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University Relations & Research Program

Concrete Masonry Open-Access Learning for Construction Management Students

Developed by the CSU Fresno Construction Management Department, this program creates a free, open-access learning platform to educate students, professionals and enthusiasts on concrete masonry structures. The curriculum features modules on materials, design, sustainability, construction methods and safety — delivered through video lectures, quizzes and case studies. By offering certifications, mentorship and industry engagement, the program expands accessibility to high-quality masonry education and supports career development across the construction industry. 

Student Travel Reimbursement for TMS Meeting

Provides reimbursement for full-time undergraduate students in their senior year who are interested or already engaged in concrete masonry technologies. This offsets the registration cost and travel expenses associated with attending the presentation segment of The Masonry Society (TMS) Annual Meeting. 

Impact of Concrete Masonry Units on the Resilience of the Built Environment

This program enlists the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) CSHub team to work with CMHA stakeholders to develop credible estimates of structural fragility for current CMU construction standards. Using this information, the research team will quantify and map the economic, environmental and societal benefits of CMU construction. 

Lap Splices for Masonry Wall Bracing

Program Spotlight PDF

This program supported University of Louisville research to evaluate the early age strength of lap splices at the base of concrete masonry walls during construction. The goal of this program was to update the Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls, developed by the Mason Contractors Association of America. The MCAA Standard Practice requires walls to be braced during construction in compliance with OSHA requirements, and it allows for walls to be braced either internally or externally. Internal wall bracing is prevalent and is a simple and effective way to improve site safety. The lap splice lengths required by the MCAA Standard Practice were based on testing conducted in the 1990s using direct tension, and this new research will test lap splices under flexural tension, which is expected to improve the internal wall bracing provisions, reduce conservatism in design, decrease compliance costs and increase worker safety. 

Research Investigation of Lift-Assist Equipment in Mason Productivity

This program tested the claims of lightweight back-assist exosuits by outfitting a masonry contractor crew with them. This research measured crew members’ hourly efficiency with and without the suits and created a basic model to show the difference between business –as usual and various efficiency strategies (e.g., lightweight block). 

Introducing Structural Masonry Design Software Into University Curriculum

Provides 40 licenses for Direct Design Software to be made available to fourth-level masonry students and masters and doctoral students in civil engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Training on the software will also be provided during the course. 

U of Wyoming Expanding Masonry Curriculums

This program developed a teaching and mentoring program that includes a suite of resources to expand the content of masonry classes within Region 5 and as a future model for other areas of the country. It followed a two-pronged approach that combined basic material behavior with fundamental design principles for a future generation of engineers. The overarching idea of this program was to create a set of materials that enrich design classes and reduce barriers to introducing masonry into university curriculums. 

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