1 Chapter 1 Commentary Chapter 1

2 General General
3 1.1 – Scope C1.1 – Scope
4
5 This Direct Design Handbook for Masonry This Handbook is written in mandatory
6 Structures, herein referred to as the Handbook, language to permit adoption by reference in
7 provides a direct procedure for the structural standards and codes. The procedures in this
8 design of concrete masonry and clay masonry Handbook were developed based on loading
9 structures. The procedure shall be permitted to be conditions as defined by ASCE 7 and
10 used to design masonry subjected to factored procedures defined by the strength design
11 combinations of dead, live, wind, seismic, soil, method of TMS 402.
12 snow, and rain loads prescribed herein. The
13 procedure outlined in this Handbook is based on The direct design procedure is an analytical
14 the strength design provisions of the 2013 structural design method that permits the
15 Building Code Requirements for Masonry user, following a specific series of steps, to
16 Structures (TMS 402) and the 2010 ASCE 7 design and specify relatively simple,
17 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other masonry buildings complying with TMS
18 Structures (ASCE 7). 402, TMS 602, and ASCE 7.
19
20 The motivation behind the creation of the
21 direct design procedure was to provide a
22 simple, quickly implemented alternative to
23 conventional engineering analysis methods
24 for the design of commonly encountered
25 masonry structures. With this simplicity,
26 however, comes some limitations as defined
27 in Chapter 2 of this Handbook. These
28 limitations include some types of structural
29 irregularities, constraints on architectural
30 layout, and restrictions on flood, fluid,
31 impact loads as well as magnitudes of design
32 loads. For the design of masonry structures
33 outside of the scope of this Handbook, users
34 are referred to TMS 402.
35 1.2 – Standards Cited C1.2 – Standards Cited
36
37 Standards of the American Concrete Institute, the Because the procedures of this Handbook are
38 Structural Engineering Institute of the American based upon the combined requirements of
39 Society of Civil Engineers, ASTM International, ASCE 7 and TMS 402, users should verify
40 and The Masonry Society cited in this document that locally-adopted and enforced building
41 are listed below with their serial designations, code requirements are consistent with the
42 including year of adoption or revision, and are methodologies incorporated into this
43 declared to be part of this Handbook as if fully set Handbook. As changes in the referenced
44 forth in this document. documents evolve, future editions of this
45 Handbook are contemplated to correspond to
46 TMS 402-13/ACI 530-13/ASCE 5-13 – Building each new edition of ASCE 7 and TMS 402.
47 Code Requirements for Masonry Structures,
48 referenced herein as TMS 402
49 TMS 602-13/ACI 530.1-13/ASCE 6-13 –
50 Specification for Masonry Structures, referenced
51 herein as TMS 602
52

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 1 of 19
 1 ASCE 7-10 – Minimum Design Loads for
2 Buildings and Other Structures, referenced herein
3 as ASCE 7
4 ASTM A615/A615M-16 – Standard Specification
5 for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for
6 Concrete Reinforcement
7 ASTM A706/A706M-16 – Standard Specification
8 for Deformed and Plain Low-Alloy Steel Bars for
9 Concrete Reinforcement
10 ASTM A996/A996M-16 – Standard Specification
11 for Rail-Steel and Axle-Steel Deformed Bars for
12 Concrete Reinforcement
13 ASTM C90-16a – Standard Specification for
14 Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units
15 ASTM C270-14a – Standard Specification for
16 Mortar for Unit Masonry
17 ASTM C476-16 – Standard Specification for
18 Grout for Masonry
19 ASTM C652-17 – Standard Specification for
20 Hollow Brick (Hollow Masonry Units Made From
21 Clay or Shale)
22 ASTM C1314-16 – Standard Test Method for
23 Compressive Strength of Masonry Prisms
24 ASTM C1714/C1714M-16 – Standard
25 Specification for Preblended Dry Mortar Mix for
26 Unit Masonry
27 1.3 – Definitions C1.3 – Definitions
28
29 Terms defined in TMS 402, TMS 602, and ASCE For consistent application, terms that have
30 7 shall apply to the design of masonry designed in particular meanings in the context of this
31 accordance with this Handbook. Handbook are defined. The definitions given
32 are for the unique application in this
33 Handbook and may not correspond to
34 ordinary usage. Glossaries of masonry
35 terminology are available from several
36 sources (NCMA TEK 1-4, 2004, BIA
37 Technical Notes 2, 1999, ASTM C1180-10,
38 ASTM C1232-15a).
39 1.4 – Notations C1.4 – Notations
40
41 Ce = roof snow load exposure factor. Notations used in this Handbook are
42 Cs = roof snow load slope factor. summarized in this section. Each symbol is
43 Ct = roof snow load thermal factor. unique, and where possible, matches the
44 D = dead load, lb/ft2 (kN/m2). notation used in other standards or reference
45 fg = specified compressive strength of grout, psi documents.
46 (MPA).
47 f’m = specified compressive strength of masonry,
48 psi (MPa).
49 fy = specified yield strength of reinforcement, psi
50 (MPa).
51 g = acceleration due to gravity, ft/sec2 (m/s2).
52 Kzt = wind load topographic factor.
53 L = live load, lb/ft2 (kN/m2).

