Masonry Designers’ Guide — 7th Edition

Words: Phillip SamblanetThe best guide on designing masonry is now even better! The 7th Edition of the Masonry Designers' Guide (MDG-7) has been completely updated to address the numerous additions and changes in the 2011 edition of the Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures (TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5 and TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6) — also referred to as the 2011 MSJC.

The MDG-7 includes updated discussion and examples related to a recalibration of the Allowable-Stress Design method, a new Chapter on the Design of Masonry Infills, discussion on enhanced special inspection requirements, and new and revised discussions and examples throughout. In addition, information related to masonry design requirements in the 2012 International Building Code (IBC) is included, and examples use the latest loading requirements from ASCE 7-10.

The MDG-7 is an excellent resource for experienced masonry designers as well as new designers and students learning about masonry for the first time because:
  • it was developed by dozens of masonry experts who are familiar both with masonry design and with the Code requirements governing masonry's use
  • it includes over 70 practical examples for typical masonry buildings and components
  • it provides practical tips on how to quickly and efficiently design typical masonry
  • it includes drawings and photographs to illustrate concepts and procedures discussed
Topics covered in the MDG-7 include masonry materials, testing, quality assurance, quality control, construction methods, structural design, seismic design, and using the MSJC with model Building Codes. Additional online resources are available via a new companion website including:
  • access to an electronic version (pdf format) of the complete MDG-7 for easy reference and searching
  • Excel spreadsheets used in some of the design examples
  • select technical notes on clay brick and concrete masonry that are often used by designers
Definitive. Practical. Time-Saving. Graphical. The MDG is one of the most popular design guides for masonry due to its extensive examples, helpful drawings and photographs, and practical coverage of masonry design issues.

Purchase your copy of the 7th Edition of the Masonry Designers' Guide at www.masonrysociety.org/MDG7.
Why "The Software Can't Track That" Is Finally Going Away
August 2026

For as long as specialty contractors have used field software, most of them have kept a workaround somewhere: a spreadsheet on a foreman's laptop, a whiteboard in the trailer, or a text thread where crew leads send block counts at the end of the day becau

Erin Koets
Build Smart
MAP Partner
Read More
Monadnock Building
August 2026

Chicago’s Monadnock Building doesn’t dominate the skyline the way it once did. Surrounded by steel-and-glass towers, the dark brick structure can seem almost understated. But for anyone in the masonry industry, it remains one of the most important buildin

Cass Stern
American Treasure
Brick Clay Brick
Read More
Britt Stokes, Acme Brick’s Director of Marketing, Retires.
August 2026

Fort Worth, Texas – After faithfully serving Acme Brick Company for 40 years, Britt has chosen to retire – although he will still be involved with Acme on various projects. Britt began his career with Acme as staff photographer and through dedicati

Industry News
Read More
The First Paycheck
August 2026

Several years ago, Huntley Brothers hired a young apprentice. It was his first real job, and he had never had a paycheck before. Friday rolled around, and he got paid just like everyone else. Later that day, one of the guys told me something I have never

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More