Author
G. SUTER Carleton University, Ottawa
H.KELLER Suter Keller Inc., Ottawa
and
K. K. LIM Carleton University, Ottawa

Abstract
Masonry design in Canada currently employs a working stress design approach. The need for a limit state design approach has been recognized and research is being carried out in Canada and elsewhere. Existing flexural test data for grouted reinforced masonry beams is summarized and a Canadian design approach developed which closely adheres to the rectangular compression stress block widely used in North American reinforced concrete design. The proposed limit state design approach is compared with the present Canadian masonry code and with the British reinforced masonry draft code BS5628: Part 2. It is concluded that the present Canadian code is too conservative and that good agreement exists between the British draft code and the proposed Canadian LSD approach.