Old Chimneys of lime factory in Sarezzo (BS)

The old chimneys of the lime factory in Sarezzo, located in a listed natural area, were in a poor state of conservation following years of abandonment, allied with the fact that their industrial purpose, the making of bricks at very high temperatures, over decades of work had led to significant alterations in the structural characteristics of mortar and masonry. The chimneys had also been filled with deposits during the working process causing horizontal loads and cracking in the structure.

The structure’s geometry and state of conservation were determined through coring and endoscopic video inspection. The results showed that external facings were made with brick masonry 25 cm in thickness, while internal infilling was made with other materials presumably as a result of the processes described above.

Grouting was necessary to reinforce the masonry. Due to the previous presence of iron hoops, it was decided to add further, invisible iron framework inside the chimney connected to masonry with radial ties.

To fully evaluate the effects of such an operation, an area of 5 m3 of masonry was used as a grouting testing zone, measuring how much mortar could be absorbed as well as offering the chance to analyse the performance of two ties. Results were in compliance with the design request.