Author
LARS SENTLER Lund University, Sweden
and
PER OFVERBECK Vattenfall AB, Stockholm

Abstract
This paper reviews the causes of failure of masonry in relation to the information which is obtained in standardized test procedures. In standardized tests the strength properties of masonry are established in terms of compressive, flexural and shear strengths. The methodology used reflects the need for representative information and consistent test procedures. Uncertainties are introduced because of simplifications in the strength characterization, limitations in the test procedures and restrictions of a finite population. These uncertainties are also addressed within a statistical framework.