Title:
Toward a Unified Strength Design of Reinforced Masonry
Author(s):
Javeed A. Munshi
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
23
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
83-88
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
8/1/2001
Abstract:
The current strength design provisions for reinforced masonry in the Uniform Building Code and the new International Building Code are limiting, non-uniform and difficult to understand. Different section dimension requirements, strength reduction factors, and reinforcement limits are given for different element types that make the application of the provisions cumbersome. This paper identifies the non-uniformities and discrepancies with the current strength design provision of UBC and IBC. As a possible simplification and unification, the concept of Unified Design Approach (UDA) given in Appendix B of ACI 318-99 is extended to masonry design. The suggested approach is more rational and simplifies the design process. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate a debate among the industry professionals, researchers and the engineering community and pave the way for simpler and unified strength design provisions for masonry.