The structural behaviour of masonry spandrels have been analysed by means of experimental tests, carried out on small-scaled panels made up in tuff masonry and in homogenous material. The shear behaviour of spandrels inserted in masonry walls subjected to horizontal actions has been simulated. Both monotonic and cyclic tests have been performed, which showed different collapse mechanisms, shear resistances and deformation capacities, depending on slenderness ratio and typology of material. Both brittle and ductile behaviours have been highlighted. The experimental results have been then compared with theoretical formulations and some remarks have been made on their effectiveness. Finally reinforcement in FRP have been applied to some samples, which have been tested in the same manner, in order to investigate the possibility to improve the structural performance of the spandrels taking the maximum advantage from the compressive diagonal strut behaviour.
