Diagnostic analysis of the static conditions of some Italian monuments

The paper illustrates “non destructive” in situ tests for the diagnostic analysis of the static conditions of brick and stone masonry structures. The testing technique, which is based on the use of thin flat jacks inserted into the mortar layers, is the only way to achieve reliable information on the main mechanical characteristics of a masonry structure (deformability, strength, state of stress). Special attention is devoted to the wide range of calibration tests carried out at the laboratory to ascertain the reliability of the flat-jack technique in different test conditions. Some examples of diagnostic analysis carried out on important monuments are then reported.