I am using the standalone masonry wall design module, and am unable to verify the shear strength ϕVn presented in the report. Hand calculations by multiple engineers at my firm yield a significantly different value. Can you please provide the formulas used to calculate the shear strength, as well as the section used (I.E. shear strength per ft. or per block or per unit cell or for the entire wall section), or direct me to documentation that includes this information? I also wonder if the discrepancy has to do with the shear area (Anv) which is based on reinforcement/grout spacing. RAM Elements seems to use the same weights for all partially grouted cases, though that weight varies with grout spacing, so this may be the case for shear area as well. Please let me know if you have any guidance here.
Thank you.