Design of masonry structures

1.1 General

This Standard specifies requirements for the structural design of unreinforced, reinforced, and prefabricated masonry structures and components in accordance with the limit states design method of the National Building Code of Canada. This Standard also provides requirements for the structural design of prestressed masonry beams, walls, and columns in accordance with the limit states design method of the National Building Code of Canada. In addition, this Standard provides requirements for the empirical design of unreinforced masonry in Annex F.

Note: This Standard assumes that review of the structural work designed under this Standard and review of the inspection and test results required by this Standard will be carried out during construction by the designer or another suitably qualified person to determine general conformance with the design.

1.2 Other masonry standards

Requirements for mortar and grout for unit masonry, masonry connectors, and masonry construction are specified in CSA A179, CSA A370, and CSA A371, respectively. These Standards include requirements that affect the design and are required for use with this Standard.

1.3 Vehicular bridges

This Standard does not apply to the structural design of vehicular bridges.

1.4 Partitions

This Standard applies to the structural design of partitions subject to unusual loads such as wind loads, significant internal air pressure differences, or large eccentric loads mounted to the wall. Where it can be shown that the masonry partitions are not subjected to these unusual loads, the masonry partitions may be designed using Annex F.

1.5 Thin veneers secured by mortar adhesion

This Standard does not apply to the structural design of thin veneers individually secured by mortar adhesion to a structural support or to the structural design of rough stone veneer. See CSA A371 for prescriptive requirements and limitations.

1.6 Rough stone masonry

This Standard does not apply to the structural design of rough (rubble) stone masonry, except as covered in Annex F. See CSA A371 for prescriptive requirements.

1.7 Terminology

In this Standard, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.