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 2 of 19
 1 Lr = roof live load, lb/ft2 (kN/m2).
2 pg = ground snow load, determined in accordance
3 with Figure 7-1 or Table 7-1 of ASCE 7, lb/ft2
4 (kN/m2).
5 SS = mapped risk-targeted maximum considered
6 earthquake ground motion response acceleration,
7 5 percent damped, spectral response acceleration
8 parameter at short periods, determined in
9 accordance with Section 11.4.1 of ASCE 7.
10 S1 = mapped risk-targeted maximum considered
11 earthquake ground motion response acceleration,
12 5 percent damped, spectral response acceleration
13 parameter at a period of 1 second, determined in
14 accordance with Section 11.4.1 of ASCE 7.
15 V = 3-second gust basic wind speed, determined
16 in accordance with ASCE 7, miles per hour
17 (kilometers per hour).
18 W = effective seismic weight resisted by each line
19 of resistance, lb (kN).
20 References
21
22 ASTM C1180-10. “Standard Terminology of
23 Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry”, ASTM
24 International, West Conshohocken, PA,
25 2010, www.astm.org.
26
27 ASTM C1232-15a. “Standard Terminology
28 of Masonry”, ASTM International, West
29 Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org.
30
31 BIA Technical Notes 2, 1999. “Glossary of
32 Terms Relating to Brick Masonry”,
33 Technical Notes 2, The Brick Industry
34 Association, Reston, VA, 1999,
35 www.gobrick.com.
36
37 NCMA TEK 1-4, 2004. “Glossary of
38 Concrete Masonry Terms”, NCMA TEK 1-4,
39 National Concrete Masonry Association,
40 Herndon, VA, 2004, www.ncma.org.
41 Chapter 2 Commentary Chapter 2
42 Limitations Limitations
43 2.1 – General C2.1 – General
44
45 If the limitations specified in Chapter 2 are Some masonry design and construction
46 satisfied, use of this Handbook to perform the conditions would not comply with the
47 structural design of masonry buildings shall be limitations established by this Handbook. To
48 permitted. maximize the use and flexibility of this
49 design approach, portions of a masonry
50 Any segment, member, or portion of a masonry structure may be designed using the
51 structure that does not meet the limitations of engineering provisions presented in the
52 Chapter 2 shall be designed in accordance with legally adopted building code, of which TMS
53 402 forms a part, or for non-masonry

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 3 of 19
 1 the legally adopted building code provided each materials, designed in accordance with the
2 of the following conditions are met: legally adopted building code. This
3 modification is permitted because the
4 a) The strength and stiffness conditions require strength and stiffness
5 compatibility between the elements compatibility, require a continuous load path,
6 designed in accordance with the and prohibit the transfer of loads into
7 legally adopted building code and the masonry designed in accordance with this
8 masonry designed in accordance with Handbook.
9 this Handbook is verified;
10 b) The load path through the masonry An example of a common design condition
11 designed in accordance with this where engineering analysis could be
12 Handbook is not interrupted; and considered is the bearing of a concentrated
13 c) Loads are not transferred from the load from a transfer girder on a masonry
14 elements designed in accordance with wall. Under these conditions, the portion of
15 the legally adopted building code into masonry subjected to this concentrated load
16 the masonry designed in accordance would be designed using the provisions of
17 with this Handbook. TMS 402 while the remainder of the
18 masonry structure could be designed using
19 the procedures of this Handbook, provided
20 the conditions of this section are met.
21 2.2 – Site Conditions C2.2 – Site Conditions
22
23 2.2.1 Ground Snow Load – Ground snow loads, C2.2.1 Ground Snow Load – Many
24 pg, shall be determined in accordance with Figure jurisdictions require the use of local snow
25 7-1 or Table 7-1 of ASCE 7. load design values based on experience or
26 site-specific case studies. Such local criterion
27 can be used with this Handbook. Section
28 2.3.5 includes additional limitations on roof
29 configurations to limit complicated snow
30 loading scenarios.
31
32 2.2.2 Wind Pressure – Design wind pressure C2.2.2 Wind Pressure – Users are required
33 shall be determined in accordance with ASCE 7. to determine the required wind pressures,
34 The basic wind speed, V, shall not exceed 250 including main wind force and components
35 mph (112 m/s). and cladding pressures, as applicable to the
36 project based upon the basic wind speed, site
37 topography, building configuration exposure
38 conditions, and related project variables that
39 influence design wind pressures.
40
41 The upper limit of 250 mph (112 m/s) on the
42 basic wind speed covers the U.S. States and
43 its Territories, including tornado-prone
44 regions. While this Handbook can be used to
45 structurally design the masonry to be used as
46 part of a tornado storm shelter, it does not
47 consider all design criteria associated with
48 such structures; such as debris impact
49 resistance of the masonry. For additional
50 information on the design of storm shelters,
51 users are referred to ICC 500, 2014.
52
53

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 4 of 19
 1 2.2.3 Live Loads – Live loads shall be C2.2.3 Live Loads – No commentary.
2 determined in accordance with Chapter 4 of
3 ASCE 7.
4 C2.2.4 Dead Loads – No commentary.
5 2.2.4 Dead Loads – Dead loads shall be
6 determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of
7 ASCE 7. C2.2.5 In daily practice, mapped seismic
8 acceleration parameters are often determined
9 2.2.5 Spectral Response Acceleration – The from databases that are searchable by zip
10 spectral response acceleration for short period code or latitude and longitude, particularly in
11 structures, SS, and the spectral response regions where the mapped seismic
12 acceleration for 1-second period structures, S1, acceleration parameters vary considerably
13 shall be determined in accordance with Section over relatively short distances. The use of
14 11.4.1 of ASCE 7. such resources may provide a more accurate
15 determination of local site conditions for
16 seismic design.
17
18 C2.2.6 Site Class – Section 20.1 of ASCE 7
19 states that: “Where the soil properties are not
20 known in sufficient detail to determine the
21 2.2.6 Site Class – The Site Class, determined in site class, Site Class D shall be used unless
22 accordance with Chapter 20 of ASCE 7, shall be the authority having jurisdiction or
23 A, B, C, or D. geotechnical data determine Site Class E or F
24 soils are present at the site.” This Handbook
25 does not address the design of masonry
26 structures located on Site Class E or F soils.
27 2.3 – Architectural Conditions C2.3 – Architectural Conditions
28
29 2.3.1 Walls – All participating elements shall be C2.3.1 Walls – TMS 402 defines masonry
30 constructed of reinforced concrete masonry or elements as either participating or
31 reinforced clay masonry having a nominal nonparticipating. Participating elements form
32 thickness of 6 in. (152 mm) or greater and shall be a part of the lateral force-resisting system;
33 continuous from foundation to top of wall. All whereas nonparticipating elements are
34 nonparticipating elements shall be constructed of isolated from the lateral force-resisting
35 reinforced or unreinforced concrete masonry or system to prevent the inadvertent transfer of
36 reinforced or unreinforced clay masonry having a loads to these elements. While unreinforced
37 nominal thickness of 4 in. (102 mm) or greater. masonry partitions walls are covered by the
38 Walls shall be specified to be constructed provisions of this Handbook, TMS 402 may
39 vertically within the construction tolerances require a minimum amount of prescriptive
40 permitted by TMS 602. reinforcement for these elements based on
41 the assigned seismic design category.
42
43 The limitation on the use of 6 in. (152 mm)
44 masonry units for the design of the
45 participating system acknowledges the
46 difficulty of reinforcing and grouting 4 in.
47 (102 mm) masonry units.
48
49 2.3.2 Height – Tops of walls, parapets, and roof C2.3.2 Height – The upper limit of 60 ft
50 peaks shall not exceed 60 ft (18.2 m) above the (18.2 m) on the total building height is driven
51 finished grade elevation adjacent to the structure. by the wind analysis procedures used in
52 developing this Handbook. Wall height and
53 wall span are not necessarily the same value

