A macroblock 2D finite element model for assessing the roots of failure of Huaca de la Luna’s main pyramid (Peru) under seismic action

•Structural failure analysis of monumental adobe brick pyramid under lateral ground acceleration.•Multiscale 2D nonlinear dynamic FE model introduced for assessing the contribution of internal adobe pier architecture.•Time-evolution of elastic strain and plastic dissipation energies resulting from concrete damaged plasticity material formulation used to quantitatively track structural failure.•Lateral capacity critically affected by the frictional coefficient that governs contact between adobe piers.