SECTION 707 – ALLOWABLE

STRESS DESIGN (ASD) OF

MASONRY
707.1 General
707.1.1 Scope
The design of masonry structures using allowable stress
design shall comply with the provisions of Section 706 and
this section. Stresses in clay or concrete masonry under
service loads shall not exceed the values given in this
section.
707.1.2 Allowable Masonry Stresses
When quality assurance provisions do not include
requirements for special inspection as prescribed in Section
701, the allowable stresses for masonry in Section 707 shall
be reduced by one half.
When one half allowable masonry stresses are used in
Seismic Zone 4, the value of f’m from Table 705-1 shall be
limited to a maximum of 10 MPa for concrete masonry and
18 MPa for clay masonry unless the value of f’m is verified
by tests in accordance with Section 705.3.4, Items 1 and 4
or 6. A letter of certification is not required.
When one half allowable masonry stresses are used for
design in Seismic Zones 4, the value of f’m shall be limited
to 10 MPa for concrete masonry and 18 MPa for clay
masonry for Section 705.3.2, Item 3, and Section 705.3.3,
Item 5, unless the value of f’m is verified during
construction by the testing requirements of Section 705.3.2,
Item 2. A letter of certification is not required.
707.1.3 Minimum Dimensions for Masonry Structures
Located in Seismic Zones 2 and 4
Elements of masonry structures located in Seismic Zones 2
and 4 shall be in accordance with this section.
707.1.3.1 Bearing Walls
The nominal thickness of reinforced masonry bearing walls
shall not be less than 150 mm except that nominal 100 mm
load-bearing reinforced hollow-clay unit masonry walls
may be used, provided net area unit strength exceeds 55
MPa, units are laid in running bond, bar sizes do not exceed
12 mm with no more than two bars or one splice in a cell,
and joints are flush cut, concave or a protruding V section.
707.1.3.2 Columns
The least nominal dimension of a reinforced masonry
column shall be 300 mm except that, for ASD, if the
allowable stresses are reduced by one half, the minimum
nominal dimension shall be 200 mm.
707.1.4 Design Assumptions
The working stress design procedure is based on working
stresses and linear stress-strain distribution assumptions
with all stresses in the elastic range as follows:
1. Plane sections before bending remain plane after
bending.
2. Stress is proportional to strain.
3. Masonry elements combine to form a homogenous
member.
707.1.5 Embedded Anchor Bolts
707.1.5.1 General
Allowable loads for plate anchor bolts, headed anchor bolts
and bent bar anchor bolts shall be determined in accordance
with this section.
707.1.5.2 Tension
Allowable loads in tension shall be the lesser value selected
from Table 707-1 and 707-2 or shall be determined from
the lesser of Formula (707-1) or Formula (707-2).
Bt  0.042Ap f 'm (707-1)
Bt = 0.2 Abfy (707-2)
The area Ap shall be the lesser of Formula (707-3) or
Formula (707-4) and where the projected areas of adjacent
anchor bolts everlap, Ap of each anchor bolt shall be
reduced by one half of the overlapping area.
Ap =  lb
2 (707-3)
Ap =  lbe
2 (707-4)
707.1.5.3 Shear
Allowable loads in shear shall be the value selected from
Table 707-3 or shall be determined from the lesser of
Formula (707-5) or Formula (707-6).
By 1070 4 f 'm Ab (707-5)
Bv = 0.12 Abfy (707-6)
Where the anchor bolt edge distance lbe in the direction of
load is less than 12 bolt diameters, the value of Bv in
Formula (707-5) shall be reduced by linear interpolation to
zero at an lbe distance of 40 mm. Where adjacent anchors
are spaced closer than 8db, the allowable shear of the
adjacent anchors determined by Formula (707-5) shall be
reduced by linear interpolation to 0.75 times the allowable
shear value at a center-to-center spacing of four bolt
diameters.
7-22 CHAPTER 7 - Masonry
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
707.1.5.4 Combined Shear and Tension
