Author
ROBERTO CAPOZUCCA I.S.T.C. University of Ancona, Italy

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to describe the behaviour of partially prestressed masonry columns under shear load. In modern masonry, the use of partially prestressed elements is convenient to ensure adequate capacity during severe load conditions such as seismic actions. Also, old columns subjected to horizontal actions due to the thrust of arches and vaults may be strengthened by partial vertical precompression. This paper presents a theoretical and experimental analysis of the partially prestressed brickwork column models built with three-hole bricks. The experimental results, obtained by monotonic and cyclic tests on column models, permit validating this technique in the case of columns subjected to shear force.