Abstract:
Preserving and protecting historic buildings presents many challenges for those who aim to preserve the architectural heritage of Chisinau. In this field, knowledge of the condition of masonry is fundamental. However, destructive testing is not always a solution that can be applied to historic masonry structures. In order to overcome this type of problem the authors of this paper, propose a non-destructive - visual evaluation method for estimating some critical parameters of masonry material. Starting from the fact that the behaviour of masonry material depends on several factors, such as the strength of components like mortar and masonry elements, the unit shape, and the volumetric ratio between elements and their weaving, which is the result of applying a series of constructive solutions that form the "rule of art". Given the complexity of the problem due to a large number of variables, a visual estimate of the mechanical parameters of the walls can be made on the basis of an evaluation of the qualitative criteria. In this paper, it is proposed to apply this visual method to the urban mansion of S.L. Starov, at 42 Tricolor Street, town. Chisinau.