Simtrec: Heritage Masonry Structure Preservation

LOCATION: Ottawa, ON

INDUSTRY: Commercial

Details:

Canada’s most iconic and historic structures in Ottawa are in the process of a major rehabilitation effort. Simtrec is preparing a proposal for the replacement of conventional masonry anchors with Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP).

SMT provided sensors and electronics to track the moisture and temperature transfer through stones subjected to extreme temperature and physical stress tests.

The analysis performed by Simtrec are designed to test the robustness and longevity of the revolutionary FRP material embedded in a wide variety of stone specimens taken from the Parliament Buildings and stone suppliers.

Included Sensors:

• Embedded Moisture Sensor

• Differential Wall Pressure

• Condensation on Glazing Unit Detection

• Relative Humidity sensor

• Weather Station

• Radiation Sensors

Simtrec produced a paper titled Moisture Levels in Stone Masonry using Duff Gauges. Download Abstract of Paper No. 473

SMT collaborated with the University of Manitoba to study the Freeze-Thaw Durability of Anchor Materials in Heritage Masonry Stones. The paper was presented at the 2nd International Structures Specialty Conference. Download Paper.

Design and Construction in cooperation with:

Simtrec, University of Manitoba