Structural Masonry Coalition

FOR Structural Engineering Masonry Support and Education

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Masonry Software

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 elements to properly model masonry:

  • How to account for partial grouting in masonry
  • Incorporating masonry control joints
  • How to account for cracking in masonry

All items are available on the FORSE website: http://website.forsei.com/find/masonry/ 

List of finite element analysis/design software reviewed by FORSE

We recommend using FEA programs for walls that are either complicated or have a reasonably high load demand, which includes: walls with relatively large openings, shear walls with openings, masonry wall groups used with stair and elevator shafts, exterior walls with high loads, multistory masonry walls, and storm shelter walls. FEA programs are required for understanding the true load on all masonry lintels.  

  1. RAM Elements – Masonry Wall module – quick start guide: IMI – RAM Elements V8i Manual for Masonry Analysis and Design (pdf)
  2. RISA Floor 14.0/RISA 3D 18.0 – quick start guide: IMI – RISA-3D Workflow Manual for Masonry Analysis and Design (pdf)
  3. ETABS – Masonry walls are all modeled as grouted solid. When the actual wall being modeled is solid, ETABS can be used without issue; if it is partially grouted, modification factors need to be used. Quick start guide: Not yet available.

IMI quick start guides are found at: http://imiweb.org/masonry-software/

List of component design software reviewed by FORSE

We recommend using component design programs for walls that are less complicated and have common load demand, which includes: partition walls, single story building with many walls and low in-plane shear loads, walls with relatively small openings.

  1. IMI Partition Wall – provides designers with the opportunity to engineer masonry partitions with simple input, simple non-FEA analysis, and with code checks for analysis results. Code checks are based on 2009 -2015 IBC ASD; including appropriate references to TMS 402. http://imiweb.org/masonry-software/masonry-partition-wall-software/ 
  2. DIRECT DESIGN 3.1 (NCMA) – Software that enables design of an entire masonry structure in one model. Simply enter design criteria, specify the plan layout and opening locations, and the software fragments the model into individual components for design checks. Every wall is detailed simultaneously. The software is based on the TMS Direct Design Handbook (TMS 403). https://ncma.org/software/direct-design/  
  3. Structural Masonry Design System 7.2 (NCMA) – Software for structural designs of masonry elements one component at a time. Design walls for in-plane (shear walls) and out-of-plane loads, columns, pilasters, and lintels including code-prescribed detailing requirements for seismic loading, lap splicing, shear reinforcement, stirrups, and more. Code available for 2006 – 2015 IBC, ASD or SD, including appropriate references to the masonry design provisions of TMS 402 and corresponding loading criteria from ASCE 7. https://www.ncma-cpu.org/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=41 
  4. QuickMasonry (Integrated Engineering Software, Inc.) – Software for structural designs of masonry elements one component at a time. Design walls for in-plane (shear walls) and out-of-plane loads, columns, pilasters, and lintels. Available codes are 2005-2013 TMS, ASD and SD https://www.iesweb.com/quick/#qm 
  5. TEDDS (Tekla/Trimble) – Software for structural designs of masonry elements one component at a time. Design walls for in-plane (shear walls) and out-of-plane loads, columns, and lintels. Available codes are 2005-2016 TMS, ASD and SD https://resources.tekla.com/youtube-structural-analysis-and-design-with-tekla-software/masonry-wall-panel
    TEDDS 2020: https://www.tekla.com/resources/youtube-structural-analysis-and-design-with-tekla-software/tekla-tedds-2020-precast-updates

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Recent FAQ

  • QUESTION: What design assistance to you have for designing Concrete Masonry walls without control joints?
  • QUESTION: New opening in existing wall
  • QUESTION: Lateral bracing requirements for a lintel
  • QUESTION: What is the preferred reinforcement size to use within masonry walls?
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