Masonry walls get stronger as what type of loads are applied and compressive forces increase?

• A. Lateral loads
• B. Shear loads
• C. Axial loads
• D. Torsional loads

Answer: (C)

Masonry walls are strongest under compression because axial loads press the wall units and mortar together along the vertical axis. When gravity loads push down on a wall, they create compressive forces that increase contact pressure, close small cracks, and improve friction between the units, boosting bearing capacity and stiffness—up to the material’s crush limit. Other load types don’t benefit from this same compression: lateral loads push the wall sideways and induce bending and shear, which masonry handles poorly; torsional loads cause twisting; and those forces are more likely to initiate cracks and instability.