Design of Unreinforced Masonry According to the Canadian Standards

The Canadian standard CSA S304.1-04 provides provisions for the structural design of unreinforced, reinforced, prestressed, and prefabricated masonry structures and for - masonry components such as beams, walls, columns, and pilasters in accordance with the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada. The Canadian standard prescribes the limit states design method for all types of masonry construction. An empirical design approach is permitted for unreinforced masonry. In this article, an overview of the provisions of CSA S304.1-04 pertaining to the design of unreinforced masonry structures is presented.