Thomas Telford Publications
Title: Design of Reinforced and Prestressed Masonry
Authors: W G Curtin, G Shaw & J K Beck
Publishers: Thomas Telford Publishing Limited
ISBN: 0727713140

Summary

This design manual provides clear design guidance for engineers on the use of prestressed and reinforced structural brickwork and blockwork. Based on the authors’ extensive experience, the scope encompasses the practical design of reinforced and prestressed walls, columns and beams, retaining walls and diaphragm and fin walls. It explains clearly, step by step, the theory and design of brickwork and blockwork, aided by numerous drawings and fully backed up with worked examples. Wherever possible, the code of practice BS 5628: Part 2 has been followed, but where it is thought to be inadequate the authors offer guidance based on their experience and research.

For many years engineers have tended to neglect brickwork and blockwork as mere cladding for use by architects. Over the past 30 years, however, the authors have innovated, developed, tested and monitored advances in reinforcing and prestressing these materials. These advances have now overcome the tensile weakness and brittleness of brickwork and blockwork, so that these are in effect, ‘new’ engineering materials and serious alternative to steel and concrete for many structural and civil engineering applications. The authors show that the materials are cost-competitive, highly buildable and durable and they have greatly simplified the design process.

Although the manual has been written primarily for designers in consultancy, contracting and public authorities, it will also be of interest to architects, academics, researchers, manufacturers and students of engineering and building.