Software Review for Structural Masonry Design of Masonry
Numerous design programs support masonry analysis and design, for both component design and finite element analysis (FEA) and design. As engineers, it is important to not only know what programs are available and when to use them, but also the common issues with software and how to avoid them. Below are examples for modifying FEA […]
How to Specify Clay Structural Masonry in the Midwest
How to Specify Clay Structural Masonry f ’m = 4000 psi in the Midwest Did you know that simply stating f’m for your masonry walls is not enough? What is the best way to specify f’m for your clay masonry wall? This article describes the 3 key items you need to include in your General […]
An Important Review: Masonry Lap Lengths
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] Masonry Lap Lengths Reinforcement Masonry Lap Lengths Lap splice lengths for reinforcement on masonry projects are an important specification to consider on design drawings. When a project utilizes a typical masonry closed-end masonry block, mason contractors will need to lift blocks over the vertical bar that projects above the bottom courses to lap […]
Masonry Finite Element Modeling
Masonry Finite Element Modeling Finite Element Modeling, Analysis, and Design for Masonry This article is Part 1 of a series in which we will discuss the modeling and preprocessing considerations for modeling masonry. In the January 2021 newsletter, we detailed component-based software programs for structural masonry design. This article will now look in depth at […]
Masonry Design Software
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Component-Based Masonry Design Software Software programs that design masonry using finite element analysis (FEA) are beneficial to structural engineers because they analyze the structure as a whole—the lintels, jambs, walls, etc. all work together. FEA software is not necessarily the best tool for every project; sometimes simpler is better. This is where component design […]
Utilize Masonry Walls to their Full Potential
Utilize Masonry Walls to their Full Potential A Case Study: This article will step through a review of a multi-story steel and masonry project structural review, and ways to increase efficiency in its structural systems. Contractor: The masonry stair and elevator shaft walls in the above project are being used by the architect/engineer design team […]
Lintels for Masonry Walls
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] Lintels for Masonry Walls Masonry lintel design is a critical part of an efficient structural masonry solution. The design of masonry lintels can add significant structural capacity to a wall that contractors and owners will welcome for crack prevention. In the past, we have made assumptions to simplify the analysis of masonry lintels […]
What are the options for supporting brick veneers?
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] Supporting Brick Veneer and Backup Wall Systems Masonry veneer walls are typically non-load bearing walls that serve as the exterior facade for a building envelope. It is common in low-rise construction to see clay brick veneer walls anchored to backup walls constructed in concrete masonry, steel stud, wood framed, or even cast-in-place concrete […]
Masonry Checklist: Reviewing Structural Plans
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] Masonry Checklist This Masonry Checklist is intended to assist in the development of structural masonry design documents with the goals of increasing efficiency in masonry design and improving performance of the masonry structure. It can be used during any phase of masonry design, during peer review of masonry structures, or in value engineering […]
How to Specify Concrete Masonry f ’m = 2500 psi in the State of Illinois
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] Specify Concrete Masonry Units The key component for the strength of masonry walls is the blocks, commonly referred to as concrete masonry unit (CMU). CMU can be specified as normal weight, medium weight, or light weight. In Illinois, particularly in the Chicago metro area, the most common CMU is Medium weight. However, both […]
