Ottawa Construction News staff writer
Construction and design professionals will have a rare opportunity to learn about the structural behaviour and conservation of historic masonry from a leading international specialist this November.
The Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) Ottawa Chapter is hosting “An Engineer’s View of Lime-Mortared Masonry by an International Expert” on Nov. 6 at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts.
The five-hour seminar will be led by David Wiggins, a U.K.-based, award-winning conservation engineer who holds a doctorate in technical masonry conservation and is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Organizers say the event is geared toward structural engineers, architects, building envelope consultants, and heritage conservation professionals. It will offer research-based and practical insights applicable to both historic structures and modern projects.
The program is divided into two primary sessions. The first will explore the structural aspects of traditional lime-mortared masonry, including how walls stand and remain stable, load transfer mechanisms, and calculation-based assessments of masonry strength.
The second session will focus on deterioration mechanisms and fabric pathology. Topics will include water transport through porous materials, the myth of “breathability,” and how lime mortar sacrificially protects masonry units.
Following the presentations, Wiggins will lead an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to discuss real-world challenges directly with the expert.
The Ottawa seminar is part of a coordinated CSC initiative featuring two identical events during the first week of November, with a second session taking place in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
The event begins at 10 a.m. Tickets are $200 for CSC members and $250 for non-members, which includes lunch and networking opportunities.
