Review of modelling of masonry shear

Masonry is extensively used in buildings as structural and cladding elements. With the increase in demand for understanding the performance of all building elements, experts from various fields are seeking to include masonry as a sub-system of their respective major models. It is imperative that these models account for the true behaviour of masonry dictated by the presence of mortar joints acting as planes of weakness, the interaction between the grout and masonry shell as well as the grouted cores and unreinforced masonry in various forms of masonry design. The purpose of this article is, therefore, to provide a state-of-the-art review on the modelling of masonry in the context of the fundamental behaviour of various forms of masonry to loading, with particular attention to shear loading. It is shown that the modelling methods and the parameters must be carefully chosen as one method cannot be claimed suitable for all circumstances.