Masonry Magazine January 2017 Page. 68
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6 -EXTERIOR WYTHE REPLACEMENT
Figure 5 -Temporary shoring
Work techniques are not exactly OSHA approved. Figure 6 shows an exterior wythe being replaced. The original mud bricks were damaged by moisture deterioration. Notice the vertical string lines for plumb control, yet no blocking or temporary piers to support the masonry above. The headering of the walls holds it all together. The new work is bedded in lime mortar.
Figure 6 -Exterior wythe replacement
Away from the citadel, we see the 118-foot tall Mudhafaria minaret (Figure 7) dating to c. 1190 AD. The broken off top attests to the high seismicity of the region. While the mosque was destroyed, the minaret is now a monument and was restored by a Czech firm. The bricks are baked and lime-based mortar was used in the restoration. Many minarets lean due to thermal effects on the brick.
Figure 7 -Restored minaret
One of the most significant minarets in Iraq has been awaiting restoration for years. The Minaret AI-Hadba (Figure 8) is in Mosul (c. 1172) and has been threatened by ISIS occupation. The minaret is on the 10,000 Iraqi Dinar note (Figure 9); sounds impressive but that's only about $8.58 USD. The 150-foot minaret is fully intact but leans over seven feet out of plumb.
The thermal leaning is only one aspect of the problems. The minaret has serious foundation problems that threaten its stability. It's amazing that the lean has been growing since the 14th century yet masonry stills
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survives.
Figure 8 -Minaret AI-Hadba, Mosul (courtesy of Gema Art)
Figure 9 -Minaret on 10,000 Dinar note
Let's take a look at modern masonry. Construction is generally all masonry or concrete frame with masonry infill. Figure 10 shows a new home under construction on the left with a completed one on the right. The structures are mostly load bearing CMU with concrete beams, floors, and columns added in. Cement is
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