Version 4.0 adds to the scope of what MASS is capable of handling

It’s real, and it’s spectacular! We are very excited to announce this new release, available immediately and for free to all current, active license holders.

This post originally appeared on the new MASS documentation website. Click here to view the original release notice.

If you are currently using Version 3, you can upgrade to Version 4.0 at any time (download and installation instructions are available at the end of this post).

What’s New in Version 4.0?

A 3 minute preview can be seen below with the longer 11 minute outline available here.

Those videos not enough for you? Click here for the full change log to see what else is new and exciting about the release of Version 4.0.

New Seismic Design Options

MASS has a new seismic design tab for shear walls that allows users to choose between the newer simplified approach added to the 2015 NBCC or the good old equivalent static force procedure. Ductility is now a parameter that can be specified and used for design.

Dealing with a Post-Disaster importance category? You can now specify “moderately ductile” or “ductile” in the seismic tab and let MASS handle the rest – including drift and the ductility verification!

Multi-Storey Shear Walls

Ever found yourself working through a building’s design and asked yourself “What if I could do all this work, but in fewer steps?“. Don’t let your dreams be dreams!

MASS Version 4 adds a new multi-storey module that coordinates the design of several elements to give you a result that matches unit properties and vertically aligns your reinforcement. Worried about your self-weight loads not being up to date as the design changes? Read up on our detailed design strategy and cry tears of joy because we’ve got you covered!

How to Upgrade

Anyone with a current, activated MASS license can upgrade to MASS Version 4.0 at no extra charge. New releases are included as part of keeping an active license, in addition to other benefits such as comprehensive technical support and course notifications.

To begin downloading MASS Version 4.0, click here to visit the upgrades page

Questions about the download, extraction, or installation process? Click here to view the two and a half minute video walk through that will show you how you can install MASS on your computer. There is also a full installation guide available here.

Still have Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or anyone else in CMDC with any questions or concerns regarding this upgrade.

Canada Masonry Design Centre (CMDC) is the authorized technical service provider for the MASS Software.

Version 4,0 was made possible by the support of our masonry contractor members through CMDC as well as the joint venture partnership through NMDP with CCMPA Canadian Concrete Masonry Producer’s Association – see ccmpa.ca for more information).