Numerous design programs support masonry analysis and design, for both component design and finite element analysis (FEA) and design. As engineers, it is important to not only know what programs are available and when to use them, but also the common issues with software and how to avoid them.
List of Finite Element Analysis/Design Software Reviewed by FORSE
We recommend using FEA programs for walls that are either complicated or have a reasonably high load demand, which includes: walls with relatively large openings, shear walls with openings, masonry wall groups used with stair and elevator shafts, exterior walls with high loads, multistory masonry walls, and storm shelter walls. FEA programs are required for understanding the true load on all masonry lintels.
- RAM Elements – Masonry Wall module
- Quick start guide: RAM Elements Manual for Masonry Analysis and Design (pdf)
- RISA Floor/ RISA 3D
- Quick start guide: RISA-3D Workflow Manual for Masonry Analysis and Design (pdf)
- ETABS – Masonry walls are all modeled as grouted solid. When the actual wall being modeled is solid, ETABS can be used without issue; if it is partially grouted, modification factors need to be used.
- Tekla Structural Designer / TEDDS (new) – Masonry walls are modeled in Tekla Structural Designer to be analyzed in the 3D model – to design the walls, analysis information can be linked to TEDDS.
The following are examples for modifying FEA elements to properly model masonry if the program does not provide options to modify directly: 1. How to account for partial grouting in masonry, 2. Incorporating masonry control joints (CJ), 3.How to account for cracking in masonry. All items are available on the FORSE website: http://website.forsei.com/find/masonry/
List of Component Design Software Reviewed by FORSE
We recommend using component design programs for walls that are less complicated and have common load demand, which includes: partition walls, single story building with many walls and low in-plane shear loads, walls with relatively small openings.
- IMI Partition Wall – Provides designers with the opportunity to engineer masonry partitions with simple input, simple non-FEA analysis, and with code checks for analysis results. Code checks are based on 2009 -2015 IBC ASD; including appropriate references to TMS 402.
- DIRECT DESIGN 3.1 (NCMA) – Software that enables design of an entire masonry structure in one model. Simply enter design criteria, specify the plan layout and opening locations, and the software fragments the model into individual components for design checks. Every wall is detailed simultaneously. The software is based on the TMS Direct Design Handbook (TMS 403).
- EleMasonry (NCMA) – Software for structural designs of masonry elements one component at a time. Design walls for in-plane (shear walls) and out-of-plane loads, columns, pilasters, and lintels including code-prescribed detailing requirements for seismic loading, second order analysis, lap splicing, shear reinforcement, and more. Code available for 2002-2016 ASCE 7 ASD or SD; including appropriate references to the masonry design provisions of TMS 402 and corresponding loading criteria from ASCE 7. This program is a sister software to QuickMasonry (through IES).
- QuickMasonry (Integrated Engineering Software, Inc.) – Software for structural designs of masonry elements one component at a time. Design walls for in-plane (shear walls) and out-of-plane loads, columns, pilasters, and lintels. Codes available for MSJC 2013, MSJC 2011, MSJC-08.
- TEDDS (Tekla/Trimble) – Software for structural designs of masonry elements one component at a time. Design walls for in-plane (shear walls) and out-of-plane loads, columns, and lintels. Codes available for MSJC 2013, MSJC 2011, MSJC-08, MSJC-05.