Strength Characteristics of Dressed Stone Masonry

This study focuses on analyzing the strength and deformation characteristics of assembled masonry wall panels and masonry units. Laboratory experiments were conducted to test the compressive strength of the stone samples in various directions of loading, the behavior of mud mortar, and the performance of overall masonry walls under compression and shear load. In addition to this, flexural strength tests were performed on the stone specimens to achieve their resistance to compressive forces while bending. The results highlight the structural response of dressed stone masonry, i.e., compression resistance, lateral deformation, and shear stresses resistance. The results provide required data for numerical simulation and can be used to model the seismic performance of such masonry structures. Besides, the study seeks to compare dressed stone masonry performance and that of rubble stone masonry in a bid to establish their relative earthquake resistance. The implications of this study can be used in the maintenance and upgrading of traditional construction by masonry with the improved mechanical performance understanding, a sine qua non to seismic performance enhancement.