Masonry Magazine February 2007 Page. 55

Words: Eric Johnson
Masonry Magazine February 2007 Page. 55

Masonry Magazine February 2007 Page. 55
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CIRCLE 163 ON READER SERVICE CARD
February 2007
Masonry 49

Brick and masonry systems are beneficial elements in green design and the construction of safe, durable structures that will be an asset to a community.

to brick beyond its thermal mass," Chandler said. "When it comes to patios, for example, brick is a good alternative because you remove all the safety hazards you might see with treated wood and lumber that can begin to rot quickly."

Patios and other brick structures can last a lifetime. Brick has an amazing life cycle - conservatively estimated at 100 years and there are many examples that are much older, some by centuries.

The actual "embodied energy" of brick (the energy required to mine, manufacture and transport it), is approximately 4,000 BTUs per pound or 14,000 BTUs per standard brick. According to the AIA Environmental Resource Guide, that's less than concrete, glass, steel, aluminum or even wood. And it's far below the embodied energy of EIFS and fiber-cement products.

Brick and masonry systems are beneficial elements in green design and the construction of safe, durable structures that will be an asset not a liability to a community. A growing number of builders and homebuyers look at brick to reduce energy bills while protecting the environment. Added to that awareness is the emerging knowledge that masonry materials provide a high level of safety while reducing insurance premiums, making brick both aesthetically and economically attractive.

Eric N. Johnson, P.E., has 25 years of engineering experience, and has been director of engineering at Brick SouthEast for the last seven. He holds a bachelor's in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin and a master's in structural engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C, with a second office in Atlanta, Brick SouthEast (www.gobricksoutheast.com) is dedicated to the advancement of brick products in the Southeastern United States, providing support for consumer marketing, professional educational programs and industry development.

Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2005, International Code Council. This article originally appeared in the October 2005 issue of Building Safety Journal


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