TRAINING.

Overview

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Evaluate existing masonry structures using code‑informed investigation and analysis processes
• Interpret material properties, construction systems, and historic context to support sound engineering judgment
• Select and justify appropriate retrofit strategies to improve structural performance, stability, and serviceability
• Plan and implement monitoring and maintenance programs to manage long‑term masonry performance
• Apply retrofit and maintenance concepts to real‑world masonry case scenarios involving environmental and structural demands

Description

In professional practice, working with existing masonry structures often means making critical decisions with incomplete information, aging materials, and evolving performance expectations. Whether addressing safety concerns, adapting structures for new use, or extending service life, professionals must balance technical analysis, code requirements, and practical constructability.

This course provides a structured approach to evaluating and intervening in masonry structures, ranging from historic to modern systems. Participants will develop the ability to assess existing conditions through investigation and testing, identify material and system vulnerabilities, and determine appropriate retrofit, monitoring, and maintenance strategies aligned with performance objectives.

Through applied frameworks and real‑world case studies, the course emphasizes practical decision‑making, documentation, and implementation considerations. The focus is on building confidence in selecting, communicating, and executing solutions that improve structural integrity, durability, and long‑term performance of masonry buildings.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Civil and structural engineers working with existing buildings
• Engineering technologists and technical professionals involved in investigation, rehabilitation, or asset management
• Professionals responsible for evaluating, retrofitting, or maintaining masonry structures
• Early‑career through senior practitioners seeking to strengthen applied skills in masonry assessment and intervention

Please note: You can check other time zones here.

Syllabus

Day I

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Methods

Introduction to Ancient Masonry

• Introduction to ancient masonry
• History of masonry materials
• Early building elements
• Development of building structure
• The transition from ancient to modern masonry

Introduction to Modern Masonry

• Introduction
• Properties of masonry materials
• Properties of masonry assemblages
• Building code requirements of unreinforced and reinforced masonry construction

Day II

Evaluation and Retrofit Process

• Introduction
• Need for evaluation
• Code requirements for evaluation
• Evaluation process
• Investigation plan
• Documentation and recording
• Information Management

Site Investigation and Analysis

• Introduction
• Preliminary site investigation
• Testing plan
• Detailed site investigation and in-situ testing
• Analysis

Day III

Retrofit

• Introduction
• Foundation retrofit
• Techniques related to the demand
• Techniques related to increasing element resistance
• Techniques related to increasing system stability and structural integrity
• Adding an opening to an existing wall
• Techniques related to improving serviceability
• Replacement
• Organization of Retrofit work

Day IV

Monitoring

• Introduction
• Monitoring process
• Monitoring system design
• Equipment
• Data and analysis and recording

Maintenance

• Introduction
• Code requirements
• Maintenance process
• Maintenance items and deterioration mechanisms
• Inspection intervals
• Maintenance activities
• Cleaning

Case Studies

• Case Study 1: Brick Masonry retrofit for high wind
• Case Study 2: Brick veneer maintenance and retrofit
• Case study 3: Thermal and Moisture evaluation of a masonry cavity wall

Questions and Answers, Feedback on Achievement of Learning Outcomes

Instructor

Ahmad A. Hamid, Ph.D., P.E.

Dr. Ahmad A. Hamid has over 50 years of experience in education, research and consulting in the design and seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete structures and ancient and contemporary masonry structures. He is also an expert in green and sustainable building structures and in the design and retrofit of building envelopes under structural and environmental loads. Dr. Hamid has published 7 books on the design and retrofit of masonry structures and 4 ebooks on the design and retrofit of building envelopes. He is the author of “ Masonry Structures: Behavior and Design,” 4th Edition, published by The Masonry Society in 2017 and co-author of “ Assessment and Retrofit of Masonry Structures,” published by The Masonry Society in 2019.

Dr. Hamid is a professional engineer in the US, Canada and Egypt. He has assessed and retrofitted ancient and modern masonry structures worldwide, including USA, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Italy, Brazil and Portugal.