On-site diagonal compression test on a masonry panel

Diagonal test is carried out to determine the shear strength of masonry at its ultimate tensile strength.
The test consists of isolating a square panel from a wall of a building and making four cuts at its corners with a diamond wire or a circular saw. Differently from the laboratory test, the bottom face of the panel in the on-site test is anchored to the wall, negligibly affecting the results. Diagonal compression is applied by hydraulic jacks located at one edge of the panel: a purposely designed steel frame transfers the compression force at the opposite end of the panel. During the test, the relative displacements of the panel diagonals are acquired by displacement transducers positioned on both sides. The test usually ends with a fragile collapse (splitting) of the panel.

Reference standard: ASTM E 519-07.