Dr. Margaret Thomson Presented Award of Merit

Words: Catherine Adkinson/Public/News/20110604120000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Dr. Margaret Thomson has received the ASTM International Award of Merit." />
Dr. Margaret Thomson has received the ASTM International Award of Merit.
ASTM International Committee C12 on Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry has recognized Margaret Thomson, Ph.D., director of New Business Development, Technical Services, at Lhoist North America in Fort Worth, Texas, with the ASTM Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow. The Award of Merit is the highest organizational recognition for individual contributions to ASTM standards activities.

Committee C12 cited Thomson, a member of ASTM International since 1996, for her exceptional leadership and commitment to standards development for the committee, especially in the area of historic mortars. In addition to her work for C12, where she currently serves as a member at large, Thomson is vice chairman of Committee C07 on Lime and chairman of Subcommittee C07.06 on Physical Tests. C07 has honored her with two Awards of Appreciation for her contributions. She also works on Committees C01 on Cement, C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and E60 on Sustainability.

Thomson joined Lhoist North America (formerly Chemical Lime Co.) as technical manager of Chemstar Type S Hydrated Lime in 1996. She was promoted to technical director, Western Sales Division, in 2009, and received her current title in 2011. Before Lhoist, she was a research scientist focusing on performance of lime-based mortar for masonry at the National Research Council Canada’s Institute for Research in Construction. Thomson received a B.Sc. with honors and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.

In addition to ASTM International, Thomson is a member of the Canadian Standards Association, the Masonry Society, the American Concrete Institute and the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM).
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic