This space will highlight tools, software, or services that directly support structural engineering practice.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a future issue of the StructEd Bulletin, reach out at [email protected]

Real-time limit analysis of vaulted masonry buildings

Conventional approaches to finite element analysis (FEA) in unreinforced masonry structures can struggle to provide accurate and quick results to the modeler.  Trying to let the software produce regular meshes with strange boundary conditions to capture the interfaces of blocks, all while meshing continuously through the structure, ends up a nightmare.  

This article from the MIT Masonry Group features a simplified approach, modeling up the individual blocks of masonry as rigid blocks of compressive materials, and linking them up with zero-tension interfaces.  This harks back to thrust line analyses of old, and gets very quick results for macro-level collapse mechanisms and thrust networks under a variety of loadings.

Key Takeaway:  

Even with our modern computer tools, there are often lessons in older analysis methods (like thrust line analysis) that can reduce the computational burdens and produce cleaner, faster results.

Tekla Structures 2026 Service Pack 2.1

Masonry Veneer Failure: A Case Study of Wall Tie Corrosion

A multi-story brick masonry veneer cladding system suffered a sudden, catastrophic out-of-plane collapse during an ordinary weather event. Large sections of the facade sheared completely away from the backup structure, exposing the interior framing and leaving the surrounding areas at risk from falling debris.

Forensic engineers reviewed original project drawings, performed on-site visual exams, and conducted laboratory testing of the surviving hardware. The investigation revealed that while the veneer's layout complied with the basic geometric intent of historical codes, severe corrosion had degraded the corrugated metal wall ties. Moisture protection details within the cavity had broken down over time, allowing water to pool against the ties. Because the system lacked localized structural redundancy and alternative drainage paths, the failure of a few critical, corroded ties triggered a progressive, unzipping failure across the entire face of the wall panel under service-level wind pressures.

Key Takeaway:

When inspecting or retrofitting older masonry veneer systems, never assume structural integrity based on appearance alone. The building envelope’s water-shedding performance is directly tied to its structural capacity; a breakdown in flashing details leads to rapid wall-tie degradation, removing the vital support system needed to prevent a sudden facade collapse.

Selecting and Flashing Glazed Assemblies: Applying Flashing Strategies in Practice (Part 2)

Roof Deck Fastening Principles and Design Methodology

Engineering Ethics: Professional Ethics For Engineers

Mass Timber Strategies for High-Performance Affordable Housing

👋 From the Editor

I’m Eric, the engineer behind the StructEd Bulletin.  I dig through stacks of journal articles and software patch notes to find useful information for practicing engineers and keep an eye on the scattered code updates & errata for you. I’m just getting started, so if you find this useful, the best way to support the newsletter is to share it with a colleague or post it on LinkedIn. It helps more than you’d think!

📬 Subscribe & Share

If someone forwarded this to you, you can subscribe here:
👉 https://structedbulletin.com

Know someone who’d appreciate this?
Forward this email or share the link above.