Static penetration test for historical masonry mortar

The penetration test for historical masonry mortar presented in this study is based on the principle of “static” penetration. A pin is driven at constant velocity by a stepper motor controlled by a computer. The test result is the penetration load as a function of the penetration depth. The penetrometer has been tested on masonry walls consisting of decayed mortar. The objective of the test is to provide information about the mechanical characteristics of mortar (friction coefficient, cohesion). To this end, the results are compared with those from direct shear tests on mortar samples and with those from a previous percussion penetration test.