Geometrical, constructive, and mechanical characterization of the traditional masonry buildings in the historic city center of Leiria, Portugal

Abstract

As it is recognized, the definition of rehabilitation and seismic retrofitting strategies and solutions for traditional buildings with load-bearing masonry walls requires an adequate characterization of their material properties and construction solutions. The lack of knowledge on the behavior of traditional constructions frequently leads to the adoption of intrusive intervention techniques, which are often mechanically incompatible with the existent masonry and deeply harmful to the authenticity of these buildings. Aimed at contributing to a better knowledge of the traditional masonry building stock in Portugal, the chapter describes and discusses applied research carried out in the historic center of Leiria crossing the results from the visual inspections and the results from nondestructive tests.