About the author  ⁄ John Chrysler

John Chrysler is the current committee chair of TMS 402/602, the Material Standard referenced in the International Building Code. After 26 years as Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of America, Mr. Chrysler has recently retired but still can be reached at jc@masonryinstitute.org.

Specifying Masonry Component Strength

How Much is Enough?

Structural engineers often get a greater level of comfort by specifying masonry component strengths higher than are needed. However, this can be counterproductive since some masonry components, such as mortar, may sacrifice bond in lieu of strength, leading to cracking and water intrusion into structural masonry walls. Masonry grout may also be considered a form of concrete, which it is not. A better approach is understanding how the individual materials work together based on code requirements supported by extensive research. The ultimate goal should be to specify masonry components that are economical with maximum structural integrity.

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May, 2022 By In Structural Components Comments 0

Structural Masonry General Notes

Specifying an Effective Quality Assurance Program

The quest for quality construction following a professional design by the Structural Engineer is not a new concept. The initial publishing of the 1927 Uniform Building Code (UBC), subtitled the material disciplines “Quality and Design,” acknowledged the relationship between the design and implementation of a construction project. Over the past 90 years, Quality Assurance, the development of a program, and Quality Control, the implementation of that program, have evolved in such a manner that details can often cloud the ultimate intent. …

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Nov, 2019 By and In Structural Quality Comments 0
STRUCTURE magazine