THE NEW MEXICO CITY BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF MASONRY STRUCTURES

Most significant modifications to the Mexico City Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures are discussed. Changes are largely based on analytical and experimental research programs, and field observations conducted in Mexico. During the revision process, emphasis was given to simplify and clarify the requirements; figures were added. A major editorial overhaul of the standards was undertaken. The contribution of horizontal reinforcement and steel welded wire meshes to wall shear strength is now explicit and quantifiable. New requirements for detailing, inspection and quality assurance, and for evaluation and rehabilitation of existing structures are included. A new acceptance criterion for masonry systems different from those accepted in the design standards, and to be subjected to earthquake-induced forces, was included. Chair, Technical Committee of MCBC Reqs. for Masonry Structures, CENAPRED, Delfin Madrigal 665, Pedregal de Sto. Domingo, 04360, D.F. Mexico, alcocer@cenapred.unam.mx. 2 Member, Tech. Comm. of the Mexico City Bldg. Code Requirements for Masonry Structures. 3 Private consultant, Av. Nuevo Le6n 86, 06170, D.F. Mexico. 4 Research engineer, National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED). Private consultant, Dakota 45-605 A, Coyoac,~n, 04040, D.F. Mexico. 6 Research Prof., Inst. of Engineering, Natl Univ. of Mexico, Apdo. Postal 70-472; 04510, D.F., Mexico. 7 Prof., Autonomous Metropolitan Univ., Dept. of Materials, Av. San Pablo 180, Edif. H, 3 rd Floor, 02200, D.F., Mexico. 8 Private consultant, Corceles 64, 03020, D.F., Mexico.