Tuesday, February 24, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET

This session will focus on results from laboratory-based experimental characterization of load bearing masonry systems.  We will assess required parameters for design and analysis for code-based and numerical analysis and currently available experimental data for old unreinforced masonry. The presentation will highlight new tests on field-extracted samples and explore the integration of digital recording techniques and non-destructive testing methods to enhance and validate numerical models, followed by a discussion highlighting the useful intersections of research and practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore multi-scale experimental and non-destructive testing of unreinforced masonry: unit and mortar characterization, compression and shear tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity testing.

2. Highlight experimental testing standards and the application of high-fidelity data recording tools, including ultrasonic tomography.

3. Analyze ongoing research available for durability and strength characterization of unreinforced masonry.

4. Discuss how experimental research informs practical seismic analysis to meet code provisions.

Continuing Education Credits
AIA, RCEP
1.5 LU/HSW/PDH (pending)

Accreditation guidelines dictate that continuing education credit is only available to participants of the live program. 

Can't join the webinar live? A limited-access recording of this session will be available exclusively to those who register for the webinar.  Please note, per AIA guidelines, only participants of the live program are eligible for continuing education credits.

Registration Fees

• APT Members: $20
• Emerging Professionals: $15
  
• Students: $10
  
• Non-Members: $35

 Register

Speakers:

	Lucy Davis, MASc, McGill University, 2025 David Fischetti Award Winner Lucy is a researcher at McGill University, completing her PhD in structural engineering with a focus on the seismic assessment of unreinforced masonry buildings in Eastern Canada. Her work combines typological analysis, experimental testing and numerical modelling for engineering and conservation of structures. Lucy is also the winner of the 2025 APT PETC David Fischetti award for her co-authorship of the paper titled "Experimental shear performance of old masonry walls typical of Eastern Canada" for which this presentation is based. The paper is available for download or by PDF request (Constr Build Mater 2025 https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CONBUILDMAT.2025.140850).
	Elyse Hamp, MASc, Carleton University Elyse is a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering at Carleton University, a CIPA-HD Emerging Professional, and Manager of the UNESCO Research Chair on Digital Twins for World Heritage Conservation, hosted through the Carleton Immersive Media Studio. Her research focuses on the structural analysis of historic unreinforced masonry, using digital tools and non-destructive testing to enhance numerical modelling. She has worked internationally on the HeritageCare preventive conservation project at the University of Minho, on cultural heritage documentation projects in Myanmar, Italy, and Peru, and is currently teaching an undergraduate course on building pathology and rehabilitation at Carleton University.
Moderator:
	Arlin Otto, M.Eng, P.Eng, CAHP – Structural Engineer, Associate at Tacoma Engineers, Co-Chair Preservation Engineering Technical Committee (PETC) Arlin Otto is a structural engineer specializing in restoration, adaptive reuse and rehabilitation work across South-Western Ontario. She completed her bachelor’s degree in architectural conservation