Masonry

Re-thinking 22.5° Angled Adhesive Anchors in URM Retrofits   Comprehensive research challenges long-held assumptions in masonry anchoring practice. By Dmytro Dizhur, Ph.D., IntPE  A joint US-New Zealand study* has revisited the longstanding use of 22.5° angled adhesive anchors in unreinforced masonry (URM) retrofits. Over 500+ […]

A newly published guide from the Block Design Collective offers definitions, responsibilities, a sample workflow, and sample specification language for delegated design of masonry.

The SEI SE 2050 Commitment Program was developed and is managed by a dedicated group of volunteers. Each member of the team brings a unique perspective and level of expertise to SE 2050. This is the fourth of a series of lists developed by the SE2050 Resources Working Group to communicate essential information that every structural engineer should understand about the topic of embodied carbon as they approach their work, and it is focused on concrete masonry. S

Recommendations for a new direction for residential buildings in high-risk areas include using masonry or concrete in construction and adding a sprinkler system to the roof.

The Frick Collection recently reopened after a years-long renovation to the century-old museum. Simpson Gumpertz & Heger was tasked with engineering the unique solutions that addressed the archaic systems and complex structural limitations of this historic landmark.

When a 2020 earthquake compromised the historic Towne Storage Gateway building in Salt Lake City, engineers faced the challenge of reinforcing its unreinforced masonry facade while maintaining its original architectural character. Through an advanced combination of retrofit techniques using FRCM and FRP, the team delivered a seismic upgrade that enhances structural integrity while preserving the building’s historic character.