Concrete masonry units offer a surprising amount of design flexibility, sustainability benefits and performance characteristics. Join us for a look at some of the lesser known innovations happening in the world of architectural block.

A rainscreen cladding is one of the most efficient systems for construction envelope purposes in today’s commercial building environment. This presentation will discuss how rainscreen cladding provides a building solution that aligns with current sustainable architecture trends and is surprisingly easy to install.

Pre-blended mortar eliminates many of the variables and uncertainties of site-mixed mortar, thus reducing the potential for problems and liability with the finished masonry construction. In this course, we will look at the types of mortar available, the process and pitfalls of field mixing versus pre-blended mortar, and the significance of mortar in masonry assemblies.

This presentation provides a condensed overview of BIM and its impact on the construction industry, with a particular focus on new software tools that are changing the way masonry is designed, specified, ordered, manufactured, shipped, installed and maintained.

This presentation will discuss how the strength and resiliency of masonry construction can help protect a building – and its occupants – from storm damage, return structures to use faster following a disaster and reduce the long-term cost of repairs.

Learn how to effectively design masonry walls using legacy stone products, such as natural limestone, cast stone and architectural masonry, as well as calcium silicate and architectural pre-cast products.

The International Energy Construction Code is leading the charge for increasingly stringent energy code requirements across the nation, requiring ongoing adaptation of design strategies. 

The recent string of large construction fires across the US has cost billions of dollars in damages to job sites and nearby structures.

Manufactured stone veneers have come a long way since their introduction, with modern versions delivering the high performance and timeless aesthetics of natural stone at a fraction of the cost.

This presentation reviews the rising trend and use of manufactured stone veneers (MSV) and advancements in the manufacturing process which make new veneers more durable, easier to install and more aesthetically pleasing and delivers the natural aesthetic of real stone.