Earthen Modular Masonry Committee

The committee’s mission is to develop a reference standard for the design of earthen masonry wall systems and facilitate the expansion of earthen masonry from a niche product to full integration within the masonry industry.

Technical Committee

Parent Body: TMS-TAC

Designation: EMMC

Documents: In Development

Committee Leadership

Ben Loescher, PE

Loescher Meachem Architects — Los Angeles, CA

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Mission & Scope

To develop a reference standard for the design of earthen masonry wall systems based on the
best available research as well as traditional and modern construction practice, which will allow the retirement to all references to TMS 402 (16) and facilitate the expansion of earthen masonry from a significant niche product to full integration within the masonry industry.

Goals

Near Term Goals
  1. Establish a consensus standard for adobe brick which can be referenced in the
    IBC for the prescriptive design of adobe masonry, in regions of low seismic and
    moderate wind risk, and allow the full retirement of TMS 402 (16).
  2. Establish prescriptive design criteria to guide the use of Compressed Earth Block
    (CEB) and Stabilized Compressed Earth Block (SCEB) in regions of low seismic
    and moderate wind risk. This goal may be deferred to Medium Term if necessary.
Medium Term Goals
  1. Based on testing, establish criteria for the use of performance based design of
    adobe and CEB masonry in regions of low wind and seismic risk.
  2. Develop QA/QC criteria for earthen blocks appropriate for use in conjunction with
    IBC Chapter 17, Special Inspections and Tests.
Long Term Goals
  1. Based on what is expected to be an extensive testing and research regime, establish criteria for the use of strength based design of adobe and CEB masonry in seismic and high wind environments in accordance with FEMA P-695.

Committee Calendar

Committee Meeting

May 19, 2026, 2:00 – 2:50 pm ET

Virtual Session

Committee Meeting

August 24, 2026, 1:00 – 1:50 pm ET

Virtual Session

Resources & Documents

Interested in contributing? TMS committee membership is open to all qualified professionals.

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