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“Our online technical manual
includes detail drawings for both
masonry veneers and structural
walls in CAD and 3D modelling,
so architects, building envelope
specialists and engineers can see
walls being built through a series
of layers and the sequence of con-
struction. It’s a unique feature and
one that is getting positive feed-
back and one we hope will help
inspire. These MIBC Details are
available for free download on
our MIBC website.”
The feedback has been so pos-
itive, the institute is now collabo-
rating with its counterpart in
Alberta to roll the program out
there and may look at expanding
it across Canada.
Another source of inspiration
is the MIBC masonry awards,
held every three years. The
awards, next scheduled for 2015,
include submissions by architects
and engineers and include recog-
nition in a variety of categories
including restoration, commer-
cial, residential and institutional
projects. People’s choice awards from the attendees at the awards ban-
quet also showcase masonry design excellence, innovation and
beauty. Another concern and focus of the institute, as with many
sectors of the industry, is the aging workforce. McEwen says
the masonry training school in Surrey offers apprenticeship pro-
grams, but they are not full and the tendency of workers in the
field to retire younger is a cause for concern.
“Bricklaying is not about sheer strength but it does require
skill, concentration, technique and working outdoors,” he said.
“We need to work more with schools and counsellors to educate
people. “Masonry is a good job and provides a good career. People
coming out of apprenticeships are already ahead of the game
financially. Trades simply aren’t given appropriate considera-
tion.” McEwen says women's participation in masonry is histori-
cally low but doesn’t have to be.
The institute continues in its research efforts which will con-
tribute to future building code developments. “We’re co-ordi-
nating with others in Canada and the U.S., sharing information
on common issues and common concerns and working to raise
the bar for masonry across the country.”
For more information, visit www.masonrybc.org.
www.merx.com/events merk@merx.com
www.merx.com The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Summer 2014 – 21