CMDC Resources and Other Helpful Tools

The CMDC is involved in many areas that go beyond expert technical assistance and education. Select one of the options below to learn more about the various ways you can take advantage of tools and resources offered by the CMDC.

Software:

MASS (Masonry Analysis Structural Systems) is a masonry design software that will design elements of your structure in accordance with the current CSA Standards. MASS shows every equation and variable, along with code references, making all results reliable and trustworthy. MASS will also pay for itself in as little as just one project by saving hours of hand calculations and design iterations. Learn more

Seminars:

The CMDC offers a wide array of technical seminars directed towards the design community. Interested in attending or hosting a seminar? Let us know to get the conversation started.  Learn more

Professional Courses:

Alongside the McMaster Centre for Continuing Education, we are proud to have run a professional course for practicing engineers called the Engineered Masonry Design Course (EMDC). It has been tailored for engineers to build on their understanding of reinforced concrete principles and apply them to masonry design.  Learn more

Textbook:

Masonry Structures: Behaviour and Design by Drysdale and Hamid explains the ins and outs of masonry design complete with examples and a copy of the CSA S304.1-04. Learn more

CSA Standards:

The CMDC sits on several of the CSA boards and committees to develop and shape the CSA Standards in a way that is beneficial to the expanded use of masonry. This is closely tied with our work in Research, getting the tests and data needed to support masonry’s role in an evolving building code. Learn more

Tech Aids:

The CMDC is working on material that is meant to answer questions you might have about designing with masonry. Learn more

Links:

Links to webpages for everything masonry. If you are looking for something that isn’t here, please let us know. Learn more

Specification Examples

Highlighting some of the most common cases where specifications can be improved. Learn more

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