MasonryInstituteofMI

The first day of the Structural Engineers Association of Michigan annual conference featured a lineup of masonry topics ranging from veneer design to masonry wall bracing presented by MIM staff and members, Todd Dailey, Philippe Ledent, and Scott Walkowicz!

For most cases, masonry directly above chases or recesses wider than 12 in. shall be supported on lintels. Masonry lintels are typically the most economical and efficient solution, and the MIM supports members by providing assistance with the design of these structural elements.

Welcome to our newest member, O-A-K! Their director of field operations expanded on their vision, "Our purpose is to build the best experience, and that shows up in how we work with our clients, partners, and each other every day." Learn more here: owen-ames-kimball.com.

The Michigan Building Code has an exemption for interior, season spaces unoccupied during cold weather months, including restrooms, shower buildings, day-use restrooms, concession stands, press boxes, ticket booths, and locker rooms related to heating requirements.

Congratulations to the students and faculty at LTU for earning multiple top honors at the 2026 National AEI Structural Design Competition! The project this year included a masonry storm shelter in compliance with ICC 500. Read more here: ltu.edu/ltu-students-e….

Interested in learning more about delegated design? MCAA is hosting a webinar tomorrow on Normalizing Delegated Design of Concrete Masonry, and MIM is co-presenting and highlighting the process and application for mason contractors. Register here: masoncontractors.org/ProductDetails….

LARA recently released draft rules for adopting the 2024 IBC, and the MIM supports the inclusion of IBC Section 423, which requires storm shelters for school construction. With 33 tornadoes recorded in Michigan in 2025, these protections are more important than ever!

Do you design a great masonry project? The MIM is partnering with AIA Michigan and we are now soliciting submissions for 2026 MIM M-Awards. Learn more here: aiami.com/Honor-Awards-S….

The MIM worked with member Colliers Engineering and Design by providing a conceptual design, along with construction budget by Burggrabe Masonry, which was ultimately the driver in selecting concrete masonry as the material of choice for a new MacAllister wash bay in Michigan.

Happy National Engineer's Week! The MIM supports our industry partners by educating both students and professionals, offering conceptual design options, and reviewing drawings and specifications. Check out our website for helpful tools and resources: masonryinfo.org/tools-resource….

Sample panels and mock-ups are great tools to coordinate all of the different components of masonry wall assemblies. This project, designed by HED, included brick veneer supported on FERO fast thermal brackets and is currently under construction by Davenport Masonry.

Has your project been impacted by improper testing procedures? Looking ahead to 2026, we will be developing resources for testing agencies, special inspectors, construction managers, and mason contractors to educate on grout and mortar testing.

The Brick Industry Association recently updated their technical note related to CFMF backup based on research, analysis, and field surveys here: gobrick.com/media/file/TN%…. An article in STRUCTURE magazine added additional information: structuremag.org/article/update….

The 2022 TMS 402 includes an overhaul of the veneer chapter. Changes include out-of-plane deflection requirements, a maximum specified cavity width of 6", and new methods for the engineered design of anchored veneer. We'll be developing a summary of changes to release.

Integrating stack bond and running bond can provide a purposeful aesthetic, as shown on the Hope College Jim Heeringa Athletic Center designed by MIM member AMDG Architects. When using stack bond, there are some additional detailing considerations that need to be considered.

Get ready! The Michigan Building Code rules are now open, and we have begun the process of adopting the 2024 IBC. We will be developing resources highlighting the changes. For instance, contractors will be required to provide shop drawings for closed bottom lintel units.

Thanks to Consumers Concrete for hosting our generic wall design committee meeting this week! Our committees are actively developing new tools and resources to help architects and engineers design masonry efficiently.

Read more about why masonry is the simple choice that delivers for schools here: beautyofblock.com/2025/09/22/the…. A perfect example is this new school construction in west Michigan which also made it on the cover of the Masonry Designers Guide.

Locating openings and corners with modularity in mind can avoid unnecessary field cutting which adds to project cost and can result in issues. Check out the technical note from CMHA to learn more: masonryandhardscapes.org/resource/tek-0….

Due to their small impact on thermal performance, masonry veneer ties are not considered a thermal bridge, as noted in ACI/TMS Code 122.1-21. ASHRAE 90.1 considers masonry veneer ties to be fasteners, which are not considered to be a thermal bridge. Reach out to learn more!