Demolish Charleston's Brick Walls Because There Is Chloride in the Mortar?

Abstract

An engineering firm recommended demolition of a multistory brick facade on a building in Charleston, S.C., because the mortar contained chloride in excess of 0.2 by weight of cement. Another engineering firm had a sample of mortar from 10 other buildings tested. Seven of the 10 buildings had mortar chloride content of 0.2 or greater. The level of chloride in mortar in Charleston provides no basis for masonry demolition. A contrary view would require that half the exterior brick masonry in Charleston be demolished.