Mortar in Reinforced Masonry

IMI is testing the limits of “board mortar” for use in structural masonry. This first phase determines the compressive strength of the reinforcing mortar or grout. The second step was to fabricate a set of test specimens and subject them to the pull out test. Preliminary results indicate the low slump reinforcing mortar is a viable alternative in reinforced masonry.

The tests were funded by IMI, BAC Local 1 NY and the National Lime Association to develop documentation for constructing reinforced masonry systems.

Fire Rating Tests Put to the Test

The difference between a material’s fire rating and actual performance in a fire can literally mean life or death. That’s why IMI undertook a series of laboratory tests, and IMI will continue to work toward better fire ratings and design.

Post Fire Test Gypsum Post Fire Test AAC Block

ASTM E-119 “does not provide sufficient information to determine how long a building component in a structural system can be expected to perform in an actual fire.” ............................................................................................

—World Trade Center Building Performance Study issued May 1, 2002 by the American Society of Civil Engineers& Federal Emergency Management Agency

The tests were conducted in April 2003 at Omega Point Laboratories in San Antonio, Texas, a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory, on two common types of gypsum walls and AAC block. Tests were designed and supervised by registered fire protection engineer Michael O’Hara, P.E. using the two-phased protocol of ASTM E-119, “Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials”: a fire endurance (furnace) test, immediately followed by water application from a hose, to simulate firefighting situations.

The AAC wall assembly emerged unscathed. Both gypsum walls disintegrated during the water test, following the 2-hour fire exposure. Yet, both walls could still “earn” a 2-hour fire rating under E-119, because manufacturers can take a “second wall” test, which allows a second sample to be subjected to half of the furnace test, plus the water test. The tests were part of a longstanding joint effort by IMI and the National Concrete Masonry Association to educate designers and builders about ways to improve building safety.

For copies of the E-119 Test (CD or VHS), contact dlafey@imiweb.org.

The Brunelleschi Dome

Working in partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Design and Massimo Ricci, Curator of the Museum of the Dome, IMI developed software describing current theories of how the largest dome since antiquity was actually built. With sections on dome design and theory, the life of the mason, machinery used to build the Duomo, and a large selection of photos and video, the software is a valuable teaching and research tool. Contact dlafey@imiweb.org.

Life Cycle Cost Studies

Partnering with the Masonry Industry Council, the Council for Masonry Research and Stephen Kirk, FAIA, CVS, author of “Life Cycle Costing for Facilities,” IMI is developing software to analyze various wall sections for life cycle costing and various non cost items, such as aesthetics. Contact dsovinski@imiweb.org.

Council for Masonry Research (www.masonryresearch.org)