Whether it be for engineers, architects, masonry contractor members, or researchers, CMDC offers complimentary, informed, expert advice on everything masonry.

CMDC is funded by our member contractors, however, our engineering staff are here to provide objective and technically accurate advice to all eligible parties. CMDC does not, however, provide engineering consulting services, but rather, will work with designers and contractor members to resolve technical challenges, interpret standards clauses, handle unique detailing challenges, mitigate possible jobsite conflicts, or otherwise share our wealth of expertise in masonry materials, design, and construction.

CMDC engineering staff are located in offices around the country and are available through phone, video call, email correspondence, or site visits when necessary.

We host several useful resources including frequently asked technical questions about masonry, common issues identified in masonry specifications, an overview of useful standards and design guides, and an overview of the design, planning, construction and costing of multi-storey loadbearing masonry.

CMDC proudly collaborates with CCMPA in the development of the MASS design software. Our dedicated staff is available to offer technical assistance and support to engineers who have any questions or concerns related to MASS. Through phone or video calls, we provide real-time solutions for masonry structural designs. Additionally, extensive user help files and instructional videos are readily available on the MASS website to aid users in their design processes.

As the leading publisher in the field of masonry in Canada, CMDC is responsible for the premier design textbook resource, “Masonry Structures: Behaviour and Design.” The 2nd edition of this influential book encompasses an expanded scope and enriched content to further serve the needs of the industry.

CMDC plays a vital role as a partner with CCMPA in funding and leveraging grant money to support innovative masonry research conducted at universities across Canada. These ongoing research projects have a significant impact, with millions of dollars dedicated annually, contributed through industry funds, government grants, and donations of materials and staff time. This strong research and education network serves as the foundation for our active involvement in the development of codes and standards within the industry. Our website offers a comprehensive collection of industry literature, technical reports, conference papers, and journal articles, all conveniently accessible and linked.

The Canadian Masonry Symposium stands as a prominent gathering for masonry researchers in Canada and from around the world. As part of a series of four international masonry conferences held on a four-year cycle, the symposium provides a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The last symposium took place virtually in partnership with Concordia University in 2021, with the next planned in 2025 in Ottawa, ON. For those interested in past symposium papers, a library containing these valuable resources is readily available here.