Comparison between experimental values and standards on natural stone masonry mechanical properties

The research presented in this paper investigates the mechanical properties under compressive loads of a natural stone masonry. Selected materials and arrangement are typical from the Romanesque period, the main architectural style in Europe from the 9th to the 13th centuries, found both in heritage and conventional buildings. The characterisation of the basic materials and different stone masonry prisms are included. Sandstone and low strength lime–cement mortar were used for this experimental work because of their availability and similarity with the masonry found in many historic buildings from the North of Spain. The morphological characteristics of the original ancient walls were also taken into account, in order to manufacture prism specimens that were as representative as possible of the Spanish Romanesque typology (i.e. in terms of its geometry, composition of the internal core, relative size, etc.).The experimental values were compared with the analytical ones provided by other author’s equations, codes and main standards. The differences on the obtained results are analysed and the more suitable formulae are identified. The results permit a better understanding of these materials and a reliable source of data for the validation of the existing structures.

► Characterisation of local masonry constituent materials.
► Construction and testing of masonry prisms in laboratory.
► Comparison of the experimental results with the results provided by main recommendations, codes and standards.
► Analysis and discussion of the prism compressive test results.