The methodology employed and the results obtained from an experimental campaign to determine the compressive strength of a masonry pillar extracted from an early 20th century building are presented. The samples of the pillar were extracted from a structure located in the Hospital de Sant Pau modernist complex. The pillars analyzed are characterized by a circular section of a diameter of 60 cm, and are composed of clay bricks and, instead of the more common lime based mortars, Portland cement as a binder. The pillars show a complex interior morphology including an outer layer of regular masonry in combination with an internal core composed of an irregular mix of mortar and brick portions. The material, geometrical and structural typology of the pillars investigated are fairly representative of the pillars encountered throughout the hospital complex, therefore making the determination of its capacity of wide interest for the structural study of several adjacent buildings. The experimental campaign was planned and performed with the purpose of determining the compressive strength and elastic properties the masonry pillar under cyclic and monotonic concentric loading. The campaign included several tests on entire portions of the pillar measuring a height of 100 cm. It also included a detailed characterization of the mechanical properties of the constituent materials and masonry samples including one or more mortar joints. The ultimate load obtained from the pillar test is compared to the service and design loads. Comparisons are also drawn between the compressive strength obtained from the pillar test and from tests performed on sampled masonry specimens. The effects of existing damage, which is extensive in the pillars, and overall structural arrangement are also discussed.

Peer Reviewed