ABSTRACT
Diagonal compression tests were carried out on double-leaf masonry panels while direct shear tests were conducted on single-leaf masonry specimens and triplets; finally, cores were subjected to splitting test with different mortar layer inclinations. An experimental campaign was carried out on masonry specimens typical of Emilia Romagna area; both destructive and partially-destructive tests were considered in order to verify reliability of the latter even when diagonal tensile failure occurs. In terms of masonry failure criteria, the most diffused and accepted one when dealing with diagonal tensile failure is that proposed by V. Turnsek & F. Cacovic. Mortar compression strength was also evaluated by performing double punch tests on prismatic specimens extracted by mortar beds and on slices cut by conventional mortar prisms, in order to compare the real mechanical properties of mortar inside the masonry panels with those obtained under standard conditions.