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 5 of 19
 1 for a given wall. Wall height is measured
2 relative to finished grade and includes the
3 parapet height, if present. Vertical wall span
4 is measured from the point of lateral bracing
5 at the base of the wall to the point of lateral
6 bracing near or at the top of the wall,
7 excluding the parapet height, if present.
8
9 This Handbook contains no explicit limit on
10 the number of stories a masonry building can
11 be designed to using the direct design
12 procedure. Overall building height or number
13 of stories may be limited structurally based
14 on the user-defined inputs such as specified
15 compressive strength of masonry, wall
16 thickness, or size of openings in a wall.
17
18 2.3.3 Openings – Openings in masonry walls C2.3.3 Openings – Openings in masonry
19 designed in accordance with this Handbook shall walls can range in size depending upon their
20 meet the requirements of Section 2.3.3.1 or intended purpose. Section 2.3.3.1 addresses
21 2.3.3.2. requirements for relatively large openings,
22 such as windows and doors. Conversely,
23 Section 2.3.3.2 provides options for smaller
24 openings, or a grouping of smaller openings,
25 to be located in masonry without the
26 restrictions of Section 2.3.3.1. Walls with
27 openings that do not comply with the
28 requirements of Section 2.3.3.1 or Section
29 2.3.3.2 would need to be analyzed using the
30 provisions of TMS 402 for their impact on
31 the strength of the assembly in which they
32 are located.
33
34 2.3.3.1 Openings in walls shall be C2.3.3.1 The presence of openings
35 rectangular. The sides of openings shall be and control joints impacts the strength and
36 oriented vertically. The distribution of loads and stiffness of masonry walls. For example, a
37 element stiffness shall account for the presence of continuous 60 ft (18.3 m) long masonry
38 openings, control joints, and similar shear wall would be significantly stronger
39 discontinuities in the wall. and stiffer than a 60 ft (18.3 m) line of
40 resistance separated by control joints into
41 three 20 ft (6.1 m) long segments.
42
43 When other than rectangular
44 openings are desired, the provisions of
45 Section 2.1 may be used.
46
47 2.3.3.2 Openings shall not interrupt C2.3.3.2 Relatively small openings,
48 reinforcement required by Chapter 3 and shall such as through-wall penetrations to
49 meet the following requirements: accommodate electrical conduit or other
50 a) Openings shall not exceed 6 in. (152 mm) in utilities, are common in virtually all
51 any dimension at the face of the wall; buildings. Some openings are relatively
52 small and have negligible impact on the
53 strength or performance of the element in

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 6 of 19
 1 b) The cumulative area of openings shall not which they are located. Other, larger,
2 exceed 144 in.2 (0.093 m2) in any 10 ft2 (0.93 m2) openings can impact the strength of an
3 of wall surface area; and assembly. The provisions of Section 2.3.3.2
4 c) The cumulative area of openings shall not permit relatively minor openings to be placed
5 reduce the net cross-sectional area in a plane by in masonry walls designed in accordance
6 more than 5%. with this Handbook provided that the
7 openings, regardless of their size, do not
8 interrupt the reinforcement within the
9 assembly as this could have significant
10 impact on the strength of the masonry.
11
12 2.3.4 Diaphragms – The roof and floor systems C2.3.4 Diaphragms – Each rectangular
13 shall consist of one or more rigid or flexible diaphragm must be surrounded and
14 diaphragms and meet the following requirements: supported along each edge by masonry walls
15  The maximum plan because the procedure in this Handbook
16 dimension of a single assigns chord forces to a bond beam in the
17 diaphragm shall not exceed masonry. Openings in the supporting
18 200 ft (61.0 m). masonry wall are permitted provided the
19  Each diaphragm shall be conditions of this Handbook are met. Outside
20 rectangular in plan of stated limitations, this Handbook does not
21 dimensions. address diaphragm design or the design of
22  Diaphragms of a single collector elements such as drag struts. This
23 building shall not be offset in Handbook does not address the design of
24 plan. connections. Transferring forces between
25  The larger plan dimension of horizontal diaphragms and vertical walls is
26 a diaphragm shall not exceed critical to the performance of the structure.
27 four times the shorter plan Anchors used to achieve this force transfer
28 dimension of the diaphragm. are designed in accordance with TMS 402.
29  Each diaphragm shall be
30 connected to masonry walls To avoid potential vertical irregularities, this
31 on all four sides of the Handbook requires:
32 diaphragm. Anchorage design 1) a designated shear wall segment in
33 shall be in accordance with both principal directions at each
34 TMS 402 to transfer the corner of each diaphragm; and
35 required forces from the 2) Vertically continuous shear walls
36 diaphragm into the walls and without changes in the diaphragm
37 from the walls into the dimensions or location from one
38 diaphragm. story to the next.
39  Diaphragms shall be
40 anchored to masonry walls at
41 a location that coincides with
42 a reinforced masonry bond
43 beam.
44  The design of the diaphragms
45 shall account for the transfer
46
of loads from and to the
47
masonry walls.
48
 A masonry shear wall shall be
49
provided in each direction at
50
each corner of the diaphragm.
51
52 C2.3.5 Roof Slope – The required minimum
2.3.5 Roof Slope – The slope of the finished
53 roof slope is to assure the roof will drain
roof surface shall not be less than 1/4 in./ft (20.8

