Improved design and monitoring of wind bracing for fresh masonry****

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There has been significant development of various advanced materials in construction industries, however masonry is still considered as one of the most cost-effective materials. Masonry structures, when properly designed, can resist wind or earthquake-induced lateral loads of large amplitude. However, they are vulnerable to wind-induced lateral loads caused during the construction stage when the masonry is yet to achieve full strength. In fact, free standing masonry walls at job site have been frequently blown over, resulting in the loss of materials, injury to workers and a subsequent increase in the construction cost. Temporary wind bracing is commonly used to laterally support masonry structures at job site and develop adequate lateral strength until a time where inherent full lateral support is obtained. However, unlike the primary load bearing bracing, design of temporary bracing (TB) is relatively subjective and error-prone, and their sudden failure may lead to injury or death of construction workers at job site. The industry partner, Canadian Masonry Design Centre (CMDC), anticipates the urgency for accurate design and placement of TB that would serve as potential engineering guideline to various consulting firms and mason contactors. The main objective of this proposal is to develop and share with our industry partner, stringent design guidelines and monitoring technology of TB systems at construction site and eliminate the approximate design strategies adopted by the masonry industry. Once developed, CMDC and entire masonry industry will be benefitted in significant cost-savings in preventing faulty TBs and their repetitive replacement at job site, resulting in safer and secure workplace for mason contractors and workers.