General Design of Concrete Masonry Structures
This course explores the required concrete masonry design considerations to ensure a fully designed wall system that adheres to structural, fire, acoustic and energy design. The structural consideration will include the basis of design parameters, applications, design considerations, elemental design and limit states. While structural design is important, the course will discuss our ensuring fire, acoustical and energy compliance must also fit into the requirements of the wall system.
Specifying Fire Resistance Ratings for Concrete Masonry Construction
Building codes take a multifaceted approach to protecting life and property during a fire. These requirements address the combustibility, flame spread, smoke release, and structural stability of the systems that are used to mitigate the occurrence and spread of fire within buildings while allowing the safe evacuation of occupants. The inherent attributes of concrete masonry make it an ideal choice in meeting and exceeding the minimum building code requirements.
Fire Resistance Ratings of Concrete Masonry Assemblies
Concrete masonry is widely specified for fire walls and fire barriers because concrete masonry is noncombustible, provides durable fire resistance, and is economical to construct. Chapter 7 of the International Building Code (IBC) (ref. 2) governs materials and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and fire-rated separation of adjacent spaces. This TEK is based on the provisions of Code Requirements for Determining Fire Resistance of Concrete and Masonry Construction Assemblies, ACI 216.1/TMS 216 (ref. 1) , which outlines a procedure to calculate the fire resistance ratings of concrete masonry assemblies. The 2014 edition of the ACI 216.1/TMS 216 is referenced in the 2015 IBC for concrete and masonry materials. This TEK is based on both prescriptive details and tables as well as the calculated fire resistance procedure, which is practical, versatile and economical. The calculation procedure allows the designer virtually unlimited flexibility to incorporate the excellent fire-resistive properties of concrete masonry into a design. Included are methods for determining the fire resistance rating of concrete masonry walls, columns, lintels, beams, and concrete masonry fire protection for steel columns. Also included are assemblies composed of concrete masonry and other components, including plaster and gypsum wallboard finishes, and multi-wythe masonry components including clay or shale masonry units.
Core Performance: The 5 Ss of Concrete Masonry
Concrete masonry is commonly used for structural and architectural walls in buildings. Knowing the full extent of its applications and capabilities is important for designers to make resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective buildings.
The intent of this course is to provide a general overview of the properties and performance characteristics of concrete masonry walls. Attendees will learn about how to take advantage of and maximize the features and capabilities of concrete masonry units.