CYCLIC BEHAVIOUR OF CALCARENITE BLOCK MASONRY PANELS

The static and cyclic behaviour of calcareous tufa block panels was experimen-tally investigated. The axial strength is dominated by tensile cracks parallel to the line of action of the load. The cyclic behaviour of the panel axially loaded shows the existence of the locus of the common points. The strength of panels subjected to cyclic diagonal forces is dominated by shear failure along the mortar joints. The results also show good ductility and good energy-dissi-pation capability of the panels.