Author

MARCARI, G.
University of Minho, ISISE, Department of Civil Engineering, Portugal
FABBROCINO, G.
University of Molise, Strega Laboratory, Italy
LOURENÇO, P. B.
University of Minho, ISISE, Department of Civil Engineering, Portugal

Abstract

A significant number of historic and monumental buildings located in Mediterranean areas, and in particular in South-central Italy, are characterized by soft stone masonry, i.e. tuff or calcarenite. Many are exposed to seismic risk, so that a reference data base in terms of mechanical properties is of paramount importance in seismic assessment of this type of masonry structures. Over the past decades, relevant experimental research has been carried out on masonry panels that represent traditional arrangements. Investigations on their in-plane response under compression, shear and combined shear-compression loading are available. In the present work, a systematic interpretation of available data is carried out with reference to compressive behaviour of tuff and calcarenite stone masonry. The aim is to widen our knowledge about large single and multiple-leaf panel response. Results can be used to validate the estimation of mechanical properties in view of nonlinear analyses of historic masonry structures.

Key words
historical masonry, existing structures, soft stone, tuff, calcarenite, compressive behaviour