Page 18 - Design of Reinforced Masonry Structures

PREFACE TO THE

FIRST EDITION

Reinforced masonry design and construction is both an art and science. Truly recognized as
the oldest building material known to man, masonry has been used in one form or another
since the dawn of history. The Sphinx, Coliseum (the Flavian Amphitheater in Rome),
Parthenon, Roman aqueducts, the Great Wall of China, and many castles, cathedrals, temples,
mosques, and dams and reservoirs all over the world stand as a testimony of enduring and
aesthetic quality of masonry. Masonry construction continues to be used for many types
of buildings, ranging from multistory high-rises to low-income apartment buildings. This
book is intended for engineers, architects, builders, manufacturers of masonry products,
and students who wish to engage in planning, design, construction, and acquire knowledge
of masonry. It can be used as a useful reference volume by engineering professionals as
well as a suitable textbook for students of masonry design and construction.
The book is the outgrowth of author’s combined professional and teaching experience of
40 years. Its development began with a set of notes prepared for an senior/graduate course
at the California State University, Los Angeles, beginning 1987 when the author developed
a new course titled “Timber and Masonry Design,” which he has been teaching ever since.
These notes were expanded and periodically updated with the Uniform Building Code,
which was revised every 3 years. No originality is claimed in writing this book, however.
I acknowledge my debt to the numerous authors and organizations whose work I have
quoted.
The book presents a comprehensive discussion on both theory and design of masonry
structures built from clay and concrete masonry. Each chapter begins with introduction
followed by discussion of theory of structural design using masonry as a structural mate-
rial, which is quite general and not code-specific. The discussion is supplemented by sev-
eral examples to illustrate the application of the principles involved. Engineering practice
requires that structures be universally built according to building codes, which continue
to change. Theory and examples presented in this book are referenced to building codes
used in the United States. Because of the heavy use of the Uniform Building Code (UBC
1997) and its strong emphasis on reinforced masonry, it has been referenced in detail in
this book. Considerable space has been given to discussion of earthquake loads and com-
putational methods as specified in the UBC 1997. However, in text as well as in examples,
pertinent references to the International Building Code (IBC 2000, the new code that will

soon be adopted nationally), and the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) Code
(ACI 530-99/ASCE 5-99/TMS 402-99) have also been given. Wherever possible, all three
codes have been referenced in the book. Equations and formulas have also been identified
with proper references to the UBC, IBC, and MSJC Code for the use and convenience of a
broad spectrum of readers.
Written for use by professionals of reinforced masonry design and construction, this
book is written in a simple, practical and logical manner, and is formatted to suit as a
text for teaching masonry design and construction in a classroom environment. Because
of the practical nature of the subject, the first three chapters are devoted to a comprehen-
sive discussion on masonry products, materials of construction, and building codes and
ASTM Standards. Chapters 4 (flexural analysis and design of masonry beams), 5 (columns),

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