Development of an Innovative, Thermally Efficient Masonry Wall System for Accelerated and Modular Construction

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New energy requirements for Canadian infrastructure have brought a paradigm shift in which energy and thermal performance have become the main drivers in the design of new buildings. Owners, architects, and engineers now choose their construction materials carefully to meet the more stringent performance indexes required by newer energy codes. Masonry is a centuries-old construction material that despite its proven record of strength, durability, and energy efficiency, remains underutilized. Masonry technology has failed to capitalize on the significant innovations in material science, computer simulation, and construction technology that have occurred in recent decades. As a result, modern masonry construction is not cost-effective: the lack of a standardized modular masonry system prevents the use of offsite construction or pre-fabrication techniques causing a relatively low production rate, while insulating masonry block wall systems to meet current energy codes is a time-consuming task that requires additional labour and costs. This hinders the use of masonry in Canadian infrastructure and the benefits that it could bring to Canadian infrastructure in terms of durability and thermal performance. The objective of this proposal is to develop an innovative masonry wall system with enhanced thermal performance, suitable for accelerated construction through modularization and robot-friendly placement. The proposed solution has damage-resistant features to mitigate the localized damage and low energy dissipation typical of modular construction - and it can be designed using the first principles of masonry design. The proposed research is long overdue for the industry, and it has garnered wide interest from contractors and scientific organizations seeking the advancement of masonry science in Canada (such as the Canada Masonry Design Centre, and the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association), as well as the design community and the CSA S304 standards committee. Systems with enhanced thermal performance can be built more rapidly than conventional masonry and will have an immediate impact on safety and the total cost of masonry construction. The proposed research will provide timely and valuable experimental and analytical results that address previously identified areas of interest by block producers and masonry contractor associations in Canada. The outcome of this research in terms of fundamental knowledge, design advancements as well as the training of highly qualified researchers and engineers, will set Canada apart as a world leader and driver of expertise in thermally efficient, loadbearing masonry design.