Back again for 2023! Join us with AIA Illinois September 22- 23 for a Masonry Insight Program for Students, “From the Ground Up!”

NEW! Complimentary AIA Credit or PDH Certification with Read & Learn Continuing Education

MAC has developed a series of 8 pertinent articles which are filled with information that will strongly assist the designer in the future.
Much of this information can be stored and recalled by the designer for future projects.
Each completed article with correctly answered questions will earn .5 (1/2 credit), up to 4 AIA credits.

Follow these links to access online Read & Learn Articles about a variety of masonry topics. Read as many articles as you want! Each article requires that you answer 5 questions to receive .5 (1/2) AIA or PDH credits. It’s a fast and easy way to earn free continuing education credits at a time that is convenient for you.

Choose from these great topics to get started.

#7 Read & Learn Masonry Topic (April 2021)

Single Wythe 8 inch Concrete Masonry Walls >

(click the above link for the online article and test)

1. Learn why concrete masonry units are desirable for load-bearing, single wythe, concrete masonry wall design.

2. Learn the purpose of using lateral support on a Parapet Wall.

3. Learn how to protect wall openings from water infiltration at the window head above the opening.

4. Learn how control joints regulate where the concrete masonry shrinkage cracks occur.

– A PDF of this article can be downloaded here >

#8 Read & Learn Masonry Topic (May 2021)

Masonry Movement Joints >

(click the above link for the online article and test)

Learn how thermal movement affects brick masonry and how to accommodate it.
Learn how initial shrinkage affects concrete masonry and how to accommodate it.
Learn how to calculate the required spacing of expansion and control joints.
Learn how to detail proper expansion and control joints.

– A PDF of this article can be downloaded here >

#6 Read & Learn Masonry Topic (April 2021)

Steel Joist-to-Masonry Connections >

(click the above link for the online article and test)

1. Learn what factors to take into account when detailing steel joist-to-masonry connections.

2. Learn how a steel joist-to-masonry connection will provide lateral support of a load-bearing wall.

3. Learn how movement affects joist connections and how to accommodate this movement.

4. Learn how successful construction can be assured by developing well-developed and workable connection details.

– A PDF of this article can be downloaded here >

#5 Read & Learn Masonry Topic (March 2021)

Understanding Collar Joints >

(click the above link for the online article and test)

1. Learn how composite walls are created from brick and concrete masonry wythes.

2. Learn how composite walls can be vulnerable to water-related problems and how to avoid these problems.

3. Learn how differential movement of wythes can occur and how to accommodate this movement?

4. Learn what is the standard thickness of a collar joint and what is the recommended thickness.

– A PDF of this article can be downloaded here >

#4 Read & Learn Masonry Topic (February 2021)

Connecting Precast Planks to Concrete Masonry Walls >

(click thhttps://0blb65aq.pages.infusionsoft.net/e above link for the online article and test)

Explore multiple design considerations, and how precast concrete planks are connected to concrete masonry wythe.
Learn how precast concrete planks should intersect with load-bearing bond beams.
Learn how precast concrete planks should interact with non-load bearing wythes.
Learn how the modular design of the concrete masonry wythe uniformly interacts with standard 8″ thick concrete masonry wythes.

– A PDF of this article can be downloaded here >

#3 Read & Learn Masonry Topic (January 2021)

Accommodating Vertical Expansion >

(click the above link for the online article and test)

Learn how to calculate the total unrestrained vertical expansion, and use this calculation to determine the upward expansion of any brickwork.
Examine where the movement in brick walls will occur, and how to accommodate that movement.
Understand where and which type of wall ties are most beneficial, and how to determine the appropriate type in varying situations.
Determine how window alignment and window openings can affect the amount of expected movements in brick walls.

– A PDF of this article can be downloaded here >

#2 Read & Learn Masonry Topic (December 2020)

Understanding and Specifying Mortar with Brick >

(click the above link for the online article and test)

Explore the ideal bonding conditions for brick and mortar, and explore the types of mortar-to-brick bonds that work best in different situations.
Understand how the water retentivity of mortar can change and steps that can be taken to increase or decrease water retentivity.
Learn how different mortar bonds with different bricks, and how to identify a mortar and brick pairing that will work well together.
Know what to look for in incompatible brick and mortar combinations, and how to adapt construction methods to overcome this.

– A PDF of this article can be downloaded here >

#1 Read & Learn Masonry Topic (November 2020)

Detailing Shelf Angles >

(click the above link for the online article and test)

Understand the specific purpose and definition of a shelf angle, and how to use them properly for various building applications.
Learn the various ways a shelf angle can be adjusted, and how different adjustments can serve a variety of purposes that compensate for construction tolerances.
Understand the problems that may arise from horizontal breaks in the wall cavity caused by shelf angles, and how to properly adapt shelf angle and flashing installation to meet these challenges.
Learn the different shelf angle installation methods for both steel and concrete structural frames, and how a shelf angle should be adjusted in accordance with these different frames.

– A PDF of this article can be downloaded here >

Our Continuing Education topics are being presented as on-site Lunch & Learns (with Covid considerations) and as Virtual meetings on GoToWebinar. Choose your topic and Sign up below to schedule a Lunch & Learn or live webinar presentation for your office staff.

The Masonry Advisory Council is proud to offer these informative Continuing Education presentations by professionals in masonry design, construction, and materials. MAC provides these webinars FREE to Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Developers in the Chicagoland and NW Indiana area. We’ll present to your office a one-hour presentation, or through GoToWebinar or other virtual platforms. Our presentations are open to questions from the audience.

You’ll receive AIA credit or PDH certification for each presentation.

It’s fast and easy to earn your continuing education credits, just submit the topic(s) you want and we’ll take care of the rest!

International Masonry Institute (IMI) – Speaker: Jeff Diqui

Masonry Flashing & Moisture Control >

Masonry Movement Joints >

Speaker from Rauch Clay Corporation

Ceramic Glazed Brick & Structural Tile – A Technical Overview >

Speaker: Jim Lucas, Representing Prosoco and MortarNet

Masonry Cleaning Summary >

Restoration Cleaning Turning Back the Hands of Time Summary >

New Rules for New Construction Cleandown >

Troubleshoot Masonry Construction Summary >