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The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

Masonry basics with hands-on training

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All sessions in the Masonry education track are approved toward masonry certification.
The Masonry education track, part of the World of Masonry show within World of Concrete, focuses on new technologies and old standards that make up the mortar, brick, and stone industry. All sessions in this track are approved toward the MCAA National Masonry Certification program.

An exciting new offering this year is "Building Reinforced Masonry: The Basics." This seminar will educate masons, inspectors, and designers on construction of quality reinforced masonry construction following building code requirements and industry practices. An overview of masonry materials will cover mortar, grout, concrete masonry units (CMU), and brick. Correct techniques for mortar placement, using horizontal and vertical reinforcement, and grout consolidation will be followed by discussion of testing and inspection requirements. Special topics such as hot-and cold- weather construction, what causes masonry efflorescence, and using new materials, such as self-consolidating grout, will be addressed.

Attendees are encouraged to register for and attend one of the special Masonry Concrete Block hands-on training events on Wednesday afternoon to review proper masonry construction. This new, hands-on training session is limited to 30 attendees per session, so register soon! Attendees will watch three professional masons build a CMU wall with inside and outside corners while WOC Masonry advisor, Mike Schuller, provides valuable comments and tips. Issues addressed will include proper use of tools; mixing and spreading mortar; cutting blocks; positioning, laying, and adjusting blocks to the line in running bond; and how to use a corner pole. How to lay the first course, and make bed and head joints also will be demonstrated and discussed.

After the demonstration portion of this informative hands-on training event, attendees will be subdivided into three groups of 10 to layout and build three additional block walls with inside and outside corners, receiving individual instructions and tips from an assigned mason. If you are new to the masonry industry or have some experience but want to learn more from professional masons, plan to attend this hands-on-training session.

View all of the new hands-on training sessions now.

For questions, contact seminars@worldofconcrete.com.
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