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Authors: Ece Erdogmus, Richard Bennett, Jason Thompson, Bennett Banting

TMS Journal Volume 42, December 31, 2024

Abstract

This work is one of the four companion papers associated with the Canada/US (CANUS) collaborative project: Harmonization of Canadian and American Masonry Structures Design Standards. This particular paper specifically delves into a comparison of the design and detailing provisions for masonry beams in the U.S. and Canada. The scope of the investigation covers the similarities and divergences between the two design standards (CSA S304-14 and TMS 402-16), through first a comparative discussion of the provisions followed by parametric studies that illustrate the differences quantitatively.

Several areas of further investigation are identified as a result of this work, which if addressed, may improve and harmonize the two standards and practices. For instance, the χ factor utilized in CSA S304-14 amplifies the divergence such that most masonry beam designs that have been safely constructed in the U.S. are not possible in Canada. In contrast, TMS 402-16 does not have clear guidance on deflection limits or intermediate reinforcement for regular beams; and a reconsideration for modulus of rupture values may be warranted, as the code- provided values are based on historic wallette tests instead of beams.

Keywords: Masonry beams, flexure, modulus of rupture, strength design, TMS 402, CSA S304

Heather Sustersic, David Stubbs, Russ Peterson, Richard M. Bennett, Clayton Pettit, Bart Flisak, Ece Erdogmus, Jason Thompson, Semsi Coskun, Bennett Banting, Carlos Cruz-Noguez

TMS Journal Volume 42, December 31, 2024

Abstract

As part of a larger project jointly sponsored by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) Foundation, Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association (CCMPA), Canada Masonry Design Centre (CMDC) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA), a team of engineers and researchers from U.S. and Canada worked together to examine the key differences and similarities between the design provisions for reinforced masonry walls subject to out-of-plane (OOP) and axial loads. The scope was limited to the strength design provisions of TMS 402-16 and the limit state design provisions of CSA S304-14 masonry design standards. Several parametric studies were conducted to quantify the comparisons, as well as to identify possible limitations within each code. These studies explored factors that directly impact the calculation of combined flexural and axial capacity, wall stiffness, second-order moments, and shear capacity of the masonry walls subjected to OOP loading. Parameters considered include the compressive strength of the masonry assembly, wall geometry, as well as the size, strength and spacing of the steel reinforcement. In general, it was found that the Canadian provisions are more conservative than those in the U.S. The paper also provides a list of areas of further research or code revisions that should be considered in the future. It is the team’s goal to propose improvements to both codes as a result of this work.

Keywords: Flexure, Axial Capacity, Out-of-Plane Resistance of Walls, Reinforced Masonry Walls, Strength Design, TMS 402, CSA S304

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This study examines the impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake on unreinforced masonry buildings, highlighting the importance of quality construction and proper connections for seismic performance.
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Authors: Bora Pulatsu, Andrei Farcasiu, Sinan Acikgoz

Published Ahead of Issue — May 22, 2026

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