TMS Prints 2005 MSJC Code and Specification
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After three years of extensive work and revisions, the 2005 MSJC (Masonry Standards Joint Committee) Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 and ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602), Specification for Masonry Structures (ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 and ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602), and commentaries were recently printed by The Masonry Society (TMS). This new Code and Specification has been substantially revised, and many new requirements have been added. Some of the major updates include:
- Strength design procedures for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry.
- Complete revision in Prestressed Masonry design philosophy to a strength design basis with service load checks.
- Revised maximum reinforcement limits for Strength Design.
- Harmonized splice length requirements for Allowable-stress Design and Strength Design.
- Clarification on limits for Empirical Design in high-wind areas.
The new 2005 provisions are available in book form and on CD-ROM and can be purchased from TMS, as well as the other sponsoring organizations. Dr. Richard E. Klingner, Chairman of the MSJC, and Jason Thompson, MSJC Secretary, recently replied to questions relating to the 2005 MSJC in "TMS Responds," Vol. 5, No. 1, which is available from TMS. TMS is also preparing a seminar series on the new provisions. Watch TMS's web site at www.masonrysociety.org for details or call TMS at (303) 939-9700 to see if a seminar can be scheduled in your area.
The 2005 MSJC provisions have been recommended to replace the reference to the 2002 MSJC in the upcoming 2006 International Building Code, although that decision will not be finalized until the fall 2005 ICC hearings.
The Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) is sponsored by the American Concrete Institute, the Structural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers and The Masonry Society. The committee meets at least twice annually, and the meetings are open to the public. Their next meeting will be held October 16-18th in Cincinnati, Ohio. While ACI served as the lead sponsoring society for the 2005 revision cycle, TMS was recently made the lead sponsoring society for future revision cycles.
For more information on the MSJC, visit www.masonrystandards.org.