Longitudinal compressive strength of masonry - Simplified calculation approach

For the structural analysis of the bending compression zone of masonry building elements, which are loaded under bending compression parallel to the bed joints, the longitudinal compressive strength of the masonry is required. According to the code, this value has until now been determined in laborious tests on - masonry building elements or calculated analogously to the approach for the determination of the compressive strength perpendicular to the bed joints. In such a way, the actual failure mechanisms of masonry under compression loading parallel to the bed joints and relevant influential parameters for the longitudinal compressive strength however remain unconsidered. The article presents a proposal for the determination of minimum values of the longitudinal compressive strength of masonry in a simplified form for structural design purposes, which include consideration of both the relevant failure cases and also the significant influential parameters.