Following a 6-year development schedule, The Masonry Society (TMS) has completed and published the 2022 edition of TMS 402/602 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures. This updated edition of TMS 402/602 includes numerous changes and additions such as completely revised veneer provisions that are more rationally based and a new Appendix on the use of GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) reinforced masonry.

These and other major changes will be reviewed in a 5-session Night School starting on October 19.

Dr. Jennifer Tanner of the University of Wyoming has released through TMS a new edition of her popular Masonry Course Notes that were developed for use in semester‐long, undergraduate or combined undergraduate/graduate courses in masonry design. The notes serve as a textbook for structural design classes or could be used to supplement critical topics in construction management courses. This edition of the Masonry Course Notes is based on the 2016 edition of TMS 402/602 and include 25 lectures, each intended for a presentation of approximately 75 minutes, a sample syllabus, Excel files that accompany selected lectures such as interaction diagrams, and a set of homework assignments that could be used in structural design classes.

The Masonry Society will be holding a Virtual Town Hall session to provide updates on Society activities, review TMS’s financial health, and look at upcoming projects and programs. Anyone may listen into these calls, but TMS Board Members and leaders are especially encouraged to attend this session to help prepare for the board meeting at the October 2022 Annual Meeting. Time permitting, there will also be open discussion on needs and opportunities.

Over 150 abstracts have been received for the 14th North American Masonry Conference (14NAMC), which will be held June 11-14, 2023, in the heart of historic Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska. These abstracts are currently under review and papers from approved abstracts will serve as a strong technical core for the conference along with keynote presentations, innovative learning sessions, and student competitions.

As the technical program and content is being considered, a number of enjoyable social events are also being prepared for the 200 plus expected attendees. Information on the conference is posted at masonrysociety.org/14namc/ and registration and event information will be posted in January.

Sponsorship for the conference is now being offered and includes limited opportunities to sponsor events, items, and to offer innovative learning sessions. Note that many sponsorship opportunities are available on a first come, first served basis. If you plan to financially support the conference, do so soon to select those items or events that connect with your support.

The Nominating Committee of the Society has recommended Dr. David I. McLean, Ph.D., P.E., FTMS, Dean of the College of Engineering at Colorado State University as President-Elect for the Society,

Also recommended are Peter Babaian, of SGH as Vice President, and Jamie Davis, of Rynn-Biggs and Associates as the Secretary/Treasurer. The Committee has also recommended a excellent slate for the 2022-2024 Class to the Board of Directors as shown here. TMS Voting Members are reminded to complete their Ballot on the nominations and a proposed Bylaws Revision by September 7, 2022 by logging into their account and clicking here.

The Society is needed knowledgeable reviewers on a number of projects including serving as Chapter Reviewers for the Masonry Designers' Guide, and for Paper Reviewers on TMS Journal and the North American Masonry Conference. Reviews can take as little as a few hours. To volunteer, fill out the Reviewer Form to let us know your interest and your expertise. You will then be contacted by staff or team members based on needs corresponding with your expertise.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Dr Ken Fisher of the International Masonry Society. As a Founder Member of the British Masonry Society, he served regular terms as a Council member. In 1998 he took over as Honorary Secretary of the BMS which subsequently became the International Masonry Society or IMS.

NCSEA has awarded TMS Members, Thomas DiBlasi, their Service Award, and Ramon Gilsanz, the James Delahay Award

For his outstanding achievements and service, ACI recognized Dr. Lawrence F. Kahn, FTMS, as an Honorary Member. ACI awards this honor in recognition of “a person of eminence in the field of the Institute's interest, or one who has performed extraordinary meritorious service to the Institute.”

Nick Lang, vice president of ICPI/NCMA, was honored with the ASTM Award of Merit. The prestigious award, which includes the accompanying title of fellow, is ASTM’s highest recognition for distinguished service and outstanding participation in ASTM International committee activities. Lang was recognized for his exceptional engineering background, commitment to quality of masonry products, and his ability to bring together diverse points of view to create solutions.

John Melander, TMS Fellow Member and past President, has been awarded the Slag Cement Association (SCA) their Distinguished Service Award. Long-time SCA staff, Melander served as the SCA Executive Director from 2013 through 2017 and is currently the Technical Consultant to SCA. Melander has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of cement, concrete, and masonry materials technology.

Larry D. Olson, has been named an ACI Fellow Member. Larry D. Olson has served as President and Chief Engineer of Olson Engineering, Inc., for 36 years since its founding in 1985.

Jason Thompson, FTMS, who serves as current TMS Vice president and in numerous other key roles within TMS and the masonry industry, resigned his position as ICPI-NCMA’s Vice President of Research and Development at the end of July to pursue new opportunities. He will continue to be active within TMS and in other forums as an independent consultant.