Shear properties of masonry

The numerical analysis of the constitutive behaviour of masonry is based on the knowledge of several mechanical parameters: the identification of a numerical model in general requires the determination of elastic and strength properties of the mortar and brick assemblies. In order to provide the value of shear strength for brick masonry elements, an experimental testing program has been carried out by the authors. A classical shear box test has been performed on brick masonry cubes. The tests have been performed according to three different directions, two of which in the planes of the head joints and a third orthogonal one. It can then be seen that the hypothesis of a different shear behaviour according to the three directions is consistent, so that a friction tensor can be deducted.