Anchor bolts subjected to combined shear and tension shall
be designed in accordance with:
  1.0
v
v
t
t
B
b
B
b (707-7)
707.1.6 Compression in Walls and Columns
707.1.6.1 Walls, Axial Loads
Stresses due to compressive forces applied at the centroid
of wall may be computed, assuming uniform distribution
over the effective area, by
fa = P/Ae (707-8)
707.1.6.2 Columns, Axial Loads
Stresses due to compressive forces applied at the centroid
of columns may be computed by Formula (707-8) assuming
uniform distribution over the effective area.
707.1.6.3 Columns, Bending or Combined Bending and
Axial Loads
Stresses in columns due to combined bending and axial
loads shall satisfy the requirements of Section 707.2.7
where fa/Fa is replaced by P/Pa. Columns subjected to
bending shall meet all applicable requirements for flexural
design.
707.1.7 Shear Walls, Design Loads
When calculating shear or diagonal tension stresses, shear
walls which resist seismic forces in Seismic Zone 4 shall be
designed to resist 1.5 times the forces required by Section
208.5.
707.1.8 Design, Composite Construction
707.1.8.1 General
The requirements of this section govern multiwythe
masonry in which at least one wythe has strength or
composition characteristics different from the other wythe
or wythes and is adequately bonded to act as a single
structural element.
The following assumptions shall apply to the design of
composite masonry:
1. Analysis shall be based on elastic transformed section
of the net area.
2. The maximum computed stress in any portion of
composite masonry shall not exceed the allowable
stress for the material of that portion.
707.1.8.2 Determination of Modulus of Elasticity
The modulus of elasticity of each type of masonry in
composite construction shall be measured by tests if the
modular ratio of the respective types of masonry exceeds 2
to 1 as determined by Section 706.2.12.
707.1.8.3 Structural Continuity
707.1.8.3.1 Bonding of Wythes
All wythes of composite masonry elements shall be tied
together as specified in Section 706.1.5.2 as a minimum
requirement. Additional ties or the combination of grout
and metal ties shall be provided to transfer the calculated
stress.
707.1.8.3.2 Material Properties
The effect of dimensional changes of the various materials
and different boundary conditions of various wythes shall
be included in the design.
707.1.8.4 Design Procedure, Transformed Sections
In the design of transformed sections, one material is
chosen as the reference material, and the other materials are
transformed to an equivalent area of the reference material
by multiplying the areas of the other materials by the
respective ratios of the modulus of elasticity of the other
materials to that of the reference material. Thickness of the
transformed area and its distance perpendicular to a given
bending axis remain unchanged. Effective height or length
of the element remains unchanged.
707.1.9 Reuse of Masonry Units
The allowable working stresses for reused masonry units
shall not exceed 50 percent of those permitted for new
masonry units of the same properties.
707.2 Design of Reinforced Masonry
707.2.1 Scope
The requirements of this section are in addition to the
requirements of Sections 706 and 707.1, and govern
masonry in which reinforcement is used to resist forces.
Walls with openings used to resist lateral loads whose pier
and beam elements are within the dimensional limits of
Section 708.2.6.1.2 may be designed in accordance with
Section 708.2.6. Walls used to resist lateral loads not
meeting the dimensional limits of Section 708.2.6.1.2 may
be designed as walls in accordance with this section or
Section 708.2.5.
CHAPTER 7 - Masonry 7-23
National Structural Code of the Philippines Volume 1, 6th Edition
707.2.2 Reinforcement
707.2.2.1 Maximum Reinforcement Size
The maximum size of reinforcement shall be 32 mm.
Maximum reinforcement area in cells shall be 6 percent of
