The results of a full-scale test on a masonry transverse-arch subjected to horizontal cyclic loading are presented in this paper.

The study is part of a research program concerning the seismic vulnerability of masonry churches. The significant vulnerability of these structures, which was repeatedly observed following recent seismic events, is associated to excessive, unconstrained rocking of the abutment and to the tie over-tension following the onset of the kinematic mechanism. The evaluation of the tie over-tension in seismic condition is fundamental in the vulnerability assessment of these structures. In the case of weak ties, which are barely sufficient to withstand the arch trust in static condition, the over-tension can cause the tie yielding or the tie anchorage failure, thus anticipating the onset of the collapse mechanism.

In this scenario, in the experimental study, the evolution of the kinematic mechanism was explored under two conditions of over-resisting and weak tie. Focus was made on the change in the tie tension after the triggering of abutment rocking and on the evaluation of the collapse multiplier of the horizontal load. The experimental results are compared with the response prediction of a simplified analytical approach. The rotation capacity of the wall toe, the development of both crack pattern and local deformations were documented in detail.