Seasons Greetings from The Masonry Society!

Cast Stone Standards Open for Comment

Comments Accepted December 16, 2022 through January 30, 2023

The Cast Stone Committee of The Masonry Society (TMS) has proposed revisions to the 2016 Standards for Architectural Cast Stone (TMS 404-16 (Standard for the Design of Architectural Cast Stone), TMS 504-16 (Standard for the Fabrication of Architectural Cast Stone) and TMS 604-16 (Standard for the Installation of Architectural Cast Stone)) and their companion commentaries for a planned 2023 edition of the Standards.In accordance with the rules of The Masonry Society, proposed changes to standardized documents must be open for public comment for a period of not less than 45 days. As such, the comment period is scheduled from December 16, 2022 through January 30, 2023.

The following are key dates and reminders for opportunities through the first quarter of 2023 along with office closure dates for the holidays:

• December 16: Public Comment Period Opens for Architectural Cast Stone Standards
• December 26: Office Closed
• December 31: Deadline for 2023 Member Dues (Note that the website automatically changes non-renewing member to non-members, so to continue to benefit from your membership, make sure to renew before year's end)
• January 2: Office Closed
• January 30: Public Comment Period Closes for Architectural Cast Stone Standards
• February 1: Fellow Member Nominations Due
• March 28-29: Gravity Retaining Wall (GRW) Standard Meeting in Minneapolis, MN
• April 16: James L. Noland Student Fellowship Application Deadline

Watch the website for additional opportunities including a likely Executive Committee Meeting in Denver on April 21-22, and a possible Masonry Education Summit on April 28-29. In addition, Members are reminded that nominations for Honorary Members are accepted at any time.

Need Year-End Continuing Education Credits?

Access On-Demand Courses on TMS's Masonry Education Hub!

The Masonry Education Hub provides more than 60 on-demand courses and recorded webinars on a variety of masonry topics including design, materials, inspection, testing, and more. Most courses provide continuing education and many qualify for AIA Learning Units. This includes recordings of the recent five-part Night School webinar series reviewing TMS 402/602-22 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures, the 6 part Masonry 101 Night School series, and the 7 session Existing Masonry Night School. Series bundle discounts are available.

TMS Journal being Finalized

New TMS Journal Vol. 40, No. 1 Available December 30

A new issue, Vol. 40, No. 1, of TMS Journal is in the final stages of editing and will be available by month's end here along with past issues of TMS Journal. Papers will include:

Technical Papers

• Investigation of Mix Designs for Lightweight Grout per ASTM C476, By: Rumi Shrestha, Laura Redmond, Jason Thompson, and Prasad Rangaraju
• Quantitative Appraisal of the Sustainability of Compressed Stabilized Earthen Masonry, By: Elena Hoff and Ece Erdogmus

General Interest Papers

• Compression Behavior of Corrugated Veneer Ties On Insulation, By: Richard M. Bennett, Charles B. Clark, Jr., and Jim Bryja
• Investigation of Mix Designs for Lightweight Grout per ASTM C476, By: Richard M. Bennett and John M. Hochwalt

For information on submitting a paper for consideration in future editions of TMS Journal, click here.

Sponsorships Available for 14NAMC

Event/Item Sponsors Opportunities Filling Up-Act Soon to Reserve

Over 100 papers were 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. Papers are now being reviewed and approved papers 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 developed, a number of enjoyable social events are also being prepared for 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