Novel Design Strategies of Temporary Bracing for Early-age Masonry Structures at Construction Sites

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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. Freestanding masonry walls at construction sites 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 sites and develop adequate lateral strength until the structures achieve the inherent full lateral support. However, unlike the primary load-bearing bracing, the 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 sites. The industry partners, Canada Masonry Design Centre (CMDC) and the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association (CCMPA) anticipate the urgency for accurate design of TB that would serve as potential engineering guidelines to various consulting firms and mason contractors. The main objective of this proposal is to develop and share with our industry partners, stringent design guidelines, and monitoring technology of TB systems at the construction sites and eliminate the approximate design strategies adopted by the masonry industry. Once developed, the entire masonry industry will be benefitted in significant cost-savings in preventing faulty TBs and their repetitive replacement at job sites, resulting in a safer and secure workplace for mason contractors and workers.