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 7 of 19
 1 mm/m) and shall not exceed 12 in./ft (1,000 water. Chapter 8 of ASCE 7 outlines
2 mm/m). The roof shall not have a curved, multiple minimum design criteria for roof drainage.
3 folded plate, sawtooth, barrel vault, or dome The limitations on the permitted roof
4 configuration. configurations are to simplify what could
5 become complex loading scenarios resulting
6 from snow accumulation on roofs. These
7 limits were felt necessary to keep the design
8 snow loads to a reasonable level for the
9 broad range of ground snow loads
10 considered.
11
12 Some roof configurations are susceptible to
13 the formation of ice dams along the eaves of
14 the structure; depending on environmental
15 conditions, distance of overhang, whether the
16 roof is ventilated or not, and the extent to
17 which the roof is insulated. The Commentary
18 to ASCE 7 Section C7.4.5 states: “The intent
19 is to consider heavy loads from ice that
20 forms along eaves only for structures where
21 such loads are likely to form. It is also not
22 considered necessary to analyze the entire
23 structure for such loads, just the eaves
24 themselves.” Users should consider where,
25 and if, ice dam loading needs to be
26 considered for their specific project and
27 account for any additional load accordingly.
28
29 2.3.6 Roof and Floor Framing – The spacing of C2.3.6 Roof and Floor Framing – Roof and
30 roof and floor framing elements shall not exceed floor framing elements typically include
31 10 ft (3.0 m) and shall not support a tributary area joists, beams, trusses, and similar systems
32 greater than the span length multiplied by the joist used to construct a building’s diaphragm(s).
33 spacing. Masonry shall not be used to support Other types of diaphragm systems include
34 reactions from tributary areas greater than that cast-in-place concrete slabs and precast
35 supported by a single roof or floor framing concrete planks. The requirement that
36 element. masonry elements are not permitted to
37 support reactions from tributary areas greater
38 than that supported by a single framing
39 element is to preclude the application of
40 loads from collector elements, such as joist
41 girders, that would result in the application
42 of a load on the masonry that is not
43 considered in this Handbook.
44
45 The analyses and modeling assumptions used
46 in developing the provisions of this
47 Handbook are based on an assumption that
48 the framing elements and slabs transmit a
49 uniform load along the plan length of the
50 bearing walls. Considering the limitations of
51 the direct design procedure, this design
52 criterion can safely be applied to joists
53 spaced up to 10 ft (3.0 m) on center. In cases

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 8 of 19
 1 where this spacing is exceeded, this
2 Handbook can still be used to perform
3 preliminary designs; however, the final
4 solution will need to be checked using
5 conventional structural analysis techniques.
6
7 2.3.7 Isolation of Features – Features that C2.3.7 Isolation of Features – Features such
8 extend more than 6 in. (152 mm) from the face of as signs, small lights and similar
9 the finished masonry surface shall be analyzed for nonstructural fixtures that are regularly
10 the additional loading imparted to the masonry. attached to masonry walls. The projection of
11 such features is limited to 6 in. (152 mm) to
12 minimize the magnitude of increase in wind
13 load acting on the structure due to the
14 increased projected area.
15
16 2.3.8 Cladding – Wall finishes and similar C2.3.8 Cladding – The 50 lb/ft2 (2.4 kPa)
17 cladding shall be permitted to be attached, wall finish weight limit is considered a
18 anchored, or adhered to masonry designed in practical upper limit for most cladding
19 accordance with this Handbook. The weight of all systems and precludes the need for more
20 installed finishes shall not exceed 50 lb/ft2 (2.4 complicated analyses resulting from
21 kPa) and shall be included in the effective seismic specialized supports, cladding anchorage, or
22 weight, W. second order loading effects.
23 2.4 – Loading Conditions C2.4 – Loading Conditions
24
25 2.4.1 Load Types – The provisions outlined in C2.4.1 Load Types – The procedure in this
26 this Handbook shall not be applied to the design Handbook is based on the assumption that
27 of structures that include design loads other than the structure is not ice-sensitive, as defined
28 roof dead and live loads, floor dead and live loads, in Section 10.2 of ASCE 7. No other load
29 snow loads, wind loads, seismic loads, soil loads, types are permitted on the masonry,
30 and rain loads. including, but not limited to, hydrostatic
31 pressures, unbalanced soil loads, flood loads,
32 and crane loads.
33
34 C2.4.2 Eccentricity of Loads – The
35 maximum axial load eccentricity was
36 2.4.2 Eccentricity of Loads – The maximum selected as a reasonable upper limit for
37 eccentricity of applied axial loads shall not exceed ledger connections.
38 half the thickness of the masonry wall plus 3.0 in.
39 (76 mm). C2.4.3 Concentrated Loads – See
40 Commentary Section C2.3.6.
41 2.4.3 Concentrated Loads – Masonry designed
42 in accordance with this Handbook shall not
43 support concentrated loads not otherwise
44 permitted by Section 2.3.6.
45 2.5 –Material and Construction Requirements C2.5 – Material and Construction
46 Requirements
47
48 2.5.1 Units – Concrete masonry units C2.5.1 Units – No commentary.
49 complying with ASTM C90 or clay masonry units
50 complying with ASTM C652 shall be used. The
51 units shall be laid in running bond construction.
52
53

