Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Archaeology - Department of Conservation

The work presented in this thesis is eminently experimental and intends to be a valuable contribution to a better insight on the structural behavior and failure mechanisms of multiple-leaf stone-masonry walls. Hence, the primary aim of this study is contributing to enlarge experimental data concerning the structural behavior of the multiple-leaf rubble stone-masonry walls under axial in-plane compression. Furthermore, the evolution of building materials and construction technology of this type of walls were investigated through conducting a thorough field survey on historic multiple-leaf masonry walls in the Islamic architectural heritage in Cairo, Egypt. In order to fully characterize the structural behavior of this type of walls, a comprehensive testing program was set-up firstly for micro-scale investigations (limestone units, lime-based mortar, and core-infill materials) through qualitative and quantitative analyses; microstructure and morphological examinations; as well as mechanical and physical testing. Then the composite behavior of masonry prisms, which represent external layer and inner-core layer, was also investigated under axial compression. Finally, macro-scale investigations were also conducted by testing multiple-leaf rubble stone-masonry wallettes in its original, repaired and strengthened conditions with various intervention techniques and materials. The study also aimed to evaluate the effect of microbiological deterioration on historic masonry materials (limestone units and lime-based mortar) as a cause influence on its properties

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