Masonry Magazine September 2002 Page. 48
Masonry News
2002 Building Code for Masonry
Mason contractors, design engineers and specifiers will find the latest minimum requirements for the design and construction of masonry elements in the 2002 edition of "Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530-02/ASCE 5-02/TMS 402-02), Specification for Masonry Structures (ACI 530.1-02/ASCE 6-02/TMS 602-02), and Related Commentaries."
A joint effort of the American Concrete Institute, the American Society of Civil Engineers and The Masonry Society, the 2002 code includes a number of significant changes. "For the first time, we've included a chapter on strength design of masonry," says Max L. Porter, chairman of the Masonry Standards Joint Committee. "The rationale was to provide for an improved model for inelastic system performance, especially for earthquake-induced loads. This makes the code requirements more compatible with the inelastic load criteria of the latest version of ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Structures) and with IBC requirements."
The new strength design chapter also includes provisions for flexure, shear, bond, anchorage and other system components.
Other notable changes to the code include revised seismic design provisions that now cover six different shear-wall types; addition of corrosion-protection provisions for joint reinforcement, wall ties and anchors; changes in wind-speed threshold for empirical design to be compatible with provisions of ASCE 7; new criteria for masonry veneer supported by wood members; quality-assurance provisions for pre-stressed masonry; modifications of allowable design values for flexural tension; and new provisions for use of grout demonstration panels to establish maximum grout lift height.
The 2002 edition of "Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, Specification for Masonry Structures, and Related Commentaries" will replace the 1999 edition, making it an essential document for anyone involved in the design and construction of masonry buildings. The cost of the 147-page publication is $70 for ACI members or $93.50 for nonmembers. For more information or to order, call 248-848-3800, or visit the ACI bookstore online at www.concrete.org.
Regional News
DC Construction Program Graduates First Class
Equipped with brand-new tool boxes and work boots, 10 District of Columbia residents marched off the stage with diplomas in hand and headed toward construction worksites across the metro area. The graduates participated in Working Together for Jobs-a rigorous pre-apprenticeship training program sponsored by American Community Partnerships that offers services to low-income, minority residents.
"With the real estate market in the District still the strongest part of a weak economy, I'm delighted that we will have trained DC residents for all the construction jobs that are available," said Sharon Ambrose, DC Council Member.
Added Mike Kelly, CEO of the DC Housing Authority, "Their commitment to successfully completing this training and gaining marketable skills is what we are celebrating today. They should be proud of their efforts."
This first graduating class is comprised of three women and seven men, eight of whom are residents of DC public housing facilities. In fact, the training took place at a site located at the Arthur Capper & Carrollsburg Public Housing Developments where several of the graduates reside.
And while the graduates, who faced considerable challenges to both enter and complete the training, have all passed the Carpenters Apprenticeship Examination and are on a path to become Certified Journeyman Carpenters, similar programs for training masons and masonry workers should be encouraged by MCAA members. If you know of such a program for future masons, please have them contact us at Masonry.
In The News
Bricks are Everywhere
The nation's brick manufacturers produced and shipped approximately eight billion bricks last year, ranking 2001 among the six or seven best years over the past 30, according to the Brick Industry Association (BIA). Spurred by the continuing boom in new housing construction since the late 1990s, brick's steady demand supports an industry expected to remain available to more home buyers," he said.
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the industry produced 8.21 billion bricks last year, and shipped 7.88 billion. With 84.1 percent of shipments for residential use and 78.8 percent of shipments for single-family residential use, brick's 2001 numbers reflect another record year for the housing industry.
"The numbers show that consumers continue to have a strong preference for brick, based on the beauty, quality and value that it adds to any new home," said Tom Perry, vice president, marketing, BIA. "Coupled with increasing options at every price point, brick is now becoming