Masonry mechanical properties

Different approaches can be followed for numerical modeling of masonry and historical structures. Depending on the modeling strategy and level of complexity involved, a set of input parameters related to linear and nonlinear properties of units and mortar or masonry is required that, ideally, should be obtained experimentally.

However, in most cases either performing experimental tests is not allowed at all (such as in historical structures) or only a few types of tests are performed due to economical reasons or lack of suitable testing equipment. This chapter discusses the way these mechanical properties are established and gives some suggestions for establishment of material properties for numerical simulations when limited experimental results are available.