International Masonry Institute News

IMI Plays Key Role in Code Development

The International Masonry Institute (IMI) staff consists of architects, engineers, construction managers, skilled craftworkers and instructors, who work together to craft language that committee members then submit to their respective national, state, and local code committees to adopt improvements which have a significant impact on building practices. IMI’s extensive knowledge of codes and standards provides guidance to our contractors and craftworkers giving them the competitive edge they need in today’s construction industry.

IMI’s Director of Engineering is currently serving as chair of the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE5 and TMS 602/ACI530.1/ASCE6 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures and is the former chair of the ASTM International (ASTM) Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and Assemblies. IMI also has staff serving on MSJC subcommittees on Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), Construction Requirements and Veneer, Glass Block and Empirical.

An IMI led ASTM task group on self-consolidating grout – resulted in the product’s addition to ASTM C476, creating more options for grouted masonry assemblies.

IMI also submitted industry comments for the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) which is under public review for final code this year.

On the International Building Code (IBC) IMI was successful in the addition of porcelain tile, recognizing tile as an exterior finish.

IMI and Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) testimony to the IBC overturned the recommendation of the International Code Committee (ICC) to reinstate gypsum based products as tile substrates in wet areas.

IMI’s efforts at the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) saw code victories including favorable changes in lippage, grout joint sizes and floor flatness, as well as language in ANSI 108 makings membrane manufacturers responsible when directing re-location of movement joints.

IMI is uniquely suited to influence the multi-year code process with its team of masonry professionals serving as advocates for the industry’s best interests.