The best guide on designing masonry is now even better. The 6th Edition of the Masonry Designers' Guide (MDG-6) has been completely updated to address the numerous additions and changes in the 2008 edition of the Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures (TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5 and TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6) (also referred to as the 2008 MSJC). In addition, information related to masonry design requirements in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) is also included.

The MDG-6 is an excellent resource for masonry designers as well as students learning about masonry for the first time because:


* it was developed by dozens of masonry experts who are both familiar with masonry design, and with the Code requirements governing masonry's use
* it includes over 70 practical examples for typical masonry buildings and components
* it has been expanded to include many new drawings and photographs to illustrate concepts and procedures discussed.

Topics covered in the MDG-6 include masonry materials, testing, quality assurance, quality control, construction methods, structural design, seismic design, and using the MSJC with model Building Codes. The companion CD included with the book includes additional resources including the complete MDG-5 for reference, Excel spreadsheets used in some of the design examples, additional examples based on IBC requirements, and select technical notes on clay brick and concrete masonry that are often used by designers.

The MDG has become one of the most popular design guides for masonry due to its extensive examples and practical coverage of masonry design issues.