METHODS FOR DETERMINING MASONRY COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH: FROM EXPERIMENTS TO AI APPROACHES

Abstract

The compressive strength of masonry walls represents one of the key mechanical characteristics of masonry structures. Its determination goes beyond a simple consideration of the properties of individual materials and depends on the complex interaction between masonry units, mortar, assembly geometry, and loading conditions. This paper presents a systematization and analysis of methods for determining the compressive strength of masonry walls, including experimental, empirical–analytical, and numerical–mechanical approaches, with particular emphasis on contemporary methods based on artificial intelligence and hybrid models. The advantages and limitations of each group of methods are discussed, with a focus on their predictive capability and physical foundation. Special attention is given to the transition from traditional empirical relationships toward integrated multiscale and data-driven approaches, which provide a basis for improving research procedures and developing modern computational models for masonry structures.