Macroscopic characterization of modern masonry

This publication presents a study aiming a macro characterization of the mechanical properties, suitable for future macro-scale numerical continuum-based analyses of a structured masonry bond, employing modern hollow bricks. The experiments themselves were initially simulated across different configurations, sizes and loading scenarios to determine the minimal specimen size invariant to boundary and size effects that scales consistently. From these simulations, a numerically informed experimental program was executed across compression, tension, shear, triplet shear, and out-of-plane bending conditions to fully quantify orthotropic material parameters of the masonry pattern suitable for aimed macro-scale simulation. The outcome of this publication is a comprehensive quantitative understanding of the apparent masonry type for engineering design purposes.