This class will discuss provisions within the IBC that can reduce the cost of masonry labor, improve the structural performance of buildings, and communicate masonry advances and best practices to architects and structural engineers. We believe that through this class, we can help make your job easier and lead to better masonry structures at a lower cost. Classes will be held virtually on ZOOM. The link for all
5 classes will be distributed before the first class.

Description:

• The course will be a series of five 2-hour classes to address design methods, common structural design problems from actual projects, detailing mistakes, crack control methodology using CMHA TEK Notes, developing and checking specifications, and quality assurance, including field inspections. The content was created with the input of masons and suppliers from the Upstate New York MCAA Chapter Board.
• The course will be based on TMS 402-22/602-22, Building Code Requirements and Specification for
  Masonry Structures. Since attendees will be from states throughout Checko Region 1, reference will
  be made to the 2021 International Building Code, which forms the basis for most state codes.
  Attendees must have access to TMS 402/602 and their own building code.
• The Masonry Society’s Masonry Designers’ Guide (MDG-2022) will be mailed to each as a reference
  document. No detailed calculations will be developed in class, but instead, we will refer to this
  guide for examples.
• Each class will be hosted by a mason contractor or another member of the Board of Directors of the MCAA Chapter. The Instructor and participants will have the opportunity to ask them direct questions.
• Attendance at all five classes is required to receive full continuing education credit (10 AIA LU/HSW). For HSW applicability, the course includes building design, construction documents and services related to public benefit, construction methods/systems/inspection, life safety codes, materials and systems, specification writing, and structural issues. HSW credits are for both architects and Engineers for continuing education.
• If you are unable to attend a class, the credits will be prorated. Participation by AIA attendees will be reported to AIA at the end of the classes. Non-AIA participants will receive a certificate to self-report their continuing education credits.

Who Should Attend

• Senior-level architects and engineers who:
  • Direct design projects
  • Oversee design choices and quality
• Not intended for new or inexperienced designers.

Schedule & Commitment

• Five sessions, each held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET
• Participants must commit to attending all sessions

Cost & Continuing Education

• No cost to attend, thanks to the generous support of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, which is funded by your local CMU manufacturers
• Eligible for up to 10 AIA LU/HSW continuing education credits

Eligibility

• Open to professionals in Region 1, which includes:
  • CT, DE, MA, ME, MD, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV
• Applications from outside this region will not be accepted at this time

TOPICS AND DATES | All sessions are held from 5pm – 7pm

CLASS TOPICS	DATE	EVENT PRESENTER
Design Issues	November 3, 2025	Brett Sherman, Giovanni LaFace
Detailing Concerns	November 10, 2025	Jay Niedzielkowski
Building Joints	November 17, 2025	TJ DiPeso, Kevin Agostini
Specifications and Notes	December 1, 2025	Mike Palmer
Field Issues	December 8, 2025	Brett Sherman