Masonry Magazine September 1980 Page. 11
Masonry Foundation Issues Requests For Proposals to Perform Research
The Masonry Research Foundation, Washington, D.C., has issued six "requests for proposals" to perform specified research in the area of masonry application and design. The Foundation is a non-profit corporation supported by all elements of the masonry industry-contractors, product manufacturers, and trowel tradesmen. Charter members of the Foundation include the MCAA and seven other national organizations.
The six requests for proposals (RFPs) were developed by the Foundation after identification of priority research areas by a 27-member Advisory Council consisting of leading academicians, designers and public officials. The RFPs call for:
* Development of an index listing completed and on-going masonry research world-wide.
* Research into differential movement, cracking, expansion and control joints.
* Research into composite masonry wall systems to develop design parameters.
* Research into restoration and renovation techniques for masonry structures.
* Research into bond strength between masonry units and mortar, water penetration, strength and compatibility.
* Research to develop precise thermal design techniques for masonry structures.
A spokesman for the Foundation said these were the first RFPs issued by the organization, and that it is hoped they will elicit responses from all interested individuals and organizations qualified to perform the specified research.
Responses will be reviewed by the Advisory Council and the Foundation, and decisions will then be made to accept or reject them, and, for those accepted, the kind and extent of support to be given to the projects.
Full copies of the RFPs may be obtained by calling or writing the Foundation at 815-15th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005 (202) 783-3788.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
INTRODUCTION
The Advisory Council to the Masonry Research Foundation has identified six specific subjects as high priority research areas. The Advisory Council consists of a group of outstanding researchers, practicing professionals and academicians who are eminently familiar with the design, construction and research needs of the masonry industry and the needs of masonry's clients.
Advisory Council members were selected by the Foundation and empowered to provide identification of research needs, evaluate proposals, and review the results of research projects. All proposals received from these Requests for Proposals will be reviewed for compliance and responsiveness by a subcommittee of the Masonry Research Foundation's Advisory Council. If the Council endorses the project, the Foundation may provide any of several levels of support. These are: 1) Fund the project in its entirety from Foundation funds: 2) provide partial funds and assist in securing the remainder from other sources: 3) provide no funds, but assist in securing funding from other sources.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL No. 1
1.0 MASONRY: Differential, movement, cracking, expansion and control joints.
2.0 STATEMENT OF NEED
At its first meeting in February, 1980, the Advisory Council identified three related items as requiring additional knowledge for the consistently successful design of masonry structures. These three items are:
1. Need to determine frequency, location and type of expansion and control joints needed in masonry structures.
2. Research should also consider those conditions when using dissimilar masonry units including tying systems for composite and cavity walls.
3. Determine effects of creep and shrinkage in masonry design.
4. Classify cracking problems in new and old masonry.
These identified items are in the general category of differential movement and its accommodation in masonry construction.
3.0 CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL
1. Identification of the problem.
2. Specific research objectives.
3. Research plan to meet the objectives.
4. Anticipated results: Their utilization and benefits.
5. Reporting procedure.
6. Estimated total cost and period of performance.
4.0 QUALIFICATIONS OF RESEARCHER
The researcher for this general subject area should be knowledgeable about masonry products, masonry design and masonry construction techniques and practices. In addition, there are requirements for several experienced technicians and a carefully controlled atmosphere laboratory, with moist room and dry heat chambers.
It is presumed that the research would identify the thermal, moisture and other expansive properties of masonry assemblages and masonry units, as well as their plastic flow and deformation characteristics under load. The results are envisioned to be:
a) Test procedures for prediction of the various movements.
b) Data on which general design recommendations can be based.
c) General design recommendations and parameters.
5.0 REFERENCES
The following references are included:
1. Technical Notes on Brick Construction, 18 Series. "Differential Movement and Its Accommodations."
2. BIA-Engineering and Research Digest, "Expansion & Control Joints."
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL No. 2
1.0 MASONRY: Restoration techniques of masonry buildings
2.0 STATEMENT OF NEED
Restoration and preservation of historical and other older buildings is an activity of increasing importance and scope. Many such structures are of masonry construction. The wide range of masonry materials and architectural designs has led to various problems relating to the proper method of restoration. Research is needed to establish the techniques necessary to repair, clean and restore the appearance of masonry structures.
The research program which should be a review of current practice and may involve new investigative areas, should be developed to arrive at a practical set of recommendations with regard to techniques involving repair, cleaning, and other procedures necessary to restore various commonly found types of masonry materials and mortars.
3.0 CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL
1. Identification of the problem.
2. Specific research objectives.
3. Research plan to meet the objectives.
4. Anticipated results: Their utilization and benefits.
5. Qualifications of the principal investigator and other key personnel.
6. Reporting Procedure.
7. Estimated total cost and period of performance.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL No. 3
1.0 MASONRY: Composite, brick and block, masonry-design parameters
2.0 STATEMENT OF NEED
In May, 1966, the Brick Institute of America (then the Structural Clay Products Institute) promulgated a rational design standard for brick masonry in the United States. The standard provided for the first time a pro-