Shear response and failure mode of masonry triplets subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading

This paper investigates the shear response and failure mode of masonry triplets subjected to monotonic and cyclic shear loadings. In this experimental campaign, different masonry triplets using different mortar compositions have been constructed and subjected to different levels of pre-compression. The cohesion and internal friction angle were derived assuming a Mohr-Coulomb criterion and using a linear regression equation. The influence of the strength of the mortar under monotonic and cyclic conditions was investigated. From the results analysis, it was shown that the mortar composition and pre-compression load strongly affect the shear strength of the masonry triplets. Also, triplets subjected to cyclic shear loading sustained a lower peak strength when compared to triplets subjected to monotonic loading.