IMI Webinar Series: Innovations in Structural Masonry
Structural masonry continues to evolve with new technologies, materials, and design approaches that enhance performance, sustainability, and constructability. Explore cutting-edge innovations and advancements in new materials, delegated design practices, digital modeling tools, and modern construction methods. Through case studies and examples, we’ll illustrate how innovation in materials, software, and collaboration are expanding what’s possible in today’s masonry structures.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize new material developments in structural masonry, including high-strength units and advanced reinforcement, that enhance constructability and performance.
- Analyze the intent and practical impact of delegated design and design-assist in masonry projects, including how these approaches can affect efficiency, accountability, and overall project quality.
- Explore Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software tools to model, coordinate, and analyze masonry systems with greater precision.
- Evaluate sustainable, energy-efficient, and resilient low-carbon masonry materials.
About the Speaker:
Sam Rubenzer, PE, SE
Structural Engineer, Forse Consulting
Sam started FORSE in 2010, were he works as a delegated designer for other structural engineers on designs involving steel, concrete, PT concrete, masonry, and wood construction. He often speaks on the topics of software use and best practices in masonry design.
Sam has over 20 years of experience and is a licensed structural engineer (SE) and a professional engineer (PE) in many of the Midwestern states. He has also been a consultant to IMI for the past 10 years.