Masonry Analysis Structural Systems software is a powerful tool used to design and analyse masonry beams, out-of-plane walls, and shear walls. MASS™ provides optimized tools that minimise the time it takes to complete a design.

 

The program is unique in its versatility.  Users can design using common concrete blocks and bricks, or using customized units. Standard support conditions are permitted (fixed, pinned, roller, or free).   The load distribution options are extensive. Load distributions that can be applied to an assemblage include point loads, line loads (uniformly distributed, triangular, and trapezoidal), and moment loads.  Available load types include: dead, live, snow, wind, earthquake, storage, controlled fluid, soil, and contraction/expansion. All the possible load combinations are calculated using the applied load types.

 

MASS™ uses finite element methods to analyse the effect of the load combinations and to determine the critical combination. The critical load combination is then used in the engineering design engine.  The assemblage is designed within the engineering design engine, in accordance with CSA S304-14 standards. Users can alter the design by selecting or de-selecting the assemblage properties (for instance, the masonry unit strength or size, the steel bar size, etc.).

 

Upon the completion of a design, users have access to several output pages. MASS™ is exceptionally transparent. The program provides an assemblage drawing, which includes the placement of reinforcement bars (where applicable). It also consists of several summary pages for each design step performed, including moment, deflection, shear, and bearing design results. The engineering equations used to determine the design, as well as the corresponding standards references are presented to users in organized tables. All drawings and results can be readily printed.

 

Continue Reading: Assemblage Modules

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