Literature review on mechanical properties estimation of historical masonry buildings: application of an evaluation method for the Algerian case

Nowadays, studying the behaviour of the old masonry structures is a challenging scope, wherein the knowledge of their material's mechanical properties is a preliminary input for their modelling purposes. Several methods can estimate these properties. On the one hand, unfortunately for the Algerian case, often these estimation methods could not be carried out, which led to the absence of scientific regulations and databases of the historical materials. On the other hand, the Algerian historical buildings stock needs urgent intervention and analysis for its conservation and preservation due to the deterioration state. In this context, the current research paper attempts to review the methods available in the literature used worldwide to evaluate the material properties of old masonry buildings through a deep comparison of scientific sources aiming at finding a possible and reliable way to determine the mechanical features of historical masonry constructions in Algeria.