PATHOLOGY IN MASONRY IN THE WEDGING REGION

Abstract

Masonry wall wedging is the process of filling the remaining space between the structure and the last row of wall blocks. In addition to filling the remaining space between the last row of blocks and the structure, it must ensure balance and greater durability to the building. The procedure may involve both filling and pre-tensioning the masonry wall by means of suitable construction elements. The retraction of the mortar and the transmission of forces from the structure to the masonry are factors that contribute to the formation of pathologies, such as: cracks that affect watertightness, the detachment of coatings, the crushing of blocks. The lack of performance in the wedge region has generated concern among civil engineering professionals. The NBR 8545 (1984) standard presents recommendations for wedging, saying: "masonry, in works with reinforced concrete structures, must be interrupted below beams and slabs and filled in order to ensure the perfect locking between the masonry and the structure". It should be noted that, at the time of publication of this standard, concrete structures were lower, with smaller spans in slabs and beams, in addition to having less deformability compared to modern constructions. With the advancement of civil engineering over the years, the increase in the strength of concrete has brought the need to use more flexible and adherent mortars in the wedging area. This process requires materials and techniques that guarantee the absorption of forces and promote maximum adhesion between the different construction elements.