Experimental analysis of diagonal compression and splitting tests for the characterization of shear and tensile behavior of adobe masonry

•The assumption of pure shear strain field is validated from full field analysis.•The shear modulus estimated between 1/3 and 2/3 of the shear strength is proposed.•A guideline for experimental tests and the setup of the measuring devices is proposed.•The results of the splitting test match the pure shear stress assumption.•A digital photogrammetry measuring system was applied in the experimental tests. This paper presents a study on the structural behavior of traditional raw earthen masonry (adobe). Shear behavior and tensile strength are analyzed from diagonal compression and splitting tests. Consistent results of the tensile strength are obtained from splitting and diagonal compression tests. The assumption of a pure shear strain state in diagonal compression tests is validated from the analysis of the full strain field measured by using a Digital Image Correlation system. Different estimators for the shear modulus are analyzed. The authors recommend a tangent modulus value between 1/3 and 2/3 of the shear strength for structural design purpose. Results from previous research works are compared and analyzed. Values of tensile strength, shear modulus and the ratio tensile/compressive strength are in good agreement.