September/October 2017: Table of Contents

Words: Bronzella Cleveland
green building masonry
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September/October 2017:
Table of Contents

Features

Design Trends / Green Building
Reducing the Impact of Building Envelopes
Achieving sustainability within the building envelope starts with specifying the right products. The author offers three strategies to reduce the environmental impact of your design.
by Tom Hanzely

The Greenest Buildings
Green building is not just for new construction; it’s also using what already exists. Masonry Design presents what architects need to know about masonry preservation and restoration.
by Karen D. Hickey, based on a presentation by Elena Peltsman

Comfort Block: High-Performing Green Masonry Product
The first self-contained, insulated building block in the United States is easy to use, reduces water on the jobsite and creates a faster, more streamlined construction process.
by Chris Genest

Materials / Recycled Masonry Materials
Bricks Incorporated: Reclaiming Chicago Common Brick
Bricks Incorporated salvages reclaimed brick, reclaimed fire brick and old terra cotta in and around Chicago. See some of their latest projects.
by Karen D. Hickey

Technology / Seismic Retrofitting, Reinforcement and Anchors
Seismic Retrofitting of Masonry Buildings: Why It's Needed
An unstable masonry building is unsafe for those both inside and outside its walls during a seismic event. Upgrades to unreinforced masonry buildings can improve safety as well as overall community resilience.
by David Sommer and Cale Ash

Tornado Season Underscores the Importance of Reinforced Masonry Wall Systems
General Shale’s Endurance RS4™ Structural Brick Provides Significant Advantages for Tornado-Prone Areas
By Dawn Henning

Columns & Departments

From the Editor
Industry Outlook
Industry News
Virtual Reality

Supplies
Special Report: DEWALT

Turning Visualization into Opportunity: How Digital Design Tools Are Supporting Today’s Masonry Contractors
April 2026

Today’s homeowners are taking a proactive approach to planning and design. Before reaching out to a contractor, many clients spend hours researching products, comparing materials, and building inspiration boards online. By the time they request a quote,

Smarter Time Tracking on the Jobsite: Introducing Geofence Notifications and Logging in CrewTracks
April 2026

For masonry contractors, time tracking is more than just a payroll task; it’s a key part of managing crews, understanding job costs, and keeping projects running smoothly. Yet many companies still struggle with one common challenge: making sure employees

Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.