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

Chemicals In Masonry
September 2026

Mason contractors must deal with chemicals on the job site. One of the main ones comes in the form of dust. Another is acid. From high-rise commercial structures to residential facades, masonry work involves handling raw materials that require careful man

Brick Staining Dos and Don'ts: Managing Modern and Historic Masonry Construction
September 2026

Every mason contractor has encountered it, or will. A replacement brick arrives from a different production run. A cast stone repair patch or perhaps a darker panel stands out against the surrounding installation. Mortar color varies unexpectedly. A clea

Gables Republic Square & Hotel ZaZa
September 2026

Gables Republic Square / Hotel ZaZa is a 24-story mixed-use boutique hotel and urban residential tower with street-level retail located on a 0.75-acre site in downtown Austin. Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. (CMS) was responsible for the supply and instal

The Utah Masonry Council's Masonry Education Day
September 2026

The 2026 Masonry Education Day at Interstate Brick in West Jordan is bringing together members of Utah’s architecture, engineering, and construction community for a day focused on education, technical understanding, and workforce development. The event r