Experimental dataset on the free-rocking response of masonry blocks

This dataset presents the results of an extensive experimental campaign investigating the dynamic rocking behaviour of free-standing limestone blocks under free vibration. The dataset comprises 135 tests performed on twelve block height-to-width ratios, including nominally identical specimens to assess the influence of aleatoric variability on the rocking response. The experimental measurements were acquired using a four-camera Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system, enabling full three-dimensional reconstruction of the block motion. The dataset includes both the raw data recorded by the DIC system and the processed data obtained through a dedicated post-processing methodology. The processed data provide key quantities characterising the rocking motion, including angular rotations, angular velocities, and energy-related parameters. Energy dissipation at impact is quantified through the angular coefficient of restitution, estimated using three approaches based on angular velocities, potential energy, and combined potential and frictional energies. Moreover, an additional method to compute the energy dissipation at impact is provided through the estimation of the normal coefficient of restitution. The experiments were carried out at the Structural Laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Minho (Guimarães, Portugal), within the scope of the “New STANDards for Seismic Assessment of Built Cultural HERITAGE” (STAND4HERITAGE) project (https://doi.org/10.3030/833123).