Why this course?

Description

SBC 305 – Masonry Structures

Course Objective:
To provide in-depth knowledge and practical competence in understanding, designing, constructing, and maintaining masonry structures in compliance with the Saudi Building Code (SBC 305). The course equips engineers, supervisors, and construction managers with the required skills to ensure safety, quality, and durability of masonry works in residential, commercial, and institutional projects.

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Module 1: Introduction to Masonry Structures under SBC 305

1.1 Scope and Application of Masonry Design

• Definition and classification of masonry structures

• Application limits and design requirements under SBC 305

• Integration of masonry with other structural systems

1.2 Basic Masonry Terminology and Components

• Units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

• Bond patterns and structural behavior

• Load-bearing vs non-load-bearing masonry

1.3 Design Philosophy and Safety Principles

• Concept of allowable stress design and strength design

• Factors of safety in masonry design

• Serviceability and durability considerations

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Module 2: Materials for Masonry Construction

2.1 Masonry Units

• Concrete blocks, clay bricks, stone masonry units

• Physical properties and testing requirements

• Dimensional tolerances and acceptance criteria

2.2 Mortar and Grout

• Types of mortar mixes and their proportions

• Role of water–cement ratio and workability

• Grout requirements for reinforced masonry

2.3 Reinforcement and Connectors

• Reinforcing bars, ties, and anchors

• Corrosion protection and placement tolerances

• Connectors for composite masonry

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Module 3: Structural Design of Masonry Walls

3.1 Design of Load-Bearing Walls

• Axial compression strength and slenderness ratio

• Effective height and effective thickness calculations

• Design checks for combined axial load and bending

3.2 Design of Non-Load-Bearing Walls

• Lateral stability and out-of-plane bending

• Design for wind loads and seismic effects

• Allowable deflection and reinforcement detailing

3.3 Masonry Wall Assemblies and Stability

• Composite wall action and bonding

• Use of control joints and movement joints

• Wall stability against buckling and overturning

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Module 4: Reinforced Masonry Design

4.1 Reinforcement Detailing

• Vertical and horizontal reinforcement placement

• Lap splices, cover, and spacing requirements

• Anchorage in grouted cells

4.2 Structural Behavior and Load Transfer

• Load path in reinforced masonry

• Ductility and moment–curvature relationship

• Strength reduction factors and serviceability

4.3 Design Examples in Reinforced Masonry

• Wall under combined loads

• Reinforced shear walls

• Masonry lintels and beams

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Module 5: Seismic and Wind Design for Masonry Structures

5.1 Seismic Design Requirements

• Design categories and importance factors

• Ductile detailing and horizontal reinforcement

• Anchorage of walls to floors and roofs

5.2 Wind Pressure and Out-of-Plane Loads

• Calculation of wind pressure on masonry walls

• Bracing and diaphragm anchorage

• Design of parapets and boundary walls

5.3 Stability under Lateral Forces

• Slenderness control and reinforcement layout

• Torsional stability in walls with openings

• Preventing separation between structural and infill walls

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Module 6: Masonry Construction Practices and Workmanship

6.1 Laying and Bonding of Masonry Units

• Bond patterns and alignment

• Joints, bedding, and course leveling

• Tolerances in laying

6.2 Mortar Mixing and Application

• Mixing procedures and consistency

• Joint thickness and curing methods

• Grouting sequence and inspection

6.3 Quality of Workmanship

• Field inspection of materials

• Common defects in masonry construction

• Corrective and preventive measures

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Module 7: Masonry Openings, Lintels, and Arches

7.1 Design and Reinforcement of Lintels

• Load distribution and bearing length

• Reinforced masonry lintel detailing

• Precast vs cast-in-place lintels

7.2 Arches and Segmental Masonry

• Geometry of arches and thrust line

• Stability and joint pattern

• Construction stages and supports

7.3 Wall Openings and Reinforcement around Them

• Reinforcement at jambs and sills

• Crack control around openings

• Integration with door and window frames

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Module 8: Fire Resistance and Thermal Design in Masonry

8.1 Fire Resistance Rating of Masonry Walls

• Fire endurance requirements as per SBC 305

• Influence of wall thickness and material type

• Detailing for fire separation

8.2 Thermal Performance and Insulation

• Thermal conductivity of masonry units

• Energy efficiency and wall assemblies

• Moisture and condensation control

8.3 Acoustical and Environmental Performance

• Sound transmission loss of masonry

• Sound insulation detailing

• Indoor air quality and finishing impacts

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Module 9: Inspection, Testing, and Quality Assurance

9.1 Material Testing Requirements

• Tests for units, mortar, and grout

• Field sampling and acceptance procedures

• Dimensional and strength verification

9.2 Construction Inspection and Supervision

• Pre-construction checks and mock-ups

• In-process inspection for alignment, joints, and reinforcement

• Final evaluation and documentation

9.3 Non-Destructive Evaluation and Repair

• Crack monitoring and minor defect identification

• Grouting and epoxy injection methods

• Strengthening and retrofitting techniques

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Module 10: Durability, Maintenance, and Repair of Masonry Structures

10.1 Causes of Masonry Deterioration

• Moisture ingress, salt crystallization, and corrosion

• Thermal expansion and settlement cracks

• Improper curing and workmanship issues

10.2 Maintenance and Protection Techniques

• Waterproof coatings and sealants

• Repointing of joints and surface treatments

• Periodic inspection schedules

10.3 Repair and Strengthening Methods

• Crack stitching and external reinforcement

• Strengthening with steel bands or FRP laminates

• Reconstruction and stability checks

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Outcome of SBC 305 – Masonry Structures Training:

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Understand all design and construction requirements of masonry structures under SBC 305.

• Gain hands-on knowledge for field supervision, inspection, and quality control in masonry works.

• Be able to evaluate, design, and maintain masonry elements in compliance with safety and durability standards.

• Effectively coordinate between design, execution, and approval authorities for successful project delivery.