Comparative analysis between Tuscan and Portuguese traditional masonries: qualitative and mechanical characterisation

The knowledge of mechanical properties of masonry walls is an essential requirement for reliable structural assessment of existing masonry buildings, which represent a significant part of the cultural heritage in European countries. An unrealistic assumption of such properties can lead to unreliable safety coefficients, namely when using complex modelling approaches for structural assessment. The current Italian code provides average values for the mechanical characteristics of several masonry types. However, this classification does not cover all typologies and fabric, characterised by a broad variety of materials and construction techniques. On-site tests are usually a reliable manner to obtain the mechanical properties of existing masonry. Among these, flat-jack tests are one the most widely applied techniques due to their adaptability and relative low cost. Nevertheless, the output given by this testing procedure is debatable due to the absence of a standardize protocol regarding both the definition of the testing procedure and conditions, as well as the limitations and interpretation of the results. This paper presents the results of a set of experimental on-site tests resourcing to the flat-jack technique on traditional masonries both in Italy (Toscana Region) and Portugal, which are herein presented, discussed and compared also based on their qualitative features.