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... read more →
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... read more →
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... read more →
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... read more →
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,... read more →
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... read more →
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... read more →
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... read more →
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... read more →
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... read more →
When designing concrete masonry walls, one aspect that needs to be considered is the location of control joints. Control joints are continuous vertical mortar joints where a bond breaker... read more →
When designing concrete masonry walls, one aspect that needs to be considered is the location of control joints. Control joints are continuous vertical mortar joints where a bond breaker is... read more →
Bond beams are a very common method to achieve continuity to allow all masonry wall segments to work together as a single unit. This insight will discuss the use... read more →
A masonry wall constructed with stack bond can have structural capacity similar to running bond, provided reinforcing requirements are met. The technical definition of stack bond is any wall where... read more →
Masonry shear walls must resist lateral loads due to wind or seismic events based on geographic building location per the applicable building code. Depending on the magnitude of the load,... read more →