Fact from Fiction: Busting Masonry Myths
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 | 12-1 p.m. Eastern Time
1 LU/HSW
Join us to bust myths associated with masonry design and construction, including speed of construction, strength, testing requirements for mortar, and movement joint spacing. Learn the facts from the fiction so you can spot them on projects and design efficient masonry structures that are cost-effective and built in less time. We’ll discuss the top 5 misconceptions about masonry along with practical solutions. Finally, see the importance of hiring trained craftworkers to avoid inefficient design and construction.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore myths about masonry design and construction and how to avoid them on your project.
- Implement cost savings elements on projects.
- Avoid designing movement joints using old empirical rules of thumb and use more efficient analytical methods instead.
- Incorporate appropriate testing and inspection requirements on projects for both masonry and mortar.
About the Speaker
brian trimble, pe, CDT, leed ap
Director of Industry Development and Technical Services, IMI
Brian is a professional engineer who has worked in the masonry industry for over 30 years, assisting design professionals in the design of masonry structures. He speaks frequently to local, regional, and national construction industry groups.
His career began with a brick manufacturer and he worked for the Brick Industry Association for over 20 years. For the International Masonry Institute he coordinates activities in the Western PA and Western NY areas. In addition to owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and craftspeople, he promotes masonry to a wide range of audiences.
