Version 4.3.2 resolves critical issues and improves design consistency ahead of MASS Version 5.0

National Masonry Design Programs, NMDP, is proud to announce the official release of MASS Version 4.3.2. This release addresses several important software bugs and calculation refinements before the release of MASS Version 5.0, which will update MASS to CSA S304-24 and NBCC 2025.

This new version is available to all current, active license holders at no extra charge and can be downloaded using the link below:

Click here to visit the Downloads page

What’s New in Version 4.3?

Click here for the full change log to see all the new and exciting features that are a part of Version 4.3.2.

Shear Resistance Location

MASS Version 4.3.2 updates where diagonal shear resistance is calculated for shear walls. In previous versions, diagonal shear resistance was calculated at each course along the height of the wall.

To better align MASS with the design approach presented in the textbook and course provided by CMDC, diagonal shear resistance is now calculated only at the base of the floor. This provides consistency across CMDC initiatives and the design methodology used in MASS training materials.

β_d Calculation

For out-of-plane wall designs, MASS Version 4.3.2 updates how β_d is calculated when there is no dead line load acting along the face of the wall, but a dead axial load is present.

In these cases, MASS now uses the minimum primary moment calculation to determine the dead load moment from the applied dead axial load. This provides a more representative β_d value where dead axial load contributes to the wall’s out-of-plane bending demand.

Behave Elastically Detailed Calculations

MASS Version 4.3 incorporated the NBCC 2020 Clause 4.1.8.23 requirements for shear walls required to behave elastically in certain cases. While the check was included in the design, the full supporting calculations were not shown in the results.

In Version 4.3.2, MASS now displays the complete calculations whenever the elastic behaviour check is required. These calculations are shown in both the Simplified Results and Detailed Results tabs, making it easier to review how the check has been evaluated.

Comprehensive Analysis for Conventional Construction Walls

In previous versions of MASS, the option to perform a comprehensive analysis was always available. In some cases, this allowed users to select the option for walls where the comprehensive analysis method was not applicable, resulting in design outputs that did not reflect the intended analysis approach.

In Version 4.3.2, this option is now only available in scenarios where comprehensive analysis can be used. This helps ensure that conventional construction walls are analyzed using the appropriate design method.

Click here for more information about the Comprehensive Analysis of Conventional Construction Walls.

Bug Fixes

MASS Version 4.3.2 also includes several bug fixes that improve design reliability and user workflow.

These include corrections to Live (Storage) load combinations, where MASS now applies the correct companion load treatment instead of applying both companion loads alongside the principal load.

This release also resolves an issue affecting Cell-by-Cell Design for shear walls, where adjusting vertical reinforcement after running a moment analysis could cause MASS to close unexpectedly.

In addition, MASS now preserves the user’s selected vertical reinforcement spacing options when a design is run, rather than automatically reselecting options that had been deselected.

Several shear wall output issues have also been corrected. MASS now only displays M_r,nom and c_nom when they are applicable to moderately ductile shear walls, and M_r,prob and c_prob when they are applicable to ductile shear walls.

For beam design, MASS Version 4.3.2 also corrects cases where stirrups were required for shear resistance but no top reinforcement was provided for anchorage. When stirrups are required for shear design, MASS now provides a top bar in the beam to allow the stirrups to be properly anchored.

The Beam module has also been updated so that triangular stress distribution is once again used as the default. In addition, files saved with triangular stress distribution now correctly display the selected stress distribution when reopened.

For piers generated through the Shearline module, MASS now reports consistent deflection values between the Simplified Results, Detailed Results, and deflection diagram. This corrects cases where the Simplified Results deflection table was missing, or populated with values that did not match the Detailed Results.

Finally, MASS now generates the Simplified Results shear table for unreinforced out-of-plane walls when a shear analysis is run. Previously, the shear drawing was generated, but the corresponding Simplified Results table was not displayed for unreinforced sections.

More information about these changes can be found in the Change Log.

How to Upgrade

Anyone with a current, activated MASS license can upgrade to MASS Version 4.3.2 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 4.3.2, click here to visit the downloads 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 4.3.2 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).