Which mechanical outcome limited the height of stacked stone curtain walls in medieval fortifications lacking mortar?

💡 Explanation

When the height of a dry-stacked stone wall increases, lateral pressure from the weight of the stones rises. Since shear strength between stones is limited without mortar, at a certain height, lateral pressure overcomes shear strength leading to wall failure. Therefore lateral pressure exceeding shear strength, rather than resonance, buckling, or tensile failure becomes the primary limitation.

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