Design Practices Committee (DPC)

Chair

Steven Judd (Term Ends 2026)

Mission

Identify current practices and resources related to the design of masonry; and investigate methods of improving those practices and resources; or in their absence, develop new practices and resources.

Goals

Improve or create masonry-related practices and resources that:

• Promote safe and economical design;
• Inform designers, regulators, and users; and
• Reflect appropriate state-of-the-art design, analyses, research, and field observations.

Activities

In the pursuit of these goals:

• Maintain and update Direct Design Handbook for Masonry Structures (TMS 403)
• Maintain and update Standard Method for Determining Sound Transmission Ratings for Masonry Assemblies (TMS 302)
• Maintain and update Design and Construction Guidelines for Dry-Stack Masonry
• Identify topics and coordinate reviews for TMS Responds and similar forums to inform the design community
• Recognize innovative design practices through the Haller Award.

Subcommittees

• Haller Award Committee

Committee Documents