Analisi sperimentale di elementi forati in laterizio per tamponature

This paper focuses on some results of experimental tests performed on brick unities at the Laboratory on Materials and Structures of Chieti-Pescara University. These tests are part of a wider research program called “Ecoleader” that was carried out together with the Universities of Patras and Roma Tre at the CEA Laboratory of Saclay; the program aims to study interaction between r.c. frames and infill panels. This is a relevant topic, as well known, because infill panels affect both local and global behavior of r.c. frame structures. The experimental study included characterization of both brick and mortar components (brick tested in uniaxial compression; mortar both in compression and bending) and infill specimens, with at least three mortar layers, by means of horizontal, vertical and diagonal compressive tests. Common (both structural and non-structural as in Italian Code provisions) bricks typically used in infill panels (in single or double wall arrangement) have been considered. In particular two kinds of clay bricks are selected. Hollow non-structural bricks (horizontally perforated units with rendering keyways, 6 holes, 80x160x330 mm3) and semi-solid bricks (vertically perforated units with single grip hole, 120x120x250 mm3,). A first series of tests on mortar and on clay bricks was carried out, considering both 12 hollow bricks and 12 semi-solid bricks. Then this kind of bricks and mortar was used to make 24 infill panels having 5÷10 mm thick mortar layers: in particular 12 square hollow panels 10101010800 mm3 (hollow bricks with horizontal holes as in common practice) and 12 square semi-solid panels 770770120 mm3 (semi-solid bricks with vertical holes) are tested. Actually a second series of tests on clay bricks is carried out, considering both 30 hollow brick specimens and 45 semi-solid bricks. In this test sequence both compressive failure tests (out-of-plane uniaxial compressive tests too) and elastic and Poisson moduli detections are carried out. First results in terms of compressive strength on semi-solid bricks are discussed in order to calibrate orthotropic response of infilling masonry and to validate an original homogenization criterion proposed in the past by the Authors.