Performance Evaluation Testing of Masonry Materials and Assemblages Towards the Harmonization of Canada-U.S. Masonry Structures Design Standards

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The masonry industry in Canada contributes $1 billion annually towards economic activity, and employs thousands of skilled laborers, contractors, manufacturers, and engineers directly, with many more employed by spin-off companies and within the necessary supply chain. However, the increasing gap in materials, design, and construction methods for masonry as are being used in Canada and the U.S. is affecting the Canadian industry, and potentially holding back synergies and cost savings that may otherwise be available.The Canadian Masonry Design Centre and the National Concrete Masonry Association in the U.S. have therefore committed to harmonizing design requirements for masonry as are included in Canadian Standard CSA S304 - Design of Masonry Structures and U.S. code TMS 402 - Building Code Requirements and Specifications for Masonry Structures. While some differences between these two codes are isolated and so quite specific, others, such as the method by which each has been calibrated for structural safety are intrinsic, and makes a comparison between the two codes difficult without conducting a thorough analysis. Initial meetings between the two organizations have identified the need for the following research objectives to be achieved: (1) to conduct a comparative analysis of slender concrete block wall designs resulting from use of the two codes, (2) to evaluate the compressive strength of masonry prisms based on the requirements of CSA S304 and ASTM C1314 specifications, and (3) to examine the effective flange width to be used for the analysis of partially grouted and reinforced masonry walls constructed with ASTM C90 blocks that are subject to combined axial load and bending.In total, training will be provided to 1 Ph.D. and 2 M.Sc. students in an area of strategic and economic importance to Canada.