The Medina of Chefchaouen (Morocco): A survey on morphological and mechanical features of the masonries

This paper presents results of a survey on morphological and mechanical characteristics of the masonries in the Medina of Chefchaouen, XV–XIX century, in the Western Rif in Morocco, aimed at providing the information needed for a correct diagnosis and for the planning of conservation interventions adequate to the specificity of the local building culture. To this end, the work characterizes chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of materials as well as morphological features of traditional masonry walls. In particular, three main types of walls are identified and characterized by the stonework sections. Numerical estimate of compressive strength of the three masonry types is determined both through empirical and analytical formulas and through a method for the assessment of masonry quality based on a Masonry Quality Index (MQI).