View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course
Interested in registering 5 or more engineers for a course? Contact us for information and rates.
INSTRUCTOR: Bill Tremayne, SE, M.ASCE
Purpose and Background
This webinar provides a focused overview of how ASCE/SEI 41-23 addresses the seismic evaluation and retrofit of reinforced masonry (RM) and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. Masonry structures, particularly older, unretrofitted URM buildings — are among the most vulnerable building types in seismic events due to limited ductility, weak connections, and deterioration that can significantly reduce lateral capacity. ASCE/SEI 41-23 provides a framework for identifying these vulnerabilities, evaluating expected behavior, and determining appropriate retrofit approaches to improve seismic performance.. The 2023 edition includes updated modeling parameters, refined acceptance criteria, and clearer guidance for assessing both RM and URM components via Chapters 11 and 16. These updates reflect advances in research and practice on masonry behavior, out of plane wall performance, and retrofit design/detailing. For reinforced masonry, ASCE/SEI 41-23 provides improved criteria for evaluating both flexure and shear controlled walls and piers. For URM, the standard revises the requirements for Collapse Prevention, Damage Control, and Limited Safety acceptance criteria for walls subject to out-of-plane actions to be consistent with the Life Safety procedure. A similar revision was also made to the Chapter 16 provisions for out-of-plane evaluation. Revised evaluation procedures and acceptance criteria were also provided for URM walls and piers subject to in-plane actions. The retrofit design and detailing provisions in Chapter 16 were also revised to better address new vertical elements and diaphragm anchorage detailing. Understanding these provisions is essential for engineers working with existing masonry buildings, especially those constructed prior to modern seismic detailing requirements. This webinar highlights the most relevant updates for RM and URM systems, explains how to apply the Standard’s modeling and acceptance criteria, and other provisions relevant to common deficiencies encountered in practice. Participants will gain clarity on how ASCE/SEI 41-23 informs the evaluation of masonry components and how to use the standard effectively in seismic assessment and retrofit projects.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the key ASCE/SEI 41-23 provisions for evaluating reinforced and unreinforced masonry buildings.
- Apply updated modeling parameters and acceptance criteria for masonry components.
- Recognize common seismic deficiencies in RM and URM buildings and understand how ASCE/SEI 41-23 addresses them.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test exam involving true-false and multiple-choice questions.
Who Should Attend?
- Civil and structural engineers
- Building officials
- Building owners/mangers
- Federal, state, and city agencies
Outline
- Overview of ASCE/SEI 41-23 for Masonry Buildings
- Reinforced Masonry: Behavior, Modeling & Acceptance Criteria
- Unreinforced Masonry: In-plane actions, Out-of-Plane evaluation, Condition Assessment, Anchorage & Other Components
- Chapter 16: Special Procedure for Unreinforced Masonry
- Q&A
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs
This course is worth .1 CEU /1 PDH. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]
Add to calendar