Core testing method to assess nonlinear shear-sliding behaviour of brick-mortar interfaces: A comparative experimental study

In this study, tests on cores and companion tests on triplets are compared with respect to the evaluation of the nonlinear shear-sliding behaviour of masonry, including the determination of post-peak softening response. Due to its slightly-destructive sampling nature and its good agreement with triplet results, the core testing method is confirmed to be a competitive technique for the in-situ assessment of the cohesion, friction coefficient, and shear modulus of mortar. Additionally, the comparisons in terms of dilatancy and energy dissipation, novel aspects with respect to previous studies, provide interesting insights for further research on the cohesive and frictional mechanisms occurring at brick-mortar interfaces.