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This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and ASCE Continuing Education

Instructor:  Alexander Newman, P.E., F.ASCE

Course Length: 1.5 Hours

Purpose and Background

Masonry construction is on the border between structural engineering and architectural areas of practice. Both disciplines are usually involved in specifying masonry, but the different perspectives of the specifiers occasionally lead to misunderstanding and confusion on site. Confusion breeds problems. The purpose of this web seminar is to help engineers understand the typical causes of masonry problems and to avoid them. Based on published research and on his own vast design and forensic experience, the instructor explains which masonry components, designs and details tend to cause most problems — and the ensuing litigation. The vast majority of the masonry problems are caused not by a lack of strength but by inappropriate details and concepts, exacerbated by poor construction quality. The presentation starts with an overview of the typical reasons masonry problems arise and proceeds to examine the various classes of these problems. Wall leakage, one of the most common causes of complaints, is addressed first. Next are the problems caused by masonry and mortar deterioration and corrosion of embedded steel elements, such as lintels. Wall cracking, an easily noticeable masonry deficiency, is discussed next, followed by wall failures caused by wind loading. The instructor explains which common details and specification language tend to be most problematic. Many masonry problems and claims arise from poor construction workmanship and from exceeding the allowable erection tolerances. Accordingly, these topics are discussed next.

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Find out which masonry elements tend to be the most trouble prone, resulting in owners’ complaints, claims and litigation
• Recognize typical masonry problems at the interface of architectural and structural disciplines
• Explore some controversial and poorly executed design solutions involving masonry veneer and multiwythe masonry walls
• Discover the pitfalls of placing two layers of steel reinforcement inside CMU walls
• Determine the limitations and the proper use of joint reinforcement in CMU walls
• Examine the differences between mortar and grout and where each should be used
• Examine the issues of water penetration through masonry walls
• Identify one of the most commonly litigated masonry problems
• Become familiar with common construction related masonry problems and learn what designers can do to help reduce them

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

Structural and civil engineers, architects, facility managers, and building contractors seeking to avoid problems in masonry construction will benefit from this webinar.

Webinar Outline

• Introduction to masonry problems
• Leakage related problems
• Deterioration
• Corrosion of lintels and embedded elements
• Cracking
• Wall failures from wind load
• Details and specifications
• Construction related problems and tolerances
• Conclusion

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]