Report of the MCAA Technical Committe

Words: Jerry PainterAs Chairman of the MCAA Technical Committee, I would like to submit the following report to the Board. Since our 2008 Mid Year Meeting in Park City, UT, we have been working bard on to protect the mason contractors' interests on various technical issues.

Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) TMS 402/ACI 530

The Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) has been diligently working on the 2011 edition of the Masonry Code (ACI 530). Throughout 2008, the International Building Code (IBC) held hearings that resulted in the adoption of many portions of the ACI 530 Masonry Code.

The last MSJC meeting was held October 19-21, 2008 in Salt Lake City, UT. While much of the 2011 Code changes are not contentious, there were a couple of items that MCAA members should monitor. The MSJC Specification has balloted to amend its masonry wall bracing section to instead reference the OSHA 1926.706 Regulation for guidance on bracing masonry walls under construction. This proposed wording was developed through much negotiation, however, we feel as though the wording accomplishes the goal of keeping wall bracing in the Code as a requirement, when OSHA deems it necessary. There is another item that will increase the setting mortar bed thickness to 1" to allow for uneven footings and foundations. While this may not seem like much, it will assist the contractors immensely in providing a level first course in the masonry walls.

The next MSJC meeting will be held May 5-9, 2009 in Herndon, VA. Please visit www.masonrystandards.org for additional information.

American Sociely of Testing and Materials (ASTM)

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) held its semi-annual winter meetings in Miami, FL in December 2008. Committees C12 on Masonry Mortars and C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units held task group, subcommittee and main committee meetings 4 days and debated a variety of topics.

C12 - Mortars and Grouts for Masonry Units

Chairman - John Melander, Portland Cement Association
MCAA's technical consultant, Rashod R. Johnson, P.E. continues to serve in various capacities as the Recording Secretary of C12 Executive Committee and task group chair of C12.05.03 - Placement and Production of Masonry Grouts. He also serves on task groups on Pre blended Mortars, Mortar as Grout, Self-consolidating Grout and Masonry Mortars.

C 15 - Manufactured Masonry Units

Chairman - Jim Tann, Brick Institute - Mid East Region
Mr. Johnson serves as task group chair for C 15.03.07 - Finish and Appearance and C15.05.07 - Masonry Workmanship. He also serves on subcommittees C 15.02 - Clay Masonry Units, (215.03 - Concrete Masonry Units, (215.04 Research and Test Methods, C15.05 - Masonry Assemblies, C15.11 - Adhered Veneers and various task groups to protect contractors' interests. His in depth involvement in these Committees allows MCAA to stay informed and ahead of the curve as it pertains to ASTM Standards development.

Subcommittee C15.02 - Clay Masonry Units

C15.02 is the subcommittee that oversees the manufacturing of clay brick (Standards C216, C652 and others). This past meeting in December 2008 was fairly heated over a ballot item to increase the void area of "solid" brick from 25% to 30%. There were 8 negative voters at the Sub and Main Committees. More than one of these negatives was concerned with the amount of additional mortar that will be lost using brick with larger core holes, thus increasing mortar consumption. Other negatives discussed the financial benefits to the brick manufacturers, yet no increase in brick performance. One negative asked for a particular piece of research to support the change. All of these negatives were voted "non-persuasive" at the Subcommittee level. However, it was defeated at the Main Committee meeting on a technicality. This will not be the last of this issue. The technical committee needs to develop an official position on this item to assist Mr. Johnson at the next ASTM meeting.

Task Group C15.05.07 - Standard Practice for Masonry Workmanship

There has been a renewed effort to develop this ASTM Standard this past year. The task group and subcommittee are planning many conference calls and work group meetings between meetings to push this Standard along faster than in the past.

The next ASTM C12 and C15 Meetings will be held in Vancouver, BC, Canada in June 2009.

Masonry Codes and Standards Seminars

MCAA has conducted three Masonry Codes and Standards seminars across the country to over 75 employees of mason contractors, general contractors and designers in the past 6 months. Another Seminar is planned for the 2009 World of Masonry in Las Vegas, NV. Should you have any questions about any of these topics, feel free to contact our technical consultant, Rashod R. Johnson, P.E. at Rashod@rodgrp.com.
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