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 9 of 19
 1 2.5.2 Mortar – Mortar complying with ASTM C2.5.2 Mortar – While the specified
2 C270 or ASTM C1714/C1714M shall be used. thickness of mortar joints in masonry
3 Mortar cement type shall comply with Table 2.5- designed in accordance with this Handbook
4 1. The specified mortar joint thickness shall be 3/8 is 3/8 in. (9.5 mm), TMS 602 does address
5 in. (9.5 mm). permitted tolerances from specified
6 dimensions for mortar joint construction.
7 Table 2.5-1 – Permitted Mortar Types This includes permitting the mortar bed joint
8 by Seismic Design Category of the starting course of masonry to be up to
9 ¾ in. (19.1 mm) for partially grouted
10 SDC A, B, and C SDC D, E, and F construction and up to 11/4 in. (31.8 mm) for
11 Type N, S, or M Type S or M mortar solid grouted construction.
12 masonry cement cement mortar
13 mortar
14 Type N, S, or M Type S or M non-
15 mortar cement air-entrained
16 mortar portland cement-
17 lime mortar
18 Type N, S, or M Type S or M
19 portland cement- masonry cement
20 lime mortar mortar used in fully
21 grouted masonry
22 construction
23
24 2.5.3 Reinforcement – The size of C2.5.3 Reinforcement – TMS 402 limits the
25 reinforcement, including dowels but excluding effective compressive width per reinforcing
26 bed joint reinforcement and lintel stirrups, shall be bar for simple-span elements. When the
27 Grade 60 (420 MPa) with minimum size of No. 4 spacing of the vertical reinforcement exceeds
28 (M#13) and maximum size of No. 8 (M#25) the lessor of six multiplied by the nominal
29 reinforcement complying with ASTM wall thickness or 72 in. (1829 mm), the
30 A615/A615M, ASTM A706/A706M, or ASTM direct design procedure requires a minimum
31 A996/A996M. amount of horizontal reinforcement to resist
32 design loads permitted by this Handbook
33 The spacing of vertical and horizontal assuming two-way bending of the masonry
34 reinforcement shall not exceed 10 ft (3.0 m). wall. The minimum area of 0.0255 in.2/ft for
35 When the spacing of the vertical reinforcement the horizontal reinforcement equates to 9
36 exceeds the lessor of six multiplied by the gage (MW11) bed joint reinforcement spaced
37 nominal wall thickness or 72 in. (1829 mm), the at 16 in. (406 mm) on center.
38 minimum area of horizontal reinforcement shall
39 be 0.0255 in.2/ft (54.0 mm2/m) of wall height. Although TMS 402 allows for reinforcing
40 Reinforcement shall extend the full height or bars and wires of different yield strength than
41 length of the masonry element in which it is permitted by Section 2.5.3, due to material
42 required, less cover distances. availability and design simplicity, the direct
43 design procedure has limited the permitted
44 Shear stirrups used in the construction of lintels options for reinforcement yield strength.
45 shall be No. 3 (M#10) or No. 4 (M#13), Grade 60
46 (420 MPa) reinforcement complying with ASTM A detailed analysis of the load distribution
47 A615/A615M, ASTM A706/A706M, or ASTM model is provided in the commentary of prior
48 A996/A996M. Stirrups shall terminate with a 180- editions of TMS 403.
49 degree hook having a minimum extension of 2.5
50 in. (64 mm). The spacing of lintel stirrups shall
51 not exceed 8 in. (203 mm).
52
53

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 10 of 19
 1 Masonry design shall be based on a specified
2 yield strength, fy, equal to 60,000 psi (413.7 MPa)
3 for reinforcing bars and 70,000 psi (492.6) for
4 reinforcing wire.
5
6 2.5.4 Grout – Grout shall comply with ASTM C2.5.4 Grout – Either fine or coarse grout
7 C476 and shall have a specified compressive complying with the requirements of ASTM
8 strength, fg, that meets or exceeds the specified C476 is permitted.
9 compressive strength of masonry, f’m.
10
11 2.5.5 Specifications – The construction C2.5.5 Specifications – Chapter 4 outlines
12 documents shall contain specifications that meet the minimum material, testing, inspection,
13 or exceed the requirements of Chapter 4. and construction requirements required by
14 this Handbook.
15 References
16
17 ICC 500, 2014. “ICC/NSSA Standard for the
18 Design and Construction of Storm Shelters”,
19 International Code Council, Washington,
20 D.C., 2014, www.iccsafe.org.
21 Chapter 3 Commentary Chapter 3
22 Procedure Procedure
23 3.1 – General C3.1 – General
24
25 Design of masonry in accordance with this The procedure in this Handbook is based on
26 Handbook shall comply with the procedure given a comparison of factored design loads and
27 in Chapter 3. In each step, the design variables design strengths in accordance with Part 1,
28 shall be determined by the user. Part 2, Chapter 9, and Chapter 14 of TMS
29 402. This Handbook covers only the design
30 of masonry walls meeting the limitations of
31 Chapter 2. The design of diaphragms,
32 foundations, and other components critical to
33 the performance of buildings is not covered
34 by this Handbook.
35
36 As required by this Handbook and TMS 402,
37 structural continuity must be maintained
38 between the application of load and the final
39 point of resistance. For reinforcement, this is
40 most commonly achieved through lap
41 splicing of the reinforcement.
42 3.2 – Direct Design Procedure C3.2 – Direct Design Procedure
43
44 3.2.1 Step 1 – Verify that the site-specific C3.2.1 Step 1 – The creation of preliminary
45 limitations of Section 2.2 of this Handbook are plans will be more efficient when based on
46 met. If the conditions of Section 2.2 are satisfied, experience with the procedure in this
47 a building configuration that satisfies the Handbook, as the direct design procedure
48 architectural, loading, and construction conditions requires selection of options that affect
49 of Chapter 2 shall be developed. architectural limitations. For example, a
50 preliminary floor plan containing many small
51 openings or a few large openings could result
52 in a series of shear wall segments that are not
53

