Applications of laser vibrometry analysis to damage detection in masonry structures

The present contribution discusses the applications of a novel technique for the evaluation of damage in masonry construction. Existing non-destructive evaluation procedures are reviewed and adapted to the case of old masonry buildings. Preliminary results obtained from an extensive analytical and experimental research at the Cathedral of Coria allowed to derive practical guidelines for the new auscultation technology. It is concluded that analytical models based on discrete block assemblies combined with Finite Element Methods can be useful for crack recognition. As a result, a new methodology is proposed for damage evaluation in masonry construction.