ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some aspects of testing and experimental research of seismic behaviour of masonry walls and buildings, based on the experience obtained at Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute. To determine the parameters of seismic resistance, the observed failure mechanisms of masonry walls after earthquakes are simulated by testing the specimens either in the laboratory or on site. Cyclic shear tests are preferred for seismic testing, as they yield almost complete information regarding the seismic behaviour of walls, including stiffness and strength degradation as well as displacement and energy dissipation capacity. Accuracy of simulation of seismic motion represents a technological problem of test control. Masonry is composite structural material, aimed at carrying compressive loads, and not tension and shear forces which develop in structural elements when subjected to seismic ground motion. Robustness of units is of relevant importance in the case of the hollow unit reinforced masonry.