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 11 of 19
 1 long enough to accommodate the minimum
2 spacing of vertical reinforcement required.
3 3.2.2 Step 2 – Using ASCE 7, the following C3.2.2 Step 2 – The information obtained in
4 design variables shall be determined: this step is required for design. Both wind
5 and seismic design criteria are necessary
6 2A The Risk Category based on ASCE 7 because ASCE 7 requires that all buildings
7 Table 1.5-1. be designed for both wind and seismic
8 loading conditions and meet all prescriptive
9 2B The Ground Snow Load, pg, using ASCE seismic requirements even if seismic loads
10 7 Figure 7-1 or ASCE 7 Table 7-1. The Exposure do not govern the design of any elements.
11 Factor, Ce, using ASCE Table 7-2. The Thermal
12 Factor, Ct, using ASCE 7 Table 7-3. The Roof Some ASCE 7 design parameters are not
13 Slope Factor, Cs, using ASCE 7 Figure 7-2. necessary as one or more of the limitations of
14 Chapter 2 preclude their consideration for
15 2C The 3-Second Gust Basic Wind Speed, V, buildings designed using the direct design
16 using ASCE 7 Figure 26.5-1. The Topographic procedure.
17 Factor, Kzt, in accordance with ASCE 7 Section
18 26.8.
19
20 2D The Exposure Category, in accordance
21 with Section 26.7 of ASCE 7.
22
23 2E The mapped spectral acceleration for
24 short periods, SS, in units of %g , by dividing the
25 values on ASCE 7 Figure 22-1, 22-3, 22-5, or 22-
26 6 by 100.
27
28 2F The mapped spectral acceleration for a 1-
29 second period, S1 , in units of %g , by dividing the
30 values on ASCE 7 Figure 22-2, 22-4, 22-5, or 22-
31 6 by 100.
32
33 2G The Live Load, L, and Roof Live Load,
34 Lr, in accordance with Chapter 4 of ASCE 7.
35
36 2H The dead load, D, in accordance with
37 Chapter 3 of ASCE 7.
38 3.2.3 Step 3 – Based on SS and S1, the Seismic C3.2.3 Step 3 – The Seismic Design
39 Design Category shall be determined in Categories in Table 3.2.3 were determined in
40 accordance with Table 3.2.3(1), 3.2.3(2), 3.2.3(3), accordance with Sections 11.4 through 11.6
41 or 3.2.3(4) based on the project’s seismic site of ASCE 7 based upon the Site Class soil
42 class. profile. The site soil is classified in
43 accordance with Chapter 20 of ASCE 7 as
44 Site Class A, B, C, or D, corresponding to
45 hard rock, rock, very dense soil and soft
46 rock, and stiff soil, respectively. The direct
47 design procedure is not permitted for Site
48 Class E (soft clay) or Site Class F (soils
49 requiring site response analysis) soil profiles.
50 Where applicable, accounting for the actual
51 soil conditions at the project location may
52 reduce the Seismic Design Category and
53 therefore increase the economy of the

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 12 of 19
 1 structure. See Commentary Section C2.2.6
2 for additional discussion on seismic site class
3 options.
4
5 Table 3.2.3(1): Seismic Design Category (SDC) for Site Class A
6 Seismic Design Category
7 SS S1 Risk Categories Risk Category
8 I, II, III IV
9 S1 < 0.126 A A
10
11 0.126  S1 < 0.250 B C
12 SS < 0.314 0.250  S1 < 0.375 C D
13 0.375  S1 < 0.750 D D
14
0.75  S1  1.250 E F
15
16 S1 < 0.250 B C
17 0.250  S1 < 0.375 C D
0.314  SS < 0.619
18 0.375  S1 < 0.750 D D
19
0.75  S1  1.250 E F
20
21 S1 < 0.375 C D
22 0.619  SS < 0.938 0.375  S1 < 0.750 D D
23 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
24
S1 < 0.750 D D
25 0.938  SS  3.00
26 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
27
28
29 Table 3.2.3(2): Seismic Design Category (SDC) for Site Class B
30 Seismic Design Category
31 SS S1 Risk Categories Risk Category
32 I, II, III IV
33 S1 < 0.101 A A
34
35 0.101  S1 < 0.200 B C
36 SS < 0.250 0.200  S1 < 0.300 C D
37 0.300  S1 < 0.750 D D
38
0.75  S1  1.250 E F
39
40 S1 < 0.200 B C
41 0.200  S1 < 0.300 C D
0.250  SS < 0.495
42 0.300  S1 < 0.750 D D
43
0.75  S1  1.250 E F
44
45 S1 < 0.300 C D
46 0.495  SS < 0.750 0.300  S1 < 0.750 D D
47 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
48
S1 < 0.750 D D
49 0.750  SS  3.00
50 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
51
52
53

