Tiago M. Ferreira (a)
António Simões (a)
Rita Bento (a)
a CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

ABSTRACT
Reliable estimation of the mechanical properties of existing masonry remains one of the principal challenges in structural assessment. This difficulty is linked to the high variability of masonry materials and construction techniques, as well as to the limited feasibility of intrusive testing in buildings of cultural and historical value. In Portugal, several research initiatives conducted over the past decades have generated experimental data on masonry behaviour, although these results have often remained dispersed across individual studies. This paper presents a framework developed within a national working group aimed at consolidating this knowledge and translating it into practical tools for structural assessment. The initiative involved the compilation and systematisation of experimental data on Portuguese masonry, the definition of representative masonry typologies, and the use of analytical relationships linking mechanical parameters to the Masonry Quality Index, a semiquantitative indicator of construction quality. The resulting dataset is made available through a dedicated digital platform that enables practitioners and researchers to access information on masonry typologies and associated mechanical parameters. A statistical analysis of the compiled data is presented, highlighting the variability of mechanical properties across typologies and testing methods. In addition, a quantitative comparison between empirical data and MQI-based typological domains is performed, providing insight into the consistency and limitations of MQI-based estimation. The results show that MQI-based relationships capture general trends in mechanical behaviour, although deviations are observed, particularly for stiffness-related parameters. The integration of typological classification, MQI-based correlations and an open database is shown to contribute to reducing uncertainty in parameter selection for structural analysis and seismic assessment of existing masonry buildings. The proposed framework supports ongoing efforts towards the calibration of reference values for Portuguese masonry and contributes to future developments in national and European standards.

Keywords: masonry structures, data-driven framework, mechanical characterisation, typological classification, MQI.