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Masonry Buildings
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> Masonry Buildings
 Masonry
is one of our oldest, most established building techniques. Evolutions
in materials, mix designs, and engineering allow for the construction
today of even stronger masonry buildings—structures that will
last for generations.
Aesthetic Variety
Concrete masonry units are available in a rainbow of colors, textures,
shapes, and sizes, offering building designers the chance to create
structural walls that are also beautiful. Architectural concrete
masonry units offer a natural appearance that is striking in urban
applications, and blends in with the natural beauty of rural areas—always
complementing the building’s surrounding environment.
Safety and Durability
When it comes to fire resistance, masonry is a true performer, offering
excellent protection from fire damage. In fact, post-9/11 research
performed on a building in close proximity to the World Trade Center
showed that masonry absorbed much of the debris impact and helped
save the structure from collapsing. In fact, the building was repaired
and restored to use. Masonry structures are also stand up to high
wind forces and earthquakes.
Sustainability
As with other concrete wall systems, masonry creates walls with
high thermal mass, minimizing temperature swings and shifting heating
and cooling loads to off-peak hours. The resulting buildings are
more economical, with lower overall heating and cooling costs, providing
a consistently comfortable atmosphere for inhabitants. Masonry also
offers durability as well as sound attenuation—which all adds
up to a more quiet, comfortable atmosphere for inhabitants.
Applications
Masonry lends itself to many commercial applications. The material
has been used to create notable public buildings like churches,
courthouses, and government offices. Educational structures, from
elementary schools to Ivy League university facilities, can balance
contemporary engineering with traditional design, offering myriad
possibilities that will stand the test of time.
Industry Resources
Detailed information on designing with masonry and masonry mortars
is available on PCA's
Masonry site. There is excellent information on the safety of
masonry regarding fire resistance,
high wind force resistance,
and earthquakes.
The National Concrete Masonry Association
(NCMA) offers excellent technical resources online, including
abstracts of more than 10,000 articles in its Technical
Publications Database.
| Publications |
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Building
Code Requirements for Masonry Structures and Specifications
for Masonry Structures and Commentaries (ACI 530-02/ASCE 5-02/TMS
402-02, ACI 530.1-02/ASCE 6-02/TMS 602-02) (LT189)
This code covers the design and construction of masonry structures
and is accompanied by specifications and commentaries. Design
methods include empirical design, prescriptive method, and (newly
introduced) strength design. It is written in such form that
it may be adopted by reference in a legally adopted building
code. |
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Building
Code Requirements for Masonry Structures and Specifications
for Masonry Structures and Commentaries (ACI 530-05/ASCE 5-05/TMS
402-05, ACI 530.1-05/ASCE 6-05/TMS 602-05) (LT292)
This code covers the design and construction of masonry structures
and is accompanied by specifications and commentaries. Design
methods include empirical design, prescriptive method, and strength
design. It is written in such form that it may be adopted by
reference in a legally adopted building code. |
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Masonry
Designers’ Guide, Fourth Edition (LT201)
This book (MDG4) is one of the most popular design and teaching
resources related to masonry because it provides comprehensive
coverage, extensive code references, and numerous practical
examples. The fourth edition complies with the 2002 code and
specification documents written by the Masonry Standards Joint
Committee, making it useful for structures built according
to the International Building Code (IBC 2003) and the NFPA
5000.
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Masonry
Designers' Guide, 3rd edition
(LT258)
Commonly referred to as MDG3, the third edition of the Masonry
Designers’ Guide represents a substantial update. The
revised edition reflects 1999 Masonry Standards Joint Committee
code and specification changes regarding design information
on prestressed masonry, quality assurance as it relates to
masonry inspection, and information on adhered masonry construction.
Published by The Masonry Society.
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Masonry
Mortars (IS040)
Includes coverage of mortar properties and current masonry
standards used in the United States and Canada. Discusses
component materials, batching and mixing procedures, the use
mortar in hot and cold weather, and special techniques of
mortar production. Other topics include selection and specification
of mortar, the use of admixtures and modifiers, and test methods.
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Concrete
Systems for Homes and Low-Rise Construction Item Code
(SP405)
Fast gaining on more traditional homebuilding materials, concrete
systems save builders time, money, and headaches. Written
by PCA experts, this resource provides expert, straightforward
answers on concrete systems, including everything you want
to know about availability of products, evaluating concrete
systems for homes and low-rise buildings, requirements for
application, managing projects, and much more.
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Sustainable Design
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