the cell area without splices and 12 percent of the cell area
with splices.
707.2.2.2 Cover
All reinforcing bars, except joint reinforcement, shall be
completely embedded in mortar or grout and have a
minimum cover, including the masonry unit, of at least 20
mm, 40 mm of cover when the masonry is exposed to
weather and 50 mm of cover when the masonry is exposed
to soil.
707.2.2.3 Development Length
The required development length ld for deformed bars or
deformed wire shall be calculated by:
ld = 0.29 db fs for bars in tension (707-9)
ld = 0.22 db fs for bars in compression (707-10)
Development length for smooth bars shall be twice the
length determined by Formula (707-9).
707.2.2.4 Reinforcement Bond Stress
Bond stress u in reinforcing bars shall not exceed the
following:
Plain Bars 410 kPa
Deformed Bars 1370 kPa
Deformed Bars without
Special Inspection
690 kPa
707.2.2.5 Hooks
1. The term “standard hook” shall mean one of the
following:
1.1 A 180-degree turn plus extension of at least 4
bar diameters, but not less than 63mm at free
end of bar.
1.2 A 90-degree turn plus extension of at least 12
bar diameters at free end of bar.
1.3 For stirrup and tie anchorage only, either a 90-
degree or a 135-degree turn, plus an extension of
at least six bar diameters, but not less than 65
mm at the free end of the bar.
2. Inside diameter of bend of the bars, other than for
stirrups and ties, shall not be less than that set forth in
Table 707-4
3. Inside diameter of bend for 16 mm or smaller stirrups
and ties shall not be less than four bar diameter.
Inside diameter of bend for 16 mm or larger stirrups
and ties shall not be less than that set forth in Table
707-4.
4. Hooks shall not be permitted in the tension portion of
any beam, except at the ends of simple or cantilever
beams or at the freely supported end of continuous or
restrained beams.
5. Hooks shall not be assumed to carry a load which
would produce a tensile stress in the bar greater than 52
MPa.
6. Hooks shall not be considered effective in adding to the
compressive resistance of bars.
7. Any mechanical device capable of developing the
strength of the bar without damage to the masonry may
be used in lieu of a hook. Data must be presented to
show the adequacy of such devices.
707.2.2.6 Splices
The amount of lap of lapped splices shall be sufficient to
transfer the allowable stress of the reinforcement as
specified in Sections 706.3.4, 707.2.2.3 and 707.2.12. In no
case shall the length of the lapped splice be less than 30 bar
diameters for compression or 40 bar diameters for tension.
Welded or mechanical connections shall develop 125
percent of the specified yield strength of the bar in tension.
Exception:
For compression bars in columns that are not part of the
seismic-resisting system and are not subject to flexure, only
the compressive strength need be developed.
When adjacent splices in grouted masonry are separated by
76 mm or less, the required lap length shall be increased 30
percent.
Exception:
Where lap splices are staggered at least 24 bars diameters,
no increase in lap length is required.
See Section 707.2.12 for lap splice increases.
707.2.3 Design Assumptions
The following assumptions are in addition to those stated in
Section 707.1.4:
1. Masonry carries no tensile stress.
2. Reinforcement is completely surrounded by and
bonded to masonry material so that they work together
as a homogenous material within the range of
allowable working stresses.
7-24 CHAPTER 7 - Masonry
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
707.2.4 Nonrectangular Flexural Elements
Flexural elements of nonrectangular cross section shall be
designed in accordance with the assumptions given in
Sections 707.1.4 and 707.2.3.
707.2.5 Allowable Axial Compressive Stress and Force
For members other than reinforced masonry columns, the
allowable axial compressive stress Fa shall be determined
as follows:
]
140
0.25 ' [1 '
2




