Design Single Span Beams as Structural Elements
These beam configurations can be constructed using a considerable variety of masonry units. For beams, MASS™ supports the following block types: hollow, half-high, half-block, bond, lintel, and knock-out. The default concrete block sizes available include 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm units. The default block strengths include 15, 20, 25, and 30 MPa.
The support conditions available in the beam module include: pinned, roller, fixed, and free. Beams are typically heavily loaded in the vertical direction, but can experience lateral and axial loading. MASS™ considers vertical loading, and can model axial loading due to expansion. An applied load typically places a portion of the cross-section of the beam in tension, and another portion in compression. Because masonry is typically strong in compression but weak in tension, beams must be reinforced, as required be Canadian design standards. MASS™ can place up to three layers of steel, with up to three steel bars in each layer at either beam extreme (bottom or top of the beam). In addition, intermediate steel is automatically placed where needed. The default steel bar sizes available include 10, 15, 20, and 25, diameter bars.
The beam module performs engineering calculations to design for the moment and deflection. In addition, it provides shear design (which may include the addition of stirrups), as well as bearing design (which includes the addition of bearing plates).
