As part of the international Erasmus+ project IM4StEM – Intelligent Methods for Structures Elements and Materials (2023-1-HR01-KA220-HED-000165929), a master’s thesis was carried out on the experimental testing of the tensile strength of masonry. The thesis entitled “Seismic Design of a Multi-Storey Masonry Building” was supervised by Prof. Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko, PhD, and co-supervised by Prof. Danijel Kukaras, PhD, from the College of Novi Sad. It was defended on June 18, 2025.
Since masonry structures are among the most widely used building systems in the world, but are vulnerable to seismic forces due to their low tensile strength, understanding their behavior is crucial for seismic safety and the safety of the built environment.
The aim of the research was to investigate the mechanical properties of recycled brick masonry, with a particular focus on its resistance to diagonal tensile stresses. The tests were carried out on three representative specimens produced in the laboratory of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture in Osijek, representing typical masonry from the early 20th century. The specimens were subjected to diagonal compressive loading until failure. Additional tests were also carried out on the mortar and masonry elements used in the construction of the test specimens.
To further contextualize the results, a comparative analysis was carried out with data from 30 scientific papers, comprising a total of 131 masonry specimens. The results were analyzed in accordance with the HRN EN 1996-1-1:2012 standard and presented in tables and graphs.
This research contributes to the main objectives of the IM4StEM project, including the development of sustainable building materials, the evaluation of their effectiveness through experimental tests and the linking of sustainability and seismic safety. The work confirms the potential of recycled materials to build more resilient structures, promoting a circular economy in construction and reducing negative environmental impacts.
