Report of the MCAA Technical Committee

Words: Jonathan AndersonAs Chairmen of the MCAA Technical Committee, we would like submit the following report to the Board. Since our 2011 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, NV, we have been working hard on to protect the mason contractors' interests on various technical issues.

Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) TMS 402 / ACI 53O

The Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) has been diligently working on the 2011 edition of the Masonry Code (ACI 530). Throughout 2008, the International Building Code (lBC) held hearings that resulted in the adoption of many portions of the ACI 530 Masonry Code.

The last MSJC mecting was held in November 2011 in San Antonio, TX. While much of the 2013 Code changes are not contentious, there were a couple of items that MCAA members should monitor. One item will increase the setting mortar bed thickness to 1" to allow for uneven footings and foundations. While this may not seem like much, it will assist the contractors immensely in providing a level first course in the masonry walls.

The next MSJC meeting will be held in May in Chicago, IL. Please visit www.masonrystandards.org for additional information.

American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) held its semi-annual winter meetings in Tampa, FL in December 2011. Committees C12 on Masonry Mortars and C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units held task group, subcommittee and main committee meetings 4 days and debated a variety of topics.

C12 - Mortars and Grouts for Masonry Units

Chairman - Joe Brisch, Chairman
MCAA's technical consultant, Rashod R. Johnson, P.E. continues to serve in various capacities as the Recording Secretary of C12 Executive Committee and task group chair of C12.05.03 - Placement and Production of Masonry Grouts. He also serves on task groups on Pre blended Mortars, Mortar as Grout, Self-consolidating Grout and Masonry Mortars. As of 2012, MCAA's Jerry Painter will serve as the C12 Main Committee Chairman, while Rashod Johnson will serve as the C12 Main Committee 2nd Vice Chairman. MCAA is well represented Committee C12's leadership.

C15 Manufactured Masonry Units

Chairman - Jim Tann, Brick Institute - Mid East Region
Mr. Johnson serves as Subcommittee chair for C15.11 - Adhered Masonry Veneer Units. He also serves on C15.03.05 - Finish and Appearance and C15.05.07 - Masonry Workmanship, subcommittees C15.02 - Clay Masonry Units, C1S.03 - Concrete Masonry Units, C15.04 Research and Test Methods, C15.O5 - Masonry Assemblies, C15.11 - Adhered Veneers and various task groups to protect contractors' interests. His in depth involvement in these Committees allows MCAA to stay informed and ahead of the curve as it pertains to ASTM Standards development.

Subcommittee C15.02 - Clay Masonry Units

C15.02 is the subcommittee that oversees the manufacturing of clay brick (Standards C216, C6S2 and others). Since our last battle over void area, this Subcommittee has been fairly quiet, though MCAA continues to monitor.

Subcommittee C15.O3 - Concrete Masonry Units

C.15.03 is the subcommittee that oversees the manufacturing of cmu (Standards C90, C55 and others). Last year, there was a huge change in the C90 Standard that would allow for more flexibility by the cmu manufacturers to develop "A" and "H" block areas where they would ordinarily not be allowed. After careful consideration and many meetings and conference calls, MCAA's technical committee decided that it was not a bad change and would help masonry in areas where energy efficiency was needed.

Task Group C15.05.07 - Standard Practice for Masonry Workmanship

There has been a renewed effort to develop this ASTM Standard this past year. The task group and subcommittee are planning many conference calls and work group meetings between meetings to push this Standard along faster than in the past.

The next ASTM Cl2 and CIS Meetings will be held in San Diego, CA in June 2012.

Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls under Construction

MCAA has almost completed the 2012 version of the Standard Practice for bracing Masonry Walls under Construction and Rashod R. Johnson. P.E., MCAA's technical consultant is teaching on the new document at this year's Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV. There have been some significant changes to the document that allow for greater flexibility to contractors and should make bracing masonry walls easier.

Education Seminars and Webinars

MCAA has conducted various educational technical seminars and webinars across the country to over 200 employees of mason contractors;. general contractors and designers in the past 12 months. More seminars are planned for this year's 2012 World of Masonry in Las Vegas. NV.

Should you have any questions about any of these topics, feel free to contact our technical consultant, Rashod R. Johnson, P.E. at Rashod@rodgrp.com.