The use of the diagonal compression test to identify the shear mechanical parameters of masonry

In this paper, the mechanical meaning, the experimental evaluation and the proper use of the mechanical parameters, which the most diffused simplified models for the prediction for the Diagonal Cracking failure mode in masonry piers are based on, are analysed. Moreover, a procedure to obtain a “mean” evaluation of the cohesion and the friction coefficient of mortar joints of masonry through the diagonal compression test is proposed. In order to assess the reliability of the procedure, a set of non-linear numerical simulations have been performed.