This updated 2002 Standard contains the latest industry consensus for design and construction of masonry structures. It is written in a form easily adoptable in a general building code. New or substantially revised topics include strength design of masonry, integrated seismic design provisions, cold weather masonry construction provisions for grout, inspection and quality assurance for prestressed masonry and veneer supported on wood.

Other subjects include: permits and drawings; quality assurance; materials; placing embedded items; analysis and design; strength and serviceability; flexural and axial loads; shear; details and development of re-inforcement; walls; columns; pilasters; beams and lintels; and an empirical design method applicable to buildings meeting specific size, location, and construction criteria. This standard will be referenced by the International Building Code for the design and construction of masonry structures.