Which is a TRUE statement?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question as provided lacks the list of answer options, which makes a direct comparison impossible. Nevertheless, we can analyze the single given statement in the context of structural behavior of unreinforced masonry.

Statement under consideration: "unreinforced masonry walls can resist only small amounts of tension." This is a true characterization of unreinforced masonry (URM) behavior. URM walls are laid with bricks or blocks bonded by a mortar that primarily provides compressive strength; they have very limited tensile strength because the masonry units and mortar crack when subjected to tension. In design and seismic or lateral-load scenarios, URM walls tend to fail in tension through cracking and crushing, rather than sustaining significant tensile loads.

Why this statement is typically correct: masonry materials (brick/stone) are strong in compression but weak in tension. Mortar joints contribute some bonding, but they do not provide substantial tensile capacity. As soon as tensile stresses develop (for example, due to bending, bending-induced tension, or seismic lateral forces), cracks form and propagate, reducing stiffness and strength. Therefore, the notion that URM walls resist only small amounts of tension aligns with standard structural behavior.

What would make this statement incorrect or questionable in some contexts: if the URM wall includes certain reinforcements or retrofits (such as steel ties, wire meshes, or reinforced grout pockets) that increase tensile performance, or if the term is interpreted to mean that they can sustain tension in a limited, localized, or post-crack state under specific conditions. In traditional, unreinforced configurations, though, the general rule is low tensile capacity.

In summary, given the conventional understanding of unreinforced masonry’s properties, the claim that URM walls can resist only small amounts of tension reflects the typical structural reality and is consistent with the material’s behavior under tensile loading.

2258-1_20CVE2003C003 Exam 2 - 2025

Which is a TRUE statement?

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