Lyndsey G. Terrya https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7303-9702
Igor A. Chavesa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8619-3883
Mark J. Masiaa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1991-9602
Md Akhtar Hossaina https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7216-7238
Rob E. Melchersa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1068-4368

a Critical Infrastructure Performance and Reliability Group, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia

ABSTRACT
In brick veneer and cavity brick walls the steel wall ties are essential structural components linking the external leaf of masonry to the internal framework. Steel wall ties are susceptible to corrosion over time which can ultimately result in the complete deterioration of the material. Such corrosion significantly impacts the structural integrity of brick veneer and cavity brick walls, increasing the risk of failure under lateral forces from earthquake or wind. Detecting corrosion in embedded wall ties in masonry walls is difficult and often only becomes apparent after the wall has failed or been demolished. This limitation calls for a deeper understanding of the corrosion of steel wall ties within the air cavity of masonry walls. The current research provides data on the environmental conditions within the wall cavity of a brick veneer and cavity brick wall structure, revealing the impact temperature and humidity have on the corrosion of galvanized and stainless-steel wall ties, and steel wall ties with no corrosion protection. After one-year of exposure to the natural environment, the qualitative and quantitative data presented uncovers corrosion processes affecting wall ties in two types of masonry wall air cavities. The research reported herein signifies the influence that the cavity brick and brick veneer wall cavity microclimate have on wall tie corrosion over time.

Keywords: Masonry, wall ties, air cavity, corrosion.