Masonry does not limit itself to only one structural material : Interlocked masonry versus cohesive masonry

Masonry is used as an all-embracing term referring to built-up construction of building units (bricks, stones, or blocks), usually with mortar joints. This paper shows that, in the area of structural engineering and related fields, it should be split into two more specific terms – namely, interlocked masonry and cohesive masonry. The paper provides definitions of interlocked and cohesive masonry, together with a classification method. Then, the paper demonstrates that classical mechanics of masonry (including that of codes) applies only to interlocked masonry, while cohesive masonry is governed by a different mechanics, whose basic formulas are presented herein.