The Low Down on Testing and Special Inspection Topics November 2016

Talkin Turkey about...

The 2013 Masonry Code
Lets give thanks for the latest juicy and delicious edition of the Building Code Requirements and Specification for
Masonry Structures (ACI 530-13 and ACI 530.1) which is really two different sections that comprise the same code
book. The Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (TMS 402-13/ACI 530-13) pages C-1 through C-264
make up the first two-thirds of the code book. Specifications for Masonry Structures (TMS 602-13/ACI 530.1-13) pages
S-1 through S-85 make up the last one-third of the book. The building code section makes the specifications an integral
part of the code, and therefore all 349 pages of the book (ACI 530-13 and ACI 530.1-13) comprise the complete Masonry
Code...and you thought Thanksgiving dinner made you sleepy!

The new masonry code (ACI 530-13) brings with it a plateful of changes both technical and organizational. The old
masonry code was eight chapters and one appendix while the new masonry code (ACI 530-13) has grown to 14 chapters
arranged in 5 parts with 3 appendices. The chart below provides an easy review and understanding of the reorganization
of the new masonry code (ACI 530-2013).
TMS 402-11/ACI 530 2011 MASONRY CODE TMS 402-13/ACI 530 2013 MASONRY CODE
Part 1: General
Chapter 1 General Design Requirements for Masonry
Chapter 1 General Requirements
Chapter 2 Allowable Stress Design of Masonry Chapter 2 Notations and Definitions
Chapter 3 Strength Design of Masonry Chapter 3 Quality and Construction
Part 2: Design Requirements
Chapter 4 Prestressed Masonry
Chapter 4 General Analysis and Design Considerations
Chapter 5 Empirical Design of Masonry Chapter 5 Structural Elements
Chapter 6 Veneer Chapter 6 Reinforcement, Metal Accessories, and Anchor Bolts
Chapter 7 Glass Unit Masonry Chapter 7 Seismic Design Requirements
Chapter 8 Strength Design of Autoclaved Aerated Part 3: Engineered Design Methods
Concrete (AAC) Masonry Chapter 8 Allowable Stress Design of Masonry
Appendix Design of Masonry Infill Chapter 9 Strength Design of Masonry
Chapter 10 Prestressed Masonry
Chapter 11 Strength Design of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
(AAC) Masonry
Part 4: Prescriptive Design Methods
Chapter 12 Veneer
Chapter 13 Glass Unit Masonry
Chapter 14 Masonry Partition Walls
Part 5: Appendices, Conversions & References
Appendix A Empirical Design of Masonry
Appendix B Design of Masonry Infill
Appendix C Limit Design Method
 A Cornucopia of Key Masonry Code Changes
Beyond simply restructuring how the information contained within the Code is
presented, there are also several important changes to the code itself contained
in the latest update. Some of the most noteworthy include:

Mortar bed tolerances for first course off the foundation are increased
from 3/4 to 1 .

Requirements to cover the top of masonry walls have been modified.

The code requires an expansion of mortar joint thickness between masonry

units and flashing.

Weld splices now require the reinforcement to conform to either ASTM A706
or a chemical analysis and carbon equivalent of the reinforcement steel.

Masonry cement mortar is now permitted for fully grouted participating

elements in Seismic Design Category D or higher.

Previous code requirements for joint reinforcement and seismic clips for
anchored veneer in Seismic Design Categories E and F have been eliminated.

The SI conversion equations were reviewed extensively and guidance on

conversion factors are now provided in that code section (Pages S-237 through S-249) of the Code.

A new unit strength table for masonry units (Table 2) has been published and the unit strength table is significantly
revised. The most significant revision is the correlation for a 2000 psi CMU laid in a type M or S mortar produces an
assembly compressive strength of 2000 psi. The previous version of the specification (old ACI 530.1-11 code) would
require a CMU with a strength of 2800 psi to produce an assembly strength of 2000 psi. The brick unit strength
table (Table 1) is unchanged.

There are revisions of design requirements for partially grouted shear walls, with a new 0.75 reduction in shear
strength for partially grouted shear walls.

Mechanical splices in flexural reinforcement in plastic hinge zones are now required to develop the specified tensile
strength of the splices bar, instead of the previously mandated 125% of the specified yield strength of the bar.

Figures have been added to the specification section (ACI 530.1-13) illustrating joint reinforcement lap splices
(Figure SC-13) as well as figures to help illustrate and define the d-distances in walls and columns (Figures SC-14
and SC-15).

Modulus of Rupture Values have been increased (ACI 530-13 and IBC Chapter 21).

A clarification has been made that denotes that while bond beams are usually horizontal, they may be sloped or
stepped in certain cases, such as when they need to match an adjacent roof line.

 Changes Stuffed into the ASTM Code
In addition to some of the obvious masonry code changes set forth in ACI 530-13, some major changes in ASTM C 90-16,
Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units introduce other notable Code changes.

One of the major changes is a reduction in web thicknesses of 6 and 8 CMU from
1 inch to inch.
An even greater change in ASTM C 90-16 is that the average compressive strength
of an individual masonry unit was increased by 100 psi (from the existing 1900 psi
to the new 2000psi). While this 100 psi increase may not seem that significant, this
increase allows the compressive strength of the masonry system to be increased
from 1500 psi to 2000 psi. This 33% increase in the compressive strength of the
masonry system provides increased flexibility in the configuration of CMU, which
allows producers and designers new options for CMU that have increased energy
efficiency, reduced material use and configurations that ease constructability.

TMS...A Pilgrimage to Replace ACI

Finally, 2016 marks the last time that the masonry code will be sponsored by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). All
future editions of the code will be sponsored by the Masonry Society (TMS) and will be published simply as TMS 402 and
TMS 602, Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures.

You have likely seen this TMS 402 and TMS 602 nomenclature on the masonry code for years without thinking too much
about what it meant. In short, TMS 402 covers the design and construction of masonry structures, and it covers numerous
subjects, including: contract documents, quality assurance, materials, analysis and design, strength and serviceability, loads,
reinforcement, seismic design requirements, veneers, empirical design, strength design, and a host of other topics. TMS 602
focuses primarily to control materials and construction, and it covers minimum construction requirements for masonry in
structures, such as the placing, bonding, and anchoring of masonry and the placement of mortar, grout, and reinforcement.
These are supplemented by specific project requirements.

All These Code Changes Got You Feeling Queasy?

Stuck at the kids table with code issues? F&R can help! We regularly provide Lunch &
Learn seminars as well as more intensive workshops on various code issues that relate to
YOUR business. Well get you up to speed on the latest code changes and developments
that will put you ahead of the curve and feeling pleasantly stuffed instead of overloaded.

As a matter of fact, rather than souring the mood at the Thanksgiving table this year
with a toxic discussion of current events, why not get the family embroiled in an old
fashioned barn-burner of a debate about masonry code? Nothing goes better with Aunt
Ednas Watergate Salad than a vigorous exchange on current code topics!

Take a Seat at the Adult Table. Call the Experts at F&R!

Alan S. Tuck
Director of Code Compliance & Training
540.344.7939 FROEHLING & ROBERTSON, INC.
Engineering Stability Since 1881
atuck@fandr.com