Masonry 101 Series
TMS began a new Masonry Night School webinar program with this Masonry 101 series, which provides a comprehensive introduction to masonry materials and concepts for those who need a fast-track course, especially new designers and specifiers. Masonry 101 is intended as a full series to introduce those new to masonry to essential topics in a developing sequence.
or purchase sessions individually at the links below
| Session 1 – Introduction to Masonry Presented by W. Mark McGinley, Ph.D, PE, FASTM, FTMS, University of Louisville |
| Session 2 – Introduction to Masonry Units Presented by Christine A. Subasic, P.E., LEED AP |
| Session 3 – Mortar Presented by Jamie Farny, Director, Building Marketing at the Portland Cement Association |
| Session 4 – Reinforcement and Anchors Presented by Richard M. Bennett, Ph.D., P.E., FTMS, University of Tennessee |
| Session 5 – Grout Presented by Jamie Farny, Director, Building Marketing at the Portland Cement Association |
| Session 6 – Masonry Assemblies Presented by W. Mark McGinley, Ph.D, PE, FASTM, FTMS, University of Louisville |
| Continuing Education Credit: 1 PDH / 0.10 CEU / 1 AIA LU per session |
Course Descriptions
Session 1 – Introduction to Masonry
This lesson introduce masonry to the attendees, reviewing basic terminology, acronyms, properties, benefits, and uses of masonry. Essential references that help with the understanding, design and use of masonry will be noted to provide a basis and a source for future learning on masonry.
Session 2 – Introduction to Masonry Units
This lesson introduces attendees to the most common types of masonry units, how they are made, and how they are commonly used. Units covered include concrete masonry units, clay masonry units, natural stone units, manufactured stone veneer units, cast stone units, and AAC masonry units. This lesson provides attendees with the foundational information needed to recognize different types of masonry units, identify their defining characteristics, correctly specify them, and understand typical applications.
Session 3 – Mortar
This lesson provides a comprehensive introduction to mortar for masonry construction, especially for those who have little to no experience with masonry but find themselves needing to design or review projects. It describes the purpose of mortar joining masonry units and the desirable properties of fresh and hardened mortar. It describes the materials that comprise mortar and explains how mortars are specified, batched, and mixed. Mixing considerations necessarily include good practices for hot and cold weather construction and the additional care required for colored mortar, both for materials and mixing requirements. This session briefly describes quality assurance and quality control for mortar, the difference between QA and QC, and typical reporting requirements related to that. Specialty mortars and ingredients will be briefly discussed to note differences with traditional mortars complying with ASTM C270.
Session 4 – Reinforcement and Anchors
This lesson covers types of reinforcement used in masonry, including bars, joint reinforcement, anchors and ties. Each type of reinforcement will be explored, and the use in masonry will be identified. The basic placement requirements and protection requirements will be covered.
Session 5 – Grout
This lesson provides a comprehensive introduction to grouts and grouting for new masonry construction, especially for those who have little to no experience with masonry but find themselves needing to design or review projects. It describes the purpose of grout for masonry construction, both fine and coarse, as well as conventional and self-consolidating mixes, and desirable properties for all of these. It describes the materials that comprise grout and explains how grouts are specified, batched, mixed, and placed. Test methods for grout and preparation of test specimens are explained.
Session 6 – Masonry Assemblies
This lesson looks at the properties of masonry assemblies based on the how it is constructed and bonded. Structural assembly properties including the modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and compressive strength will be introduced and discussed. Other assembly properties related to dimensional stability, fire resistance and energy performance will also be reviewed, along with resources that can be used for additional information on these topics.