Mastering Movement in Masonry: Strategies for Resilient Design
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 | 12-1 p.m. Eastern Time
1 LU/HSW
Join us as we explore the movement characteristics of structural masonry wall systems and their critical role in creating resilient buildings. Properly accommodating movement helps prevent cracking, ensures structural integrity, and extends the life of masonry systems. Learn the key differences between movement joints in architectural veneers and structurally reinforced masonry. Understand where and how to locate vertical and horizontal control joints and expansion joints to allow for natural movement while maintaining the structure’s strength and durability.
Image by FORSE Consulting.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the movement characteristics specific to structural masonry wall systems.
- Compare and contrast movement joints in architectural veneers versus structural reinforced masonry.
- Identify best practices for locating movement joints through project case studies.
- Discuss how masonry materials and assemblies move and how to accommodate or restrain that movement.
About the Speaker
Mike Manor, PE, MLSE
Structural Engineer, FORSE Consulting
Over the course of his career, Mike has amassed a wide background across the gamut of structural engineering in the realm of building design, including big box retail, residential podium mid-rise, schools, office buildings, and many more. Having worked with all of the major building materials, he understands how masonry works as the primary material on a project and how it can interact well with other materials. Through his current work at FORSE, he educates and assists contractors, engineers, and architects on the cost-effectiveness of masonry through software modeling and project design review. Combining all of these experiences over the past 17 years, Mike enjoys presenting to audiences sharing practical design concepts to convey good engineering practice.
