ABSTRACT
The knowledge of masonries' mechanical parameters is an essential requirement for a reliable structural assessment on existing masonry buildings. The analysis of the experimental tests' results, accompanied by a careful qualitative description of the masonry panels, is a preliminary step for the integration of the masonry categories of the Italian structural Code. The Italian territory is characterized by a significant cultural heritage, mainly composed of historic stone load-masonry buildings, and by a high site construction hazard. The evaluation of the seismic safety assessment for existing buildings is an essential scientific activity, necessary for the protection of the cultural building stock. Vulnerability analysis conducted in building stock of the province of Firenze highlighted the presence of the masonry composed by "masselli" blocks. The chapter shows that the results of experimental tests performed on particular masonry panels "out-of-Code" taken from bearing walls realized with hollow brick blocks or hand-made concrete blocks.
