Shear response of masonry blockwork panels

In this paper, the first step of an experimental investigation is detailed dealing with the behavior of 1,20m x 1,20m blockwork masonry panels shear loaded. The results of standard diagonal compression tests have been compared with the ones of others more innovative tests with a single predetermined plane of failure parallel and perpendicular to the bed joints. The different behavior of the masonry have been discussed, especially with regards to the failure mechanisms observed and the constitutive relations experimentally obtained. The Digital Image Correlation technique has been used to detect the initiation and propagation of the damage, and to have a better insight on the crack patterns. The analysis of the results showed the non-isotropic shear response of the panels, which is related to the bond pattern and to the consequent structure. The inadequacy of standard diagonal compression tests to grasp this fundamental aspect turned out to be undeniable.