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 13 of 19
 1 Table 3.2.3(3): Seismic Design Category (SDC) for Site Class C
2 Seismic Design Category
3 SS S1 Risk Categories Risk Category
4 I, II, III IV
5 S1 < 0.059 A A
6
7 0.059  S1 < 0.119 B C
8 SS < 0.209 0.119  S1 < 0.186 C D
9 0.186  S1 < 0.750 D D
10
0.75  S1  1.250 E F
11
12 S1 < 0.119 B C
13 0.119  S1 < 0.186 C D
0.209  SS < 0.413
14 0.186  S1 < 0.750 D D
15
0.75  S1  1.250 E F
16
17 S1 < 0.186 C D
18 0.413  SS < 0.661 0.186  S1 < 0.750 D D
19 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
20
S1 < 0.750 D D
21 0.661  S1  3.00
22 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
23
24 Table 3.2.3(4): Seismic Design Category (SDC) for Site Class D
25 Seismic Design Category
26 SS S1 Risk Categories Risk Category
27 I, II, III IV
28 S1 < 0.041 A A
29
30 0.041  S1 < 0.083 B C
31 SS < 0.156 0.083  S1 < 0.132 C D
32 0.132  S1 < 0.750 D D
33
0.75  S1  1.250 E F
34
35 S1 < 0.083 B C
36
37 0.156  SS < 0.321 0.083  S1 < 0.132 C D
38 0.132  S1 < 0.750 D D
39 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
40
S1 < 0.132 C D
41
42 0.321  SS < 0.553 0.132  S1 < 0.750 D D
43 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
44 S1 < 0.750 D D
45 0.553  SS  3.00
46 0.75  S1  1.250 E F
47 3.2.4 Step 4 – Determine the lateral force C3.2.4 Step 4 – The lateral force-resisting
48 resisting system in accordance with Table 3.2.4. (shear wall) options per Table 3.2.4 satisfy
49 In each principal plan direction of each the provisions of Chapter 7 of TMS 402.
50 rectangular diaphragm of the building, a single TMS 402 permits other types of shear wall
51 lateral force-resisting option shall be selected. systems; however, because the direct design
52 procedure is based solely on the design of
53 conventionally reinforced clay and concrete

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 14 of 19
 1 Table 3.2.4: Lateral Force-Resisting Options masonry, only three shear wall types are
2 permitted.
3 Seismic
4 Design Lateral Force Resisting
5 Category System Options
6 (SDC)
7 Ordinary Reinforced Masonry
8 Shear Walls (ORMSW)
9 Intermediate Reinforced
10 A, B or C Masonry Shear Walls
11 (IRMSW)
12 Special Reinforced Masonry
13 Shear Walls (SRMSW)
14 Special Reinforced Masonry
15 D, E, or F
Shear Walls (SRMSW)
16
17 3.2.5 Step 5 – For each diaphragm level, divide C3.2.5 Step 5 – Designation of rectangular
18 the building into rectangular diaphragms with diaphragms within the building plan
19 masonry wall lines on each side. For multi-story dimensions defines the extent of the lateral
20 buildings, the extents of the diaphragm boundaries force-resisting system. A single building may
21 shall be the same for each story. Walls inside the have more than one way to designate these
22 perimeter of a diaphragm shall be designed and diaphragms subject to the limitations of
23 detailed as nonparticipating walls. Section 2.3.5.
24 3.2.6 Step 6 – Determine minimum design C3.2.6 Step 6 – The procedures of direct
25 loads in accordance with ASCE 7. design permit most, but not all design loads
26 covered in ASCE 7. See Section 2.2 for
27 loading limitations.
28 3.2.7 Step 7 – Masonry elements shall be C3.2.7 Step 7 – The direct design procedure
29 designed in accordance with Section 9.3 of TMS is based on the strength design provisions for
30 402 and the requirements of this Handbook. reinforced masonry as prescribed in TMS
31 Unreinforced masonry partition walls shall be 402. Some TMS 402 design requirements are
32 designed in accordance with Chapter 14 of TMS not necessary as one or more of the
33 402. limitations of Chapter 2 preclude their
34 consideration for buildings designed using
35 the direct design procedure.
36
37 Chapter 14 of TMS 402 contains a
38 prescriptive method for designing and
39 detailing nonparticipating masonry partition
40 walls subject to the constraints and
41 limitations of those provisions.
42 3.2.8 Step 8 – The following design C3.2.8 Step 8 – Due to the limitations and
43 assumptions shall be permitted for the design of constraints placed on masonry designed in
44 masonry in accordance with this Handbook. accordance with the direct design procedure,
45 a number of simplifications can be applied
46 that may only apply to a limited subset of
47 conventionally design masonry.
48
49 3.2.8.1 Coupling – Unless specifically designed C3.2.8.1 Coupling – The direct design
50 and detailed for the transfer of moment and shear procedure does not address frame analysis of
51 forces, it shall be permitted to neglect the masonry structures. Although some degree of
52 coupling effects between shear walls. coupling may be present from spandrel
53 beams, diaphragms, drag struts, and similar

