A service life prediction model for masonry based on accelerated testing and Weibull interpreted testing results

IIn this paper durability is defined as the capacity to prevent deterioration with time. Deterioration occurs when the (with time changing) capacity of masonry becomes insufficient to withstand environmental attacks of an unpredictable nature. The authors have modelled the very complex interaction phenomena by an appropriate stochastic process combined with accelerating testing under controlled conditions. The testing method is based on stress cycles generated by a weathering process, e.g. salt crystallisation and/or ice formation. As a reference for deterioration under real environmental conditions, a full-scale outdoor-exposure model is used of which the ground-water composition is controlled, e.g. the salt content. It is demonstrated that the probabilistic model leads to (mixed) Weibull distributed lifetimes. The testing procedure as well as the statistical interpretation of testing results have reached, after many years of research, the application stage.