Characterizing unreinforced masonry through core testing

Abstract

Estimating the mechanical properties of existing masonry structures still represents a challenge since there is the need to find a balance between the invasiveness of the testing method and the accuracy and representativeness of the test results. Minor destructive tests are usually preferred, especially when dealing with historical constructions. In the last decades, the use of masonry cores, tested to obtain either compression or shear properties, has progressively become a valid and promising alternative to other testing methods. However, the application of core testing is often limited to the academic research, mainly due to the lack of specific standards and testing guidelines. The objective of the present work is to analyze procedures adopted to test masonry cores for the characteriza-tion of compressive properties of unreinforced masonry with regular units. Through the collection of a database, an inventory of available experimental data on various masonry is provided, and the main features of test setups and protocols are examined and compared. Factors influencing the results, such as boundary conditions, geometry of the samples, bond pattern, etc., are identified. Collection of data related to standard experimental tests is also performed to support the definition of specific correlations between the results of core testing and of standard procedures, and, in general, to evaluate the reliability of the different testing methodologies. The present research represents the basis for a possible standardization of core testing methods.