Masonry Gravity Wall (ASD, TMS 402/602-16)
Run the calcDesign partially- or fully-grouted reinforced CMU gravity walls to TMS 402/602-16 ASD. Checks out-of-plane shear and combined axial and bending capacity with a visual interaction diagram. The legacy edition for projects under TMS 402/602-16.
This calculator uses an earlier code edition (TMS 402/602-16, NCMA TEK, IBC 2018, ASTM C90, ASTM A615, MDG 2016). It stays available for existing projects. For new designs, check the Calculator Library for the current edition.
Method & scope
Calculation method
Masonry and reinforcement properties
Material inputs establish the design basis: CMU block size (6” to 12”), masonry type (clay or concrete), specified compressive strength f’m, unit weight, and mortar type (M/S or N). The grout condition, partial or full, determines the effective cross-section. Partial grouting uses the net area and net moment of inertia at the reinforced cell spacing; full grouting uses the gross section. Reinforcement is modeled as a single layer centered on the block width, with grade and bar spacing as inputs.Load combinations (ASCE 7-16)
ASD load combinations per ASCE 7-16 are applied: the governing combination for axial load (D, D+L, D+0.75L+0.75W, etc.) and out-of-plane bending (wind or seismic lateral pressure on 1 ft of wall) are both checked. The calculator evaluates all applicable combinations and identifies the governing case for each check.Out-of-plane shear (TMS 402-16 Cl.8.3.5)
Allowable shear stress in masonry is compared to the applied shear demand from out-of-plane lateral loads. The check is: fv ≤ Fv where Fv depends on whether the wall is partially or fully grouted, f’m, and the reinforcement configuration. Note that in-plane shear is not checked, this calculator is for gravity walls only, not shear walls.Out-of-plane bending and axial interaction (TMS 402-16 Cl.8.3.4, MDG 2016 Ch.11.4.3)
The interaction table covers the full range of axial-bending combinations. For each applied axial load P, the allowable bending moment Ma is computed using the Allowable Stress Design method. The demand point (P, M) must fall within the interaction envelope: P / Pa + M / Ma ≤ 1.0 The interaction graph plots the full capacity envelope and the demand points from all load combinations, making it straightforward to confirm or adjust the reinforcement layout. Deflection checks are not included, Section 8 of TMS 402-16 does not contain deflection limits for ASD masonry walls. The fully grouted wall model does not apply the slenderness limit per MDG 2016 examples.How to use it
1
Open the calculator
Open it from Run calc in the About this calculator panel above.
2
Enter your inputs
Work through the input sections from top to bottom. Click any input label to see its reference explanation, clause, conditions and assumptions. See Checks, References, Conditions and Assumptions.
3
Review the results and export
Check the utilization of each governing check in the summary, then export a PDF report. See Views and Export.
Common questions
What design method and code standard does this calculator use?
What design method and code standard does this calculator use?
Allowable Stress Design (ASD) per TMS 402/602-16, formerly also designated as ACI 530, ACI 530.1, ASCE 5, and ASCE 6. It covers gravity and out-of-plane loading for reinforced masonry walls.
What are the key inputs?
What are the key inputs?
CMU block size, masonry type (clay or concrete), specified compressive strength (f’m), unit weight, grout condition (partial or full), bar size and spacing, wall height, boundary conditions (pinned, roller, or fixed), axial gravity loads, and out-of-plane wind or seismic distributed loads.
What does it check or output?
What does it check or output?
Out-of-plane shear capacity (TMS 402-16 Cl.8.3.5) and combined axial-bending capacity across ASD load combinations from ASCE 7-16. Results include an interaction graph plotting axial versus bending demand against the allowable capacity envelope.
Can it handle both partially and fully grouted walls?
Can it handle both partially and fully grouted walls?
Yes, the calculator supports both grout conditions. Net section properties (area, moment of inertia) are computed from the actual grouted configuration. Note that the fully grouted wall analysis does not apply the slenderness limit per MDG 2016 examples.
When should I use this calculator instead of the TMS 402/602-22 version?
When should I use this calculator instead of the TMS 402/602-22 version?
Use this calculator for projects originally designed under TMS 402/602-16 or where your jurisdiction’s adopted building code still references that edition. For new projects, use the TMS 402/602-22 version.
Does this calculator support load linking with footing calculations?
Does this calculator support load linking with footing calculations?
Yes, axial reactions at the wall base can be linked directly to footing calculations in the same project. When gravity loads change upstream, the linked footing receives updated demands automatically without manual re-entry.
Next steps
Calculator Library
Complete list of Calcs.com design calculators available for United States projects (AISC, ACI, NDS, ASCE 7, IBC, and related standards).
Masonry Gravity Wall (ASD)
Design reinforced CMU gravity walls for axial load and out-of-plane bending and shear under TMS 402/602-22 ASD provisions.
Masonry Shear Wall (LRFD)
Analyze reinforced CMU shear walls for in-plane axial load, moment, and shear under TMS 402/602-22 LRFD provisions, including walls with openings.
Masonry Gravity Wall (LRFD)
Design reinforced CMU gravity walls for axial load and out-of-plane bending and shear under TMS 402/602-22 LRFD provisions.