Estimation of unreinforced tuff masonry compressive strength based on mortar and unit mechanical parameters

This chapter reviews the formulations used to establish tuff masonry compressive strength based on mortar and unit characteristics, available both in the technical literature and in the Italian and European standards. A substantial part of the building stock in Italy is made of unreinforced tuff masonry, which is used for new constructions. Therefore, determining the compressive strength of this type of masonry is of fundamental importance for both the assessment of existing constructions and the design of new ones. A wide number of existing buildings in the Mediterranean area is composed of unreinforced tuff masonry. In Italy, particularly, tuff was largely used for both monumental constructions and for ordinary structures, and in some cases it is used for new buildings. The estimation of masonry compressive strength is there-fore essential both when designing new structures and when assessing existing constructions, especially within a seismic framework and when tall structures are under consideration.