Masonry Lintels
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]A lively design and construct-ability question today is, should we use a pair of steel lintels or a steel beam and plate or a concrete block bond beam to support the concrete block above an opening. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Masonry Fire Walls
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We will look at a few options for cantilevered masonry fire walls and show what can be accomplished. The walls will be designed for the minimum lateral load of 10psf (minimum IBC lateral load) and constructed using f’m = 2500 psi. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Projecting with Masonry
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] In the last 6 months, the Masonry Advisory Council has had 5 calls questioning the use of projected brick. Seems like a lot for such a specific request. Is projecting brick OK to design into a masonry face brick wall? Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The Mule
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]I recently attended the National Concrete Manufacturer’s Association (NCMA) annual meeting which was held in conjunction with a machinery expo displaying concrete block making machinery and other associated equipment. This is where I saw The Mule, a new invention in the masonry industry. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
World of Concrete / World of Masonry 2018
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]At the World of Masonry there is a national competition to determine who is the world’s best bricklayer called the Spec-Mix Bricklayer 500. There are regional competitions in the summer and fall which lead to the final competition comprised of 24 masons this year and their mason tenders competing for over $125,000 in cash […]
Technical Aspects in Brick Selection
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]When selecting brick for a project we first need to know what specific application the brick will be used. What are you building? The standards for brick cover the specific uses of brick and classify the brick by performance characteristics. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The Acceptability of Masonry
The Masonry Advisory Council gets several calls each year regarding the acceptability of masonry. An owner or architect thinks that something, about the masonry, does not look right! Was it installed correctly? Is it within the specification? Where are the guidelines for what is acceptable masonry? Read more >
Illinois Structural Masonry Coalition
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] The Illinois Structural Masonry Coalition is a combined effort sponsored by many groups that have interests in masonry. It’s a FREE service available to Architects and Engineers in Chicago and the suburbs. Learn more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How to install Flashing and Weeps
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]This spring, Chicago has had a damp and cooler than normal period. Our office has had several calls related to moisture penetration. The cause for moisture penetrating the walls of our masonry structures may lie in the flashing and weeps. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Wisdom in Building Codes
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]In stair design, there are rules to follow to build comfortable stairs. The sum of the rise and the run should total 18”. If the total of the rise and run approaches 17” or 19”, your stair will be less comfortable for a person to climb or descend. read more[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
