Geomechanical characterization of some adobe materials

Abstract The influence of the material properties in the physical and numerical modelling of historical buildings suggests identifying proper laboratory procedures for their mechanical characterization. In the following some aspects are discussed of the geotechnical laboratory tests suitable for the characterization of some adobe materials used in historical heritage. Apart from the conventional identification and classification procedures, the direct shear and the uniaxial compression tests are considered. The study intends to provide additional experimental information that could be used in subsequent studies for the development of constitutive laws applicable in the numerical analysis aimed, for instance, at comparing the effectiveness of various alternative solutions applicable in the field for the restoration of buildings that characterize monument sites.