Masonry Magazine May 2001 Page. 48
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TMS INVESTIGATES MASONRY AFTER NISQUALLY EARTHQUAKE
On Wednesday, February 28, at 10:55 am an earthquake struck western Washington state near the Seattle, Olympia and surrounding Puget Sound areas. The earthquake registered 6.8 on the Richter scale with shaking lasting for approximately 40 seconds. The epicenter was located 11 miles northeast of Olympia near Anderson Island, with the focus approximately 32 miles underground. This was the largest earthquake to strike the area in more than 50 years and local newspapers quoted the estimated damages at nearly $2 billion.
The Masonry Society (TMS) immediately mobilized a disaster investigation team with the support of the Council for Masonry Research (CMR). The team arrived on site on March 1 for a three-day reconnaissance of the damage to masonry structures in the area. The team included Rich Allen (Brick Industry Association), Trey Hamilton (University of Wyoming), Bill Kjorlien (Southern Brick Institute,) and Jason Thompson (National Concrete Masonry Association). Help and guidance from local masonry professionals was plentiful and made the effort very productive and efficient. The investigation focused on Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma. Several residential areas and smaller towns in the area were also observed.
In general, the performance of masonry in the affected areas was very favorable, with limited damage being observed. Parapet damage, cracking, and evidence of pounding were visible on some of the older, unreinforced masonry (URM) structures in the Pioneer Square area of Seattle. Similar damage was found in older URM structures in downtown Olympia. While there are no retrofitting requirements for existing URM buildings in these areas, many URM buildings appear to have external ties between the masonry and floor diaphragm and showed little or no damage from the earthquake. Likewise, nearly all of the newer masonry construction showed no external signs of damage.
Residential structures were also examined in Seattle and Olympia. New as well as older homes with masonry veneer appeared to have performed well, although a number of chimneys sustained damage or completely collapsed.
Additional information will be provided on the team's investigation as it becomes available. The TMS Investigating Disasters" Program was begun in 1992 by Dr. Daniel P. Abrams (University of Illinois), and is now led by Dr. Richard E. Klingner (University of Texas at Austin). The purpose of the Program is to maintain and enhance the performance of masonry by studying its performance under extreme loadings such as earthquakes. This TMS program has investigated the performance of masonry after the Northridge, CA earthquake, Hurricanes Opal and Fran, and tornadoes in Tennessee and Minnesota. For more information about the TMS Investigating Disasters Program contact TMS.
CANADIAN MASONRY CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION HOLD ANNUAL CONFERENCE
With many issues affecting both Canadian and American mason contractors, it was only natural that the Canadian Masonry Contractors' Association (CMCA) host its National Conference in Orlando, Florida February 21-24, 2001. The sharing of ideas and strong sense of purpose of CMCA and MCAA creates a synergy; raising the profile of masonry in each country.
Acting on the importance of apprenticeship training to masonry employers, Don Attfield, Director of Training at the Canada Masonry Centre spoke on the need for a National Common Core Curriculum for bricklaying apprenticeship. A Common Curriculum will act as a catalyst for moving our training programs forward in a meaningful fashion.
Raising the business acumen of contractor members of CMCA is at the forefront of the association's stated objectives. Michael Delisle, Vice President of Business Development for KPMG addressed the delegates on the benefits of ISO 9000 registration and the principles of self-improvement within an organization.
ISO registration is rapidly gaining acceptance in the construction industry, having already been established in the manufacturing and automotive sectors. Being registered makes a statement to clients, buyers of masonry construction that you are serious about achieving quality results and in ensuring client satisfaction.
The renewed sense of vitality and energy for the National Association was expressed in the selection of a new logo for CMCA, voted on by the members.
Once again CMCA participated with MCAA in building a Habitat for Humanity home and in competing in the International Skills Challenge. Nine apprentices from across Canada participated, and although they did not place in the final standings, they were most notable ambassadors.