Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems represent a promising solution for the preservation of cultural heritage buildings. Existing masonry structures often suffer reductions in mechanical performances due to physiological aging of material constituents, external actions and effect of catastrophic natural events. In many cases, the promptly prediction of damage in masonry elements is difficult and it can cause sudden collapses, compromising the safety of people.

The proposed experimental study examines the effectiveness of two low-cost and innovative stress sensors. i.e. piezoelectric and capacitive stress sensors, in the monitoring of masonry structures. For the scope, the sensors were imbedded in the mortar joints of small scale clay brick and calcarenite masonry walls consisting of three panels. Experimental tests are carried out by applying a uniform compressive load to the samples and by simulating the damage in one of the panels and monitoring in real time the stress redistribution in the other ones. The recordings of stress sensors are stored and then they are compared with data from installed traditional measuring systems, in order to verify the reliability of data recorded.