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Mechanical and physical properties of the masonry have a considerable bearing on the structural behaviour. Ancient buildings, like Leon’s cathedral, show uncertainty about real condition of the material and even structural compounds. These uncertainties make it difficult to assessment the bearing capacity of the structure and the affect of the restorations. This paper shows a study to select the most influential material’s parameters on the structural behaviour. The study is based on a sensitiveness analysis. The study starts with a structural analysis to select the most responsible areas of the transversal structural section. Then, the structural calculation is done by modifying the value of the material’s parameters in the expected scatter band. The statistical study provides the most influential parameters on the structural masonry behaviour. Finally the conclusions are proponed.

This article discusses the results of research conducted on the failure behaviour of brick masonry under tensile and shear stress. The study was designed to develop test models and generate experimental results able to provide greater insight into tensile and shear stresses cracking in brick masonry. The results of a campaign conducted with two types of specimens are discussed: 1) double-edge notched specimens under non-symmetrical compression stress, and 2) three point bending specimens under nonsymmetrical loading. Tests were run on specimens of similar size (similarity rate 2) and different bed joint orientation to determine how bed joint orientation affects crack propagation. The tests were conducted on scale models (1/4) of a single wythe, stretcher bond brickwork masonry wall one half foot thick.