The aim of this work is to critically assess the mechanical properties of hollow concrete masonry using experimental results fromprisms constructed with blocks of two different strengths and four types of mortar. A key conclusion is that mortar is mostly responsiblefor the non-linear behavior of masonry. Moreover, a strongly non-linear relationship between masonry elasticity modulus and compressivestrength is found, which contradicts the simple linear relation proposed by Eurocode 6 [CEN. Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures– Part 1 – Common rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry structures. EN-1996-1-1; 2005.]. The porosity of mortar and thestate of stress that mortar undergoes in the process of compressive loading can be responsible for changes in the mechanical properties,such as elasticity modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Finally, different types of mortars induce different failure modes in the masonry prismsand there is clear evidence that the failure of hollow concrete masonry starts after onset of mortar crushing. In order to better reproducethe observed experimental behavior, a tentative model for the mortar Poisson’s ratio variation upon loading is also presented.
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