A középkori várfalak kialakítása, diagnosztikája és helyreállítása: Vázlat
The construction, diagnostics and restoration of medieval castle walls: Outline

Author(s): Csaba Kovács
Subject(s): Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: medieval castle walls; multi-leaf masonry; monument restoration; structural diagnostics; heritage conservation; stone masonry; injection grouting; earthquake damage; castle preservation; structural engineering
Summary/Abstract: The study examines the structure, diagnosis, and restoration methods of medieval castle walls built with multi-leaf stone masonry systems. The article explains how these walls were traditionally constructed with outer stone shell walls and an inner rubble-filled core bonded with lime-based mortar. It presents both historical and modern perspectives on masonry construction, including references to Vitruvius and later architectural classifications of stone walls. The study discusses the growing relevance of the topic due to recent Hungarian castle restoration programs involving sites such as Diósgyőr, Füzér, Eger, Sirok, Várgesztes, and Sárospatak. Special attention is devoted to diagnostic methods used in conservation engineering, including visual inspection, hammer testing, Schmidt-hammer analysis, drilling, georadar examination, and 3D laser scanning. The article identifies common structural problems in medieval walls, such as the separation of outer wall layers, deterioration of the inner core, water damage, frost action, vegetation growth, and earthquake effects. The author also describes modern restoration technologies, especially injection grouting and stainless-steel anchoring systems used to reconnect detached wall layers to the masonry core. Several practical case studies are presented, including earthquake damage in Umbria and Albania, which illustrate the vulnerability of multi-layer masonry structures to seismic forces. The study further analyzes structural modelling and finite-element calculations used to evaluate the behavior of historic masonry walls under vertical loads, wind pressure, and earthquakes. Overall, the article demonstrates how historical construction knowledge, modern diagnostics, and careful engineering interventions can together support the long-term preservation of medieval castle structures.

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