New Software Simplifies Masonry/Steel Design

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

NovemberDecember 2008
Industry News

New Software Simplifies Masonry/Steel Design

The International Masonry Institute, the National Concrete Masonry Association, Bentley Systems, and Ryan Biggs Associates have teamed up to develop an innovative structural masonry design software program that the group says offers a “whole building” approach for designers that will shrink design time from weeks to days.

The software performs efficient analysis of both loadbearing masonry buildings and the so-called “hybrid” concept of masonry/steel design (steel-framed buildings with reinforced masonry infill). To make designers comfortable using the new software, the groups are sponsoring a national seminar series that covers both hybrid masonry/steel and loadbearing masonry buildings.

The seminars will offer professional education credits, and cover theory and design, as well as whole building analysis. For more information, visit www.imiweb.org. MD

The Craft of Brick Repair: The Difference Between a Coverup and a Solution
June 2026

More often than not, you can walk up to a wall, observe its condition, and get an entire timeline story. How it was built, how footers were set, and where water is routed. After years in the field, I’ve come to understand that brick repair isn’t maintenan

Jason Mccoy
Technical Talks
Read More
The Benefits of Concealed Lintel Systems in Modern Masonry
June 2026

When looking at iconic structures built throughout history, one of the most recognizable architectural elements is the masonry arch. These arches are not only aesthetically and visually pleasing but also serve as an engineering solution for structural sta

MAP Partner
Read More
What’s New With CMU: A Closer Look From Ken Rathbun
June 2026

Anyone who’s spending time around CMU jobs today can see the shift. Concrete masonry isn’t just the backup wall; it is the finish on more projects. Thanks in part to the CMU check-off program and a broader focus on design and education, architects and own

Ken Rathbun
MAP Partner
Sponsored
Read More
Brick & Masonry Aesthetics: Managing Color, Consistency, and Architectural Expectations
June 2026

Brick and masonry remain among the most admired architectural materials in the world because of their natural beauty and authenticity. Masonry possesses depth, variation, texture, permanence, and character that synthetic cladding systems often struggle to

Jennifer Gill
Technical Talks
Brick Brick Staining Masonry Staining Staining
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →