Experimental quasi-static out-of-plane test of a U-shaped brick masonry wall

•Investigation of the out-of-plane behaviour of a U-shaped unreinforced masonry wall inducing its quasi-static cyclic one-way bending through an airbag.•Predictive analysis through numerical simulations to optimise the test setup.•Characterisation of mortar mechanical properties through compression and flexural tests.•Characterisation of masonry mechanical properties through compression, diagonal compression, flexural and sonic tests.•Comparison of undamaged and damaged response repeating dynamic identification in different conditions.