Shear tests on masonry panels of 1x1 m2

This paper describes shear tests on masonry panels of 1 x 1 m2. The tests are carried out to verify the results of FEM and DEM calculation. The main problem with these tests were the boundary conditions. In the preceding numerical analysis the horizontal upper edge of the specimen is supposed to move parallel to the bottom edge. To be able to control this condition during testing three deformation controlled vertical 150 kN jacks are used. The horizontal deformation is applied by one 450 kN jack. The deformation of the test rig itself is minimalised by two struts with hand controlled tensile jacks. The deformations of the specimen are measured by 19 LVDT’s mounted to the specimen on a 10 point grid. The test series will he completed before the end of this year. Then the results will be compared in detail with he results of the FEM and DEM calculations. To be able to do this the material parameters are established with small scale specimens made and tested simultaneously with the shear specimens of 1 m2. Also the results of preceding small scale compression, tension and shear tests will be used. Until now already large resemblance is found between numerical and experimental cracking and failure modes.