BIM-M Initiative awards contract to Dr. Franca Trubiano of the University of Pennsylvania

Words: David Biggs
Dr. Franca Trubiano of the University of Pennsylvania has been awarded a contract from the BIM-M (BIM for Masonry Initiative). The work will include researching the range of masonry workflows that were used in the construction of Huntsman Hall, a signature masonry building at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Her work will be part of the BIM-M Benchmark project and coordinated with similar work being performed at Georgia Institute of Technology.

BIM-M is an initiative of the masonry industry with major sponsorship from Masonry Contractors Association of America (MCAA), International Masonry Institute (IMI), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC) and National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) with assistance from the Charles Pankow Foundation.

For more information please contact David Biggs, P.E., S.E., BIM-M Program Coordinator via email at biggsconsulting@att.net or visit Masoncontractors.com.
Australian Bricks vs American Bricks: What 24 Hours of Travel Teaches You About the Trade
June 2026

Bricklaying might not change simply because you cross a state line. It does change when you travel 24 hours to the other side of the world and lay bricks under lights, cameras, and a stopwatch. The fundamentals of the trade are universal. Brick, mortar,

Technical Talks
Read More
2026 Masonry Foundation Grants Now Open
June 2026

The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More
The “Small Job” Safety Trap: Why Safety Sometimes Fades When the Spotlight Disappears
June 2026

Before I was fortunate enough to lead Malta Dynamics, I spent a couple of years as a traveling salesman for the company. My territory covered the entire country (and some beyond), and in a typical year, I visited more than 100 jobsites across nearly every

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
June 2026

As a business owner and leader, taking the mental health of your employees seriously and understanding how it can impact their work is essential. In fact, one in five adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Addressing mental health is more

Patrick Cunningham
MAP Partner
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →