Experimental evaluation of changes in strain under compressive fatigue loading of brick masonry

Assessing the long-term performance of masonry structures and their response to increased loading conditions are critical to safety and maintenance. A series of laboratory tests have been carried out on brick masonry to assess its performance under long-term fatigue loading. The relationship between stress levels and number of cycles to failure was identified under compressive loading, together with stress-strain evolution at various stress levels. Strain evolution shows distinctive characteristics for the three stages of deterioration and increased strain for increased number of cycles. Experimental results provide useful data for developing analytical prediction models for the fatigue deterioration of masonry structures.