Structural analysis of building structures is the study of the safety and reliability of load-bearing structures in the building industry. Statics of a dry stone wall therefore refers to the assessment and calculation of the stability and load-bearing capacity of a dry stone wall.

In the vast majority of cases, the load-bearing capacity and stability of retaining walls are to be assessed. Other areas of structural analysis include the assessment of the earthquake resistance of masonry structures.

Three factors play a role in the load-bearing behaviour of a dry stone wall: the weight of the stone material and the friction between the stones lying on top of each other, as well as the arrangement and position of the stones in the body of the wall.