What can masonry do over long periods of time to accommodate small amounts of movement?

Masonry can deform elastically over long periods of time to accommodate small amounts of movement. This means that while masonry is generally a rigid material, it can still exhibit some flexibility within limits. Elastic deformation allows masonry to adapt to minor shifts in its environment, such as settling or thermal expansion and contraction. This ability to deform elastically helps to prevent damage to the structure and maintains its integrity despite the gradual changes that may occur over time.

Other processes, such as cracking and breaking, typically occur when the stress on the masonry exceeds its ability to deform, indicating the limitations of the material under stress. Similarly, while masonry can absorb moisture, this does not relate to accommodating structural movement and could lead to different issues, such as water damage if not properly managed. Collapse under pressure is also an indicator of failure rather than a mechanism to cope with movement. Therefore, the ability to deform elastically is essential for the long-term performance and durability of masonry structures.