Testing unreinforced masonry structures at reduced scale

When testing multi-story structures on a shaking table, most testing facilities require a reduced scale model. Producing scale test units at small scale is particularly challenging for unreinforced masonry structures. Previous work by other researchers showed that scaling of units and mortar joints is mandatory in order to obtain for the reduced scale masonry failure modes, which are similar to those of the full scale masonry. However, even if the size of bricks and the thickness of mortar joints are reduced correctly, the reduced scale masonry tends to be too strong but also too flexible. In case of hollow bricks, scaling becomes even a greater challenge.