Twelve peer-reviewed papers address:
• Water Management and Efflorescence
• Strength and Freeze-Thaw Testing
• Performance and Failure Analysis And Repairs
• And more!

The information can be used to improve new and old installations so that masonry attains its top performance, both structurally and aesthetically.

Whether used as veneer, as a structural system, or as both, masonry has served people well for a long time. Yet materials and systems are continuously evolving. Through testing, research programs, and forensic evaluations, it’s possible to analyze what works well, where improvements can be made, and what techniques can make masonry systems more robust so that they are better able to perform their intended function.

Since moisture plays a key role, keeping water out of the structure is a top priority—whether for interior comfort, to keep occupants dry; for structural durability, to reduce the opportunity for rust and degradation; or for aesthetics, to minimize potential for efflorescence and otherwise maintain a pleasing appearance

Testing and research are critical tools to study physical performance of masonry assemblies, including various aspects of strength and durability

And ultimately, it’s important to use common sense in the way we design, build, and repair masonry construction.