Masonry Magazine March 1981 Page. 14
Masonry Foundation Announces Two Additional Proposals to Perform Research
The Masonry Research Foundation, a non-profit corporation supported by all elements of the masonry industry, including contractors, manufacturers and trowel tradesmen, has announced two "requests for proposals" (RFP) to perform masonry research in the area of tensile bond strength and thermal design.
The Foundation, now entering its second year of operation, is currently sponsoring and supporting three research projects approved late last year by the MFR Board and its 26-member Advisory Council of leading academicians, designers and public officials:
1) A study to develop design guidelines for composite brick and block walls by the College of Engineering at the University of Florida:
2) A study on thermal design techniques for specific masonry materials by Alfred University's College of Ceramics;
3) A study by URS/Blume of San Francisco on restoration techniques for masonry buildings.
The new RFPs call for research to: a) develop test methods and performance specifications for tensile bond strength between masonry units and mortars, and investigation of available test methods, with the possibility of improving them or developing new ones, and b) to develop a simplified analytical thermal design procedure for masonry structures taking dynamic variables into account, and to be applicable following step-by-step methods using basic calculating equipment.
Deadline for submission of proposals in May 1, 1981. RFPs may be obtained by writing to: RFPs 7 & 8, Masonry Research Foundation, 815 15th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
# INTRODUCTION
The Advisory Council to the Masonry Research Foundation has identified two specific subjects as high priority research areas. The Advisory Council is 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.
# REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 7
1.0 MASONRY: Develop a simplified analytical thermal design procedure for masonry structures.
2.0 STATEMENT OF NEED
Growing concern over foreign oil dependency is increasingly concentrated on energy efficient designs of buildings. Several approaches have been developed to evaluate the thermal performance of structures. They vary from analytical methods that assume steady state conditions to very sophisticated computer analysis that take into account such variables as dynamic action of heat transfer and thermal mass.
As a matter of practicality, designers have a natural tendency to rely on the simpler, but inaccurate, steady state procedure in lieu of a complicated computer analysis. Often this results in an incorrect emphasis on the use of insulation as the only energy-saving technique.
It is necessary, therefore, in order to insure a proper design, that a simplified analytical procedure be developed that will accurately predict the energy requirements involved in the thermal design of buildings. The procedure should account for the aforementioned objectives and be sufficiently easy to apply by architects and engineers utilizing calculators and/or small computers now available in typical design offices.
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.
4.0 REVIEW AND FUNDING
All proposals received from this request 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. B
1.0 MASONRY: Develop performance specifications based on research into the compatibility of masonry units and mortars as regards tensile bond properties and also as regards resistance to water penetration.
2.0 STATEMENT OF NEED
There is a need for a rational procedure for measuring and determining the compatibility of available masonry units and mortars. The research should investigate the relationship with regard to improving structural bond properties and also the resistance to water penetration and be a basis for the writing of performance specifications for mortars and for combinations of mortars and masonry units.
The research should study the tensile bond strength between masonry units and mortars and should include:
Research into the relationship of bond strength to mortar formulation including quantities of lime, cement, inert fines, aggregate, additives, air content, and flow.
Relationship of bond strength to properties of masonry units, including bed-texture, pore structure and initial rate of absorption.
Research should also include the effect of the above variables on resistance to water penetration.
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. Qualification of the principal investigator and other key personnel.
6. Reporting procedure.
7. Estimated total cost and period of performance.
4.0 REVIEW AND FUNDING
All proposals received from this request 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.