These masonry course notes were developed for use in semester‐long, undergraduate or combined undergraduate/graduate courses in masonry design. The notes serve as a textbook for structural design classes or could be used to supplement critical topics in construction management courses.
The MDG-2016 is an excellent resource for designers as well as students learning about masonry because it:
was developed by dozens of masonry experts who are familiar both with masonry design and with the Code requirements governing masonry’s use
includes over 110 practical examples of typical masonry buildings and components
provides practical tips on how to quickly and efficiently design typical masonry
includes drawings and photographs to illustrate concepts and procedures discussed
Topics covered in the 21 chapters of the MDG-2016 include masonry materials, testing, quality assurance, quality control, construction methods, structural design, seismic design, and using the TMS 402/602 with model Building Codes. A companion website provides users with additional resources including a digital copy of the MDG-2016, Excel spreadsheets used in some of the design examples and select technical notes on clay brick and concrete masonry that are often used by designers.
The most widely used masonry textbook, Masonry Structures, Behavior and Design, by Dr. Ahmad Hamid has been revised to discuss new research findings and to reflect the design provisions in the TMS 402/602-16.
The textbook also includes numerous design examples (based on the strength design method) and two buildings designs of a single-story building and a multistory building. This textbook is ideal for undergraduate and graduate level courses and it is an exceptional reference for practicing designers.
Topics addressed include an introduction to strength design concepts, background on structural masonry, general design, requirements for reinforcement and anchor bolts, and recommendations for construction. Also discussed are strength design procedures for beams, walls, columns, and shear walls. While the guide addresses unreinforced masonry, the primary focus is reinforced masonry designed to the TMS 402/602-16 and the 2018 International Building Code. The book contains dozens of design examples and design tips, coupled with excellent discussion.
The authors — Dr. Richard Bennett, a Professor at the University of Tennessee, and Mr. John Hochwalt, Director of Engineering at KPFF Engineers — both actively serve on the committee responsible for TMS 402/602, which contains requirements for strength design of masonry.
Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures contains two standards and their commentaries: Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (TMS 402-16) and Specification for Masonry Structures (TMS 602-16). The Standards are written as legal documents so that they may be adopted by reference in building codes.
The Code (TMS 402) covers the design and construction of masonry structures while the Specification (TMS 602) is concerned with minimum construction requirements for masonry in structures. The commentaries present background details, Committee considerations, and research data used to develop the standards. The commentaries are not mandatory and are for information of the user only. The 2018 IBC (International Building Code) references the 2016 TMS 402 and TMS 602 for the design and construction of structural masonry, veneer, and glass unit masonry, and it uses the quality assurance provisions from TMS 602 for masonry inspection.
Available online with improved features (copy, print, highlight, annotate, and more) plus more multi-user flexibility through Masonry Standards Online.
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