r
F f h a m (707-11)
for h’/ r  99
2
'
70 ' 25 . 0 




h
F f r a m (707-12)
for h’/r > 99
For reinforced masonry columns, the allowable axial
compressive force Pa shall be determined as follows:
]
140
[0.25 ' 0.65 ][1 '
2




r
P f A A F h a m e s sc (707-13)
for h’/r  99
]
'
[0.25 ' 0.65 ][70
h
P f A A F r a  m e  s sc (707-14)
for h’/r > 99
707.2.6 Allowable Flexural Compressive Stress
The allowable flexural compressive stress Fb is:
Fb  0.33 f 'm , 13.8 MPa maximum (707-15)
707.2.7 Combined Compressive Stresses, Unity
Formula
Elements subjected to combined axial and flexural stresses
shall be designed in accordance with accepted principles of
mechanics or in accordance with Formula (707-16):
 1
b
b
a
a
F
f
F
f (707-16)
707.2.8 Allowable Shear Stress in Flexural Members
Where no shear reinforcement is provided, the allowable
shear stress Fv in flexural members is:
Fv  0.083 f 'm , 345 kPa maximum (707-17)
Exception:
For a distance of 1/16 the clear span beyond the point of
inflection, the maximum stress shall be 140 kPa.
Where shear reinforcement designed to take entire shear
force is provided, the allowable shear stress, Fv in flexural
members is:
Fv  0.25 f 'm , 1.0 MPa maximum (707-18)
707.2.9 Allowable Shear Stress in Shear Walls
Where inplane flexural reinforcement is provided and
masonry is used to resist all shear, the allowable shear
stress Fv in shear wall is:
1 36 (4 ) ' (80 45 )
Vd
fM
Vd
F M v   m  maximum
(707-19)
For M Vd 1,Fv 1 12 f 'm , 240 kPa maximum
(707-20)
Where shear reinforcement designed to take all the shear is
provided, the allowable shear stress Fv, in shear walls is:
For M/Vd < 1,
1 24(4 ) ' , (120 45 ) Vd
fM
Vd
F M v   m  maximum
(707-21)
M Vd  1, Fv  0.12 f 'm , 520 kPa maximum
(707-22)
707.2.10 Allowable Bearing Stress
When a member bears on the full area of a masonry
element, the allowable bearing stress Fbr is:
Fbr = 0.26 f’m (707-23)
When a member bears on one third or less of a masonry
element, the allowable bearing stress Fbr is:
Fbr = 0.38 f’m (707-24)
Formula (707-24) applies only when the least dimension
between the edges of the loaded and unloaded areas is a
minimum of one fourth of the parallel side dimension of the
loaded area. The allowable bearing stress on a reasonably
concentric area greater than one third but less than the full
area shall be interpolated between the values of Formulas
(707-23) and (707-24).
CHAPTER 7 - Masonry 7-25
National Structural Code of the Philippines Volume 1, 6th Edition
707.2.11 Allowable Stresses in Reinforcement
The allowable stresses in reinforcement shall be as follows:
1. Tensile Stress
1.1 Deformed bars,
Fs = 0.5 fy , 165 MPa maximum (707-25)
1.2 Wire reinforcement,
Fs = 0.5 fy , 200 MPa maximum (707-26)
1.3 Ties, anchors and smooth bars,
Fs = 0.4 fy , 140 MPa maximum (707-27)
2. Compressive Stress
2.1 Deformed bars in columns,
Fsc = 0.4 fy , 165 MPa maximum (707-28)
2.2 Deformed bars in flexural members,
Fs = 0.5 fy , 165 MPa maximum (707-29)
2.3 Deformed bars in shear walls which are confined by
lateral ties throughout the distance where compression
reinforcement is required and where such lateral ties
are not less than 6 mm in diameter and spaced not
farther apart than 16 bar diameters or 48 tie diameters,
Fsc = 0.4 fy , 165 MPa maximum (707-30)
707.2.12 Lap Splice Increases
In regions of moment where the design tensile stresses in
the reinforcement are greater than 80 percent of the
allowable steel tensile stress Fs, the lap length of splices
shall be increased not less than 50 percent of the minimum
required length. Other equivalent means of stress transfer
to accomplish the same 50 percent increase may be used.
707.2.13 Reinforcement for Columns
Columns shall be provided with reinforcement as specified
in this section.
707.2.13.1 Vertical Reinforcement
The area of vertical reinforcement shall not be less than
0.005 Ae and not more than 0.04 Ae. At least four 10 mm
bars shall be provided. The minimum clear distance
between parallel bars in columns shall be two and one half
times the bar diameter.
707.2.14 Compression in Walls and Columns
707.2.14.1 General
Stresses due to compressive forces in walls and columns
shall be calculated in accordance with Section 707.2.5.
707.2.14.2 Walls, Bending or Combined Bending and
Axial Loads
Stresses in walls due to combined bending and axial loads
shall satisfy the requirements of Section 707.2.7 where fa is
given by Formula (707-8). Walls subjected to bending with
or without axial loads shall meet all applicable requirements
for flexural design. The design of walls with an h’/t ratio
larger than 30 shall be based on forces and moments
determined from an analysis of the structure. Such analysis
shall consider the influence of axial loads and variable
moment of inertia on member stiffness and fixed-end
moments, effect of deflections on moments and forces and
the effects of duration of loads.
707.2.15 Flexural Design, Rectangular Flexural
Elements
Rectangular elements shall be designed in accordance with
the following formulas or other methods based on the
assumptions given in Sections 707.1.4, 707.2.3 and this
section.
1. Compressive stress in the masonry:
( 2 ) bd 2 jk
f M b  (707-31)
2. Tensile stress in the longitudinal reinforcement:
A jd
fM
s
s  (707-32)
3. Design coefficients:
k  (np)2  2np  np (707-33)
or
b
s
nf
kf


1
1
(707-34)
3
j 1 k (707-35)
707.2.16 Bond of Flexural Reinforcement
In flexural members in which tensile reinforcement is
parallel to the compressive face, the bond stress shall be
computed by the formula:
jd
uV
o

(707-36)
707.2.17 Shear in Flexural Members and Shear Walls
The shear stress in flexural members and shear walls shall