IMI, National Geographic and the Great Cathedral Mystery

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

The International Masonry Institute (IMI) National Training Director Robert Arnold, along with other IMI staff, were sponsored by National Geographic to help construct a scaled down version of Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence, Italy for a program on the engineering of the world's largest brick dome. "NOVA's Great Cathedral Mystery," produced by National Geographic Television in association with Camera One Productions, premieres on PBS Feb. 12, 2014. See a preview of the program below.

Bonding with Masonry 2026: Q1

February 2026

This issue’s questions come from a Mason Contractor and an Engineer. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention Technical Talk. Q. A Mason Contractor states they were asked to construct a brick veneer on a multi-story pr

David Biggs

Bonding with Masonry

No Shortcuts: The Journey of Real Stone

February 2026

Have you ever stopped and really thought about how that stone on the wall got there? I don’t mean the install...not the mortar, the scratch coat, or the clean-up. I mean the whole journey. From the first cut in the earth to the

Rob McKay

Technical Talks

Stop Gambling on the Wall: Why the Modern Jobsite Demands a Sure Thing

February 2026

If you have spent any time walking the carpeted aisles of the World of Concrete, you know the vibe. It is a sensory overload of heavy machinery, slick demos, and the collective optimism of thousands of contractors. We are in Las Vegas, the gambling capita

Shayne Sanders

Technical Talks

Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out

February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

Tiffany Tillema

Technical Talks

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