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 15 of 19
 1 elements, unless there is a technical need to
2 account for coupling effects between shear
3 wall segments, it is a common and
4 conservative practice to ignore these effects.
5
6 3.2.8.2 Beam Deflection – It shall be permitted to C3.2.8.2 Beam Deflection – Analysis shows
7 assume that deflections of masonry beams satisfy that the deflection of reinforced masonry
8 a deflection limit of l/360 when the beam span-to- beams is limited to l/360 or less when
9 depth (l/d) ratio is less than or equal to 12. constructed using a Type N masonry cement
10 mortar. Deflections would be reduced if
11 using a mortar with a larger modulus of
12 rupture.
13
14 3.2.8.3 Beam Shear – In cantilever beams, the C3.2.8.3 Beam Shear –The beam or wall
15 maximum shear shall be used. In non-cantilever loading within d/2 of the support is assumed
16 beams, the maximum shear shall be used except to be transferred in direct compression or
17 that sections located within a distance d/2 from tension to the support without increasing the
18 the face of support shall be designed for the same shear force, provided no concentrated load
19 shear as that calculated at a distance d/2 from the occurs within the d/2 distance.
20 face of support when the following conditions are
21 met:
22 (a) support reaction, in direction of applied shear
23 force, introduces compression into the end regions
24 of the beam, and
25 (b) no concentrated load occurs between face of
26 support and a distance d/2 from face.
27
28 3.2.8.4 Diaphragm Classification – Diaphragms C3.2.8.4 Diaphragm Classification –
29 shall be classified as either flexible or rigid in Whether a diaphragm is considered flexible
30 accordance with Table 3.2.8.4. or rigid is a function of the relative stiffness
31 of the diaphragm construction and the
32 Table 3.2.8.4 – Diaphragm Classification supporting masonry walls. Based on the
33 limitations of Chapter 2, diaphragms may be
34 Diaphragm Diaphragm classified in accordance with Table 3.2.8.4
35 Construction Classification for simplification.
36 Wood structural Flexible
37 panels
38 Untopped steel Flexible
39 decking
40 Concrete slab See Section
41 3.2.8.4.1
42 Concrete filled deck See Section
43 3.2.8.4.1
44 Other – flexible Flexible
45 diaphragm
46 Other – rigid Rigid
47 diaphragm
48
49 3.2.8.4.1 It shall be permitted to consider C3.2.8.4.1 No commentary.
50 diaphragms rigid when either of the following
51 conditions are met:
52
53

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 16 of 19
 1 a) The span-to-depth ratio of the diaphragm is less
2 than or equal to 3 and there are not horizontal
3 irregularities; or
4 b) The maximum diaphragm deflection is less
5 than two multiplied by the average drift of the
6 vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting
7 system.
8
9 Where these conditions are not satisfied, the
10 diaphragm stiffness shall be calculated.
11
12 3.2.8.5 Stiffness Calculations – Unless a more C3.2.8.5 Stiffness Calculations – The
13 rigorous analysis procedure is used, it shall be determination of cracked section properties is
14 permitted to use one-half of the gross moment of a complicated and often inaccurate exercise.
15 inertia as the cracked moment of inertia for the Using one-half of the gross moment of
16 calculation of shear wall drift. inertia has been conservatively applied to the
17 design of masonry for many years barring a
18 more robust analysis.
19 Chapter 4 Commentary Chapter 4
20 Specification Specification
21 4.1 – General C4.1 – General
22
23 Project specifications for masonry designed in Chapter 4 defines the design decisions in
24 accordance with this Handbook shall meet or order to use the provisions of this Handbook
25 exceed the requirements of TMS 602. Design and comply with the requirements of TMS
26 decisions applicable to masonry designed in 402 and TMS 602. The designer may choose
27 accordance with this Handbook shall include the to add additional or more stringent
28 requirements of Table 4.1. requirements to the project specification as
29 permitted by TMS 602. Specifying the use of
30 Table 4.1 – Specification Requirements an integral water repellent or surface-applied
31 coating is one example of an additional
32 TMS 602 Part/Article Specification requirement that the designer might consider.
33 Requirement
34 Part 1 – General TMS 602 is a reference specification. The
35 1.4A – Compressive Specify f’m. Mandatory Requirements Checklist of TMS
36 strength 602 lists the choices that must be made by
37 1.4 B.2 – Unit strength Specify when the designer and the Optional Requirements
38 method strength of grout is Checklist of TMS 602 lists the choices that
39 to be determined by are permitted to be made (but do not have to
40 test. be made) if the designer wishes to invoke a
41 1.5 - Submittals Define the submittal requirement other than the default
42 reporting and review requirement where such a choice is
43 procedure. permitted.
44 1.6 A.1 – Testing Specify which of
45 Agency’s services and TMS 602 Tables 4
46 duties or 5 applies to the
47 project.
48 1.6 B.1 – Inspection Specify which of
49 Agency’s services and TMS 602 Tables 4
50 duties or 5 applies to the
51 project.
52
53

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 17 of 19
 1 1.6 D – Sample panels Specify
2 requirements for
3 sample panels.
4 Part 2 – Products
5 2.1 – Mortar materials Specify type, color,
6 and cementitious
7 materials to be used
8 in mortar and mortar
9 to be used for the
10 various parts of the
11 project and the type
12 of mortar to be used
13 with each type of
14 masonry unit.
15 2.3 – Masonry unit Specify masonry
16 materials units complying
17 with ASTM C90 or
18 ASTM C652 to be
19 used for the various
20 parts of the project.
21 2.4 – Reinforcement Specify Grade 60
22 and metal accessories reinforcing bars.
23 Specify type and
24 grade for connectors
25 and accessories. For
26 reinforcing bars,
27 specify that the
28 actual yield strength
29 must not exceed the
30 specified yield
31 strength multiplied
32 by 1.3.
33 2.4 C.1 – Joint Specify joint
34 reinforcement reinforcement wire
35 size and number of
36 longitudinal wires.
37 2.4 E – Stainless steel Specify when
38 stainless steel joint
39 reinforcement,
40 anchors, ties, and/or
41 accessories are
42 required.
43 2.4 F – Coating for Specify the types of
44 corrosion protection corrosion protection
45 that are required for
46 each portion of the
47 masonry
48 construction.
49 2.5 E – Joint fillers Specify size and
50 shape of joint fillers.
51 Part 2 – Products
52 3.3 D.2-4 – Pipes and Specify sleeve sizes
53 conduits and spacing.

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 18 of 19
 1 3.3 D.5 - Accessories Specify accessories
2 not indicated on the
3 project drawings.
4 3.3 D.6 – Movement Indicate type and
5 joints location of
6 movement joints on
7 the project drawings.
8 3.3 B.11 – Placement Indicate d distance
9 tolerances for beams and
10 drawings or as a
11 schedule in the
12 project
13 specifications.
14 3.4 E – Veneer anchors Specify type of
15 anchor required.
16

Working Draft 2017 DDH; Last Revised June 21, 2017 Page 19 of 19