Date: March 6, 2026 at 2:00pm EST
Length: 1 hour
Registration Fee: FREE for RAIC Members / Non-members $39
This webinar is designed for architects who want to get more out of their masonry projects by better balancing design intent, constructability, and long-term durability. Using Division 04 of the Canadian National Master Construction Specification (NMS) as the starting point, the session walks through how masonry specifications are typically structured, where they most often go wrong, and how clearer, more accurate language can reduce issues for everyone involved. Participants will explore key masonry materials, relevant CSA standards, and how these align with the 2020 National Building Code of Canada, with an emphasis on practical detailing that performs well in the real world, not just on paper. The webinar also highlights common construction and inspection challenges seen on new masonry projects, offering practical strategies to avoid costly errors before they happen. Along the way, attendees will be introduced to industry tools, software, design tables, and technical guides that can help support efficient, resilient, and low-carbon masonry design.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain how Division 04 masonry specifications interface with key CSA masonry standards to support durable, code-compliant design.
- Identify common pitfalls and ambiguities in masonry specifications and detailing, and apply strategies to write clearer, better coordinated construction documents.
- Recognize typical construction and inspection challenges in new masonry projects and develop practical solutions to avoid costly errors.
- Apply available industry tools and resources including software, design tables, and technical guides to support efficient, resilient, and low-carbon masonry design.
Speaker:
Monica Guzma, B.Sc., M.Sc.
Masonry Design Engineer
Canada Masonry Design Centre (CMDC)
Monica Guzman is the Masonry Design Engineer for the Canada Masonry Design Centre in the Calgary, AB office. She holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Venezuela and a M.Sc. in Structures and Solid Mechanics from the University of Calgary. She joined the CMDC technical team in 2008 and since then provides technical assistance to masonry designers across Canada in everything related to the design and construction of masonry for both structural and non-structural applications, codes and standards, detailing of masonry, best practice techniques, and provide access to state-of-the-art research results. She is a member of various CSA Technical Committees responsible for the development masonry standards. Monica is also actively involved in CMDC’s educational initiatives, delivering courses and seminars to the design community. She has delivered presentations at numerous conferences and seminars for architects, engineers, and university students, and she has authored conference papers and industry publications advancing masonry design.
This webinar is sponsored by:
NOTE:
1. An electronic registration confirmation will be emailed to you, once your registration is complete.
2. Please mark the webinar’s date and time on your calendar.
3. The RAIC will email the Zoom Access Link to you one-day prior the event.
4. The webinars will be delivered via Zoom. Please check this Zoom Test Link or speak with your IT Consultant ahead of time, to ensure your device is compatible with Zoom. For technical concerns, please see the Zoom links for Technical Requirements and also their Download Centre.