Which outcome occurs in masonry walls when differential settlement increases beyond allowable limits?

💡 Explanation

Uncontrolled cracking results from exceeding a stone wall's capacity to withstand tensile stresses due to differential settlement, because this induces excessive force imbalances. Wall deformation drives shear cracking; therefore shear cracking occurs rather than uniform compression under loading.

• Which structural risk increases when medieval castle walls are built excessively tall and thin?
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