Estimating elastic modulus of tuff and brick masonry: A comparison between on-site and laboratory tests

Abstract Prediction of elastic modulus is crucial to adequately assess the structural response of existing masonry buildings. Elastic modulus can be determined on-site, by double flat-jack test, according to ASTM C1197 and RILEM TC 177-MDT.D.5 and in laboratory, by compression test, according to EN 1052-1. These two types of test are different in terms of test set-up, procedure, data processing and formulas for calculating elastic modulus. In this paper a comparison between the values of elastic moduli obtained from the above two types of test, according to the different approaches provided by Standards or available in literature, is presented and discussed. The research provides recommendations on how to determine reliable values of elastic modulus from double flat-jack test.