Often enduring more than a hundred years, brick masonry is testimony to the traditional collaboration between architect, engineer, and mason. Beauty and historical significance are often the most compelling features of brickwork.

Apart from mechanical damage, water ingress is the most detrimental force to concrete structures. Buildings the world over are failing far earlier than construction designers had planned. In some cases, this results in high...

Insulated metal panels (IMPs) have become increasingly popular in the last decade as a lightweight, prefabricated, total building enclosure system. Their strong, stiff, metal skins provide excellent water and air control. However, the joints...


A stable joint—one that does not move excessively when a load is applied near it—is obviously better than an unstable one. However, the best methods to make joints stable are not always agreed upon....