Full-Field Displacement Measurement and Crack Mapping on Masonry Walls Using Digital Image Correlation

Understanding the load resisting mechanisms and failure modes of masonry walls loaded in their plane is key to validate mechanics-based analysis and simulation algorithms. Proof load tests are performed on specimens that are extensively instrumented with transducers (e.g., LVDTs, potentiometers, strain gauges), which are typically mounted on a specimen at specific locations. The resulting measurements are local and cannot describe in detail the complex response of infill and confined masonry systems, which may combine bricks, mortar joints, reinforced concrete (RC), and the associated interfaces. In addition, crack maps are typically marked by hand based on visual inspection, making it likely to overlook cracks especially when they have a relatively small width or close after unloading.