Diagonal compression tests on stone masonry panels: experimental results and analytical interpretations

Abstract

The models available in literature and codes for the strength evaluation of masonry piers subjected to in-plane lateral forces may provide very different predictions depending on the degree of anisotropy of the examined type of masonry; furthermore, the experimental evaluation of the parameters required by them may pose some problems, especially in those masonries (as the historical ones) in which mortar joints are not regularly arranged. The paper presents the results of a set of diagonal compression tests on irregular stone masonry panels with different levels of lateral pre-compression. The test campaign allowed to provide experimental data on the mechanical behaviour of traditional masonry made by rubble stones and air lime mortar; we found very low values of diagonal compressive strength. Afterwards, we interpreted these results referring to two widely accepted literature models. This way, it was possible to obtain further mechanical parameters (diagonal tensile strength, cohesion and friction coefficient) of the masonry and to discuss the applicability and reliability of these latter models.