Updated Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook

Words: John ChryslerFrom the pyramids of Egypt to Las Vegas’ Excalibur Hotel, masonry has provided a solid foundation of construction throughout the world. And for the past 40 years, the Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook–Clay and Concrete Masonry, has been the go-to guide for the industry.

The Masonry Institute of America (MIA) and the International Code Council announce the release of the seventh edition of the handbook, updated to conform to the 2012 International Building Code (IBC) and the TMS 402/TMS 602-11, Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and Related Commentaries.

“This is the best edition ever,” said John Chrysler, P.E., Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of America. “The graphics are state of the art, and 25 percent of the handbook contains design aids, something that most other books lack.”

“This 708-page revised edition includes two complete masonry building design examples and design of masonry retaining walls,” said John Henry, P.E., Principal Staff Engineer for the Code Council. “The Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook is still the best masonry engineering book on the market since I used the 3rd Edition in college back in 1979. It’s a ‘must have’ book for practicing civil and structural engineers and engineering students. It’s the most illustrated engineering book I know of.”

The book, which sells for $99.95, includes detailed discussions of masonry components and materials, strength properties of masonry assemblies, gravity and lateral loads, and numerous illustrated design examples for the various masonry members.

“My goal as editor of this edition was to carry forward the legacy of the original author of the publication, James Amrhein, in providing a reference on reinforced masonry design that was for practicing engineers and written by a practicing engineer,” said John M. Hochwalt, P.E., S.E., an associate with Seattle-based KPFF Consulting Engineers who put a year and a half into the revised edition.

While his primary focus was to update the manual to the existing codes, Hochwalt said, “We also took the opportunity to reorganize the book for improved ease of use. There is now a more logical flow to make it easier for practicing engineers.”

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