Assessment of masonry shear-walls by simple equilibrium models

The paper presents a discussion on the possibility of using simple equilibrium models to estimate the ultimate capacity of masonry shear-walls. The proposed models are based on load-path or strut-and-tie schemes representing the combination of the compression or tension stress fields which are mobilised at the ultimate condition. Tentative rules for the construction of the models and specific solutions are presented for elementary solid walls subjected to different load conditions. The performance of the proposed models is analysed by comparing their predictions with experimental results available for dry-joint and mortar-joint masonry subjected to different load or support conditions.