Comparison between experimental methods for evaluating the compressive strength of existing masonry buildings

In this study, the suitability of determining masonry compressive strength by using the following two moderately destructive techniques was evaluated: (i) testing bricks and mortar, separately, and then using formulas available in literature for calculating masonry compressive strength; (ii) testing cylindrical cores, completed with cement mortar castings above and beneath the core, according to a procedure recently proposed by the authors. Two sets of masonry specimens were purposely constructed in laboratory conditions, using bricks and mortar with different mechanical characteristics. From the results of the study, an evaluation of the reliability of the two testing techniques was possible.