June 2016: From the Editor

Words: Dan Kamys

Safety in Building Codes

Editor Karen HickeyKaren D. Hickey, Editor karen@lionhrtpub.com

Back in April, two earthquakes of at least 7.0 magnitude occurred — one on April 15 in Japan and the other on April 16 in Ecuador. It got me thinking… and Googling. I wrote in the last issue that May was Building Safety Month. Building safety is based on building codes. I came across an article by David Z. Morris in Fortune magazine: “L.A. Is Mandating Thousands of Earthquake Retrofits for Old Buildings.” Late last fall, Los Angeles had passed the nation’s strictest earthquake safety rules, requiring retrofitting of old buildings in the city. Japan has had strict building codes in place for decades, but 32 people still died in the Kumamoto region from the quake. Meanwhile, according to AIR Worldwide, “Building code enforcement varies within and across Ecuador [and] seismic performance of buildings…is greatly influenced by local construction practices.” The death toll from the earthquake in Ecuador was 272. Building codes have played an integral part in shaping the masonry industry. Masonry structures may be required to have enhanced structural integrity as part of a comprehensive design against progressive collapse due to accident, misuse, sabotage or other causes. Standards from various organizations govern how we work every day. Not only do we adhere to state and local building codes, but many times we work in conjunction with an owner-engaged special inspector. When we follow code, we end up with a building that will last for many generations to come. We can place brick and CMU in a wall all day long, but if we allow for out-of-spec tolerance, incorrect material placement, or faulty workmanship, not only have we provided a misuse of our profession, but a structure in which the owner will be held liable. I hope this month’s feature articles help you in furthering your professional knowledge of the masonry industry.
Hines Market Square
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Hines Market Square, now known as Aris Market Square, is a mixed-use, multifamily development located in downtown Houston. The architect on this project, Ziegler Cooper, is known for reshaping the urban landscape. In keeping with their vision, the buildin

Dawn Kornegay
Case Study
Brick Clay Brick Residential
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Understanding Met-Guard Protection in Work Boots
September 2026

Masonry work demands precision and strength, but it also comes with unavoidable risks. From handling heavy materials like brick and block to operating cutting equipment and working in tight, active environments, tradesmen and tradeswomen regularly expose

Andrew Moffatt
MAP Partner
Safety - Footwear
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Making Old Brickwork Look New Again
September 2026

Brickwork is built to last, but mortar isn’t. Over time, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and everyday wear causes joints to crack, crumble, and even recede. What starts as a cosmetic issue can quickly turn into a structural concern if left unadd

Mackenzie Claassen
MAP Partner
Sponsored
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Why Joint Profiles Matter In Masonry Restoration
September 2026

For generations, masonry structures have been defined not only by the brick, block, or stone used in construction, but also by the mortar joints that tie everything together. Whether restoring a historic brick facade, repairing natural stone veneer, or re

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Joint Reinforcement Jointers Restoration
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