TMS Masonry Production and Repair Database

Words: Phillip SamblanetThe Masonry Society (TMS) is pleased to introduce the "Masonry Production and Repair" database, a new online resource available to TMS members and the general public.

An indexed bibliography citing 160 years of masonry research, "Masonry Production and Repair" is a searchable database containing complete citations for thousands of masonry-related articles. Additionally, "Masonry Production and Repair" contains approximately 2,000 full-text articles in PDF form.

"Masonry Production and Repair" was developed by TMS member Debra Laefer of University College Dublin,

Ireland. Funding for this resource was provided by the United States National Endowment for the Arts and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.

For more information on the data-base, or to use it, visit www.masonrysociety.org.
Natural Stone Ordering: Details Matter Before the Job Starts
October 2026

A lot of problems on a stone job can be traced back to the order. I’m on the supplier side, so I see it regularly. A mason can do everything right in the field and still end up fighting a job because the wrong material was ordered, quantities were off, c

Dust Mitigation in Masonry: Practical Strategies for Safer Job Sites
October 2026

Every day, masonry professionals cut block, grind mortar joints, core drill, mix dry materials, and demolish existing structures. These tasks are fundamental to the trade, but they also generate dust. While dust may seem like an unavoidable part of the jo

What Does That Marking Actually Mean?: Understanding the Standards Behind Your PPE
October 2026

Walk onto almost any masonry project, and you will see a variety of markings on personal protective equipment: Z87+, Type I, Type II, Class E, ANSI, and others. We recognize many of these markings and know they are important, but understanding exactly wha

TERRA Footwear Renews as a Silver Partner in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to share that TERRA Footwear will renew as a Silver Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.