Determining Shear Properties of Masonry from test on cores

This thesis actively addresses a crucial question in structural assessment and preservation: how to accurately assess the sliding shear strength of masonry through slightly destructive testing (SDT) methods, with a particular emphasis on core sampling techniques. The research investigates the impact of mortar joint inclinations at 45° and 55° angles on shear failure modes, addressing the lack of standardization in current methodologies. By refining core testing protocols, this study aims to improve the accuracy of shear strength evaluations in masonry, which is particularly important for structures in seismic regions. We experimented using a novel approach, extracting core samples from masonry panels and performing shear-compression tests with a universal testing machine (MTS). Advanced measurement techniques like Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) were employed to monitor stress distribution and displacements during the tests precisely. The results indicated that shear forces played a more significant role as the mortar joint inclination increased. Sliding emerged as the primary failure mode at 55°, while the 45° samples exhibited a combination of sliding and splitting. The findings underscore the influence of mortar joint inclination on masonry's shear strength and the reliability of core sampling for assessing shear strength. They also highlight the potential for further refinement of SDT protocols, offering a promising future for consistent and accurate evaluations of masonry structures. These insights contribute to a better understanding of masonry performance under shear forces and offer practical applications for the structural assessment and preservation of masonry buildings.