Masonry
Chronicles is published four times per year and features
articles on structural design, building codes and
specifications, testing, inspection and construction.
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Allowable Stress Recalibration
in the
2011 TMS
402 Building Code
This edition of “Masonry Chronicles” will discuss
major changes implemented in the 2011 Building
Code Requirements for Masonry Structures
[TMS 402-11] relating to Allowable Stress Design
(ASD) provisions. Prior to this edition, allowable
stresses were permitted to be increased by
one-third when considering load combinations
including wind or seismic forces. The origin and
the reason for the one-third stress increase are
unclear [Ellifritt 1977]. From a structural reliability
standpoint, the one-third stress increase is a
poor way to handle load combination effects
[Ellingwood, 1980]. Due to these shortcomings
of the one-third stress increase, other materials
had eliminated this provision with masonry being
the only structural material still permitting this
provision. This provision was eliminated in the
2011 TMS Building Code.
The concrete masonry association of California and Nevada (CMACN),
a non profit professional organization established in October 1977, committed
to strengthening the masonry industry in California and Nevada.
The 2011 Concrete Masonry
Design Awards Public/Civic Design Merit Award:
FREMONT TACTICAL TRAINING CENTER
©2007 Concrete Masonry Association of
California and Nevada
