1. WHEN IT’S TIME FOR AN ANCHOR TEST Anchor manufacturers publish a dizzying array of data about their fasteners’ capacity in various substrates under various conditions. It’s often the structural engineer’s task to identify the most appropriate anchor for the …
By Robert G. Wilkin, P.E., SECB We have known for many years that as rust forms on metal installed in masonry or concrete, the rust expands up to seven times the original thickness of the metal. The force of this …
By Craig E. Barnes, P.E., SECB Needle joints are defined simply as thin mortar joints, less than 3/8”. The biggest problems in dealing with needle joint masonry are the techniques of joint excavation and repacking (tuck pointing). Over many years …
By Jeff S. Barnes Summer is upon us and thoughts have turned to sunny days at the beach, driving around with the windows down and the music up, vacations, and the 4th of July. The summer also brings heat, humidity, …
By Robert Wilkin, P.E. There are three types of mortar mixes for masonry wall construction: Site mixed Portland cement, lime and sand Premixed and bagged Mortar Cement Premixed and bagged Masonry Cement Site mixed mortar is the traditional preference for …
By Stephen McDermott Steel framed and masonry transition buildings were constructed between 1890 and 1950. They are called transition buildings due to the introduction of steel columns and beams into mass masonry construction that was popular prior to this period. …
By Bob Wilkin, P.E., Waterproofing/Building Envelope Specialist Few people realize the amount of water that can penetrate a brick or concrete block wall during a rain storm. This water needs to be managed in order to prevent leakage and damage …
By Stephen A. McDermott Unfortunately, reviews of masonry façades are seldom performed. The execution of exterior masonry wall repairs is often times only triggered as a result of water infiltration into a habitable space. The Brick Institute recommends a periodic …
by Caitlin Daniels and Jenna Kotarski CBI has been providing design services for the Pine Street Inn since 1998. CBI has completed a full array of projects, big and small, for the Pine Street Inn’s block-long site that spans from …