen de la Asunción de Sacsamarca Church. In: Aguilar, R., Torrealva, D., Moreira, S., Pando, M.A., Ramos, L.F. (eds.) Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions. RB, vol. 18, pp. 706–715. Springer, Cham (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99441-3_76
Gonen, S., Soyoz, S.: Investigations on the elasticity modulus of stone masonry. Structures 30, 378–389 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2021.01.035
Pinho, F.F.S., Serra, R.J.G., Saraiva, A.F.L., Lúcio, V.J.G.: Performance of single and double flat jacks in stone masonry lab tests. J. Build. Eng. 42, 102465 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102465
Costa, C., Ribeiro, D., Jorge, P., Silva, R., Arêde, A., Calçada, R.: Calibration of the numerical model of a stone masonry railway bridge based on experimentally identified modal parameters. Eng. Struct. 123, 354–371 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.05.044
Nobile, L., Gentilini, C., Bartolomeo, V., Bonagura, M.: Micro-destructive flat-jack test for the diagnosis of historic masonry. Key Eng. Mater. 417–418, 741–744 (2009). https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.417-418.741
Binda, L., Cantini, L., Tedeschi, C.: Diagnosis of historic masonry structures using non-destructive techniques. In: Büyüköztürk, O., Taşdemir, M.A., Güneş, O., Akkaya, Y. (eds.) Nondestructive Testing of Materials and Structures, vol. 6, pp. 1089–1102. Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0723-8_152
Santini, S., Baggio, C., Sabbatini, V., Sebastiani, C.: Onsite testing for nonlinear analysis of an earthquake damaged historical church in Italy. Appl. Sci. 11, 11755 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411755
ASTM C1531-22: Standard Test Methods for In Situ Measurement of Masonry Mortar Joint Shear Strength Index. ASTM International (2022). https://doi.org/10.1520/C1531-22
Foppoli, D., Armanasco, A.: Laboratory and in situ calibrations of new flat jack method for assessing masonry shear characteristics. In: Aguilar, R., Torrealva, D., Moreira, S., Pando, M.A., Ramos, L.F. (eds.) Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions. RB, vol. 18, pp. 513–522. Springer, Cham (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99441-3_55
Armanasco, A., Foppoli, D.: A flat jacks method for in situ testing of brick masonry shear characteristics. Constr. Build. Mater. 262, 119840 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119840
Pallarés, F.J., Betti, M., Bartoli, G., Pallarés, L.: Structural health monitoring (SHM) and Nondestructive testing (NDT) of slender masonry structures: a practical review. Constr. Build. Mater. 297, 123768 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123768
Guadagnuolo, M., Aurilio, M., Basile, A., Faella, G.: Modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of tuff masonry: results of a wide set of flat-jack tests. Buildings 10(5), 1–18, 84 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10050084
UIC 778-3: Recommendations for the inspection, assessment and maintenance of masonry arch bridges (2019)
Medeiros, W.A., Soriani, M.O., Parsekian, G.A.: Innovation in flat-jack application to evaluate modern high-strength hollow concrete block masonry. Constr. Build. Mater. 255, 119341 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119341
Manning, E., Ramos, L.F., Fernandes, F.M.: Numerical modeling of single tube-jack and flat-jack tests in an unreinforced masonry wall with a regular typology. In: Aguilar, R., Torrealva, D., Moreira, S., Pando, M.A., Ramos, L.F. (eds.) Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions. RB, vol. 18, pp. 315–322. Springer, Cham (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99441-3_33
Łątka, D., Matysek P.: The estimation of compressive stress level in brick masonry using the flat-jack method. In: International Conference on Analytical Models and New Concepts in Concrete and Masonry Structures (AMCM’2017), Proc. Eng. 193, 266–272. Elsevier, Gliwice (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.06.213
Rios, A.J., O’Dwyer, D.: Experimental validation for the application of the flat jack test in cob walls. Constr. Build. Mater. 254, 119148 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119148
Rios, A.J., O’Dwyer, D.: Adaptations of the flat jack test for its application in cob walls. MethodsX 7, 101003 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2020.101003
Fedele, R., Maier, G.: Flat-jack tests and inverse analysis for the identification of stress states and elastic properties in concrete dams. Meccanica 42, 387–402 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-007-9061-y
Mckenney, A.M., Corkum, A.G.: Experimental evaluation of rapid flat jack testing with various shaped saw-cut slots. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 53(1), 455–466 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-019-01913-6
Łątka, D., Matysek, P.: Badania konstrukcji murowych in-situ. Inżynieria i Budownictwo 73(7), 360–363 (2017) (in Polish)
EN 1015-11: Methods of test for mortar for masonry – Part 11: Determination of Flexural and Compressive Strength of Hardened Mortar, 654. European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Brussels, Belgium (2019)
EN 772-1:2011+A1:2015, Methods of test for masonry units – Part 1: Determination of Compressive Strength. European Committee for Standardization (CEN): Brussels, Belgium (2015)
EN 1996-1-1: Eurocode 6 – Design of Masonry Structures – Part 1-1: General Rules for Reinforced and Unreinforced Masonry Structures; 650. European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Brussels, Belgium (2005)
Simões, A., Bento, R., Gago, A., Lopes, M.: Mechanical characterization of masonry walls with flat-jack tests. Exp. Tech. 40, 1163–1178 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1111/ext.12133
Carpinteri, A., Invernizzi, S., Lacidogna, G.: Historical brick-masonry subjected to double flat-jack test: acoustic emissions and scale effects on cracking density. Constr. Build. Mater. 23, 2813–2820 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.03.003
EN 1052-1:1998: Methods of Test for Masonry – Part 1: Determination of Compressive Strength. Brussels, Belgium, European Committee for Standardization (CEN) (1998)
Cescatti E., Benetta M.D., Modena C., Casarin F.: Analysis and evaluations of flat jack test on a wide existing masonry buildings sample. In: Brick and Block Masonry, pp. 1–8. CRC Press (2016). https://doi.org/10.1201/B21889-184
Carpinteri A., Invernizzi S., Lacidogna G.: Numerical simulation of brick-masonry subjected to the double flat-jack test. In: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures, pp 1–8. Taylor & Francis, London (2007)
Dorji, J., Zahra, T., Thambiratnam, D., Lee, D.: Strength assessment of old masonry arch bridges through moderate destructive testing methods. Constr. Build. Mater. 278, 122391 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122391
Alecci, V., Ayala, A.G., De Stefano, M., Marra, A.M., Nudo, R., Stipo, G.: Influence of the masonry wall thickness on the outcomes of double flat-jack test: Experimental and numerical investigation. Constr. Build. Mater. 285, 122912 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122912
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this paper
Cite this paper
Łątka, D. (2024). Commentary on the Flat-Jack Test – Factors Influencing the Measurements. In: Endo, Y., Hanazato, T. (eds) Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions. SAHC 2023. RILEM Bookseries, vol 47. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39603-8_46
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39603-8_46
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-39602-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-39603-8
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)