ABSTRACT
An important element of the assessment of technical state of masonry is to determine the salinity of walls with construction salts. The salt crystallization process can cause degradation of the walls. The assessment of the impact of these salts on the stability of masonry materials is one of the basic elements to be taken into account while performing renovation and preservation activities. Ceramic brick is considered to be one of the most durable building materials. The presence of salts considerably reduces the drying process of the bricks. Magnesium nitrate is a strongly hygroscopic salt; it promotes moisture retention in the material. Due to the fact that the formed phases of hydrated magnesium nitrate are relatively large, it should be borne in mind that longer periods of exposure, as well as the processes of slow crystallization of hydrates and anhydrous crystals may cause occurrence of tensile stresses.
