Deviating from the CSA Standards to better reflect practical design While the existing implementation for MASS Versions 3.0 and 4.0 is most correct to the strict S304 clause, MASS support has decided to change the implementation to better reflect realistic design scenarios. A type C masonry unit must have Read more…
The current MASS approach in Version 4.0 means that linear elastic deflections are over-corrected in a way that largely overestimates demand, making ductility verifications far more difficult. Many shear wall designs require that a ductility verification be performed and satisfied. While the software has a number of systems in Read more…
While most seismic requirements are triggered by the application of an earthquake load, MASS is too stringent on it’s reinforcement spacing requirements in cases of low seismic hazard index. When bugs are reported in MASS, they are taken very seriously. In the interest of transparency, they are also posted Read more…
The storey-by-storey design approach currently in MASS can excessively amplify shear forces beyond expected results In cases where a bug or other issue is found in the MASS software, announcements are posted on the software’s known bugs page, as well as on this page here. It is always encouraged Read more…
Be aware of this for shear wall designs resisting lateral earth pressures In cases where a bug or other issue is found in the MASS software, announcements are posted on the software’s known bugs page, as well as on this page here. It is always encouraged that suspected bugs Read more…
Moderately Ductile and Ductile shear walls can now be designed within MASS to satisfy the ductility verification (required by CSA S304-14) Any designers struggling with post-disaster strictures or the axial load limitations of conventional construction masonry will be happy to know that MASS Version 4.0 has the ability to perform Read more…
Added to the 2015 National Building Code of Canada is a new design pathway that can be used for areas with very low seismic hazard levels. If you are designing shear walls in an area with very low spectral acceleration values (Looking at you Manitoba and Saskatchewan) then we we Read more…
While not always calculated at the critical location of a wall, out-of-plane walls are typically governed by flexure. In cases where a bug or other issue is found in the MASS software, announcements are posted on the software’s known bugs page, as well as on this page here. While Read more…
Bugs are found from time to time and in our effort to be trustworthy and transparent, they are posted here as well as appearing on the MASS Welcome Screen The known bugs page has moved from the MASS website to the MASS section of the CMDC website. Click here Read more…
Version 4.0 adds to the scope of what MASS is capable of handling It’s real, and it’s spectacular! We are very excited to announce this new release, available immediately and for free to all current, active license holders. This post originally appeared on the new MASS documentation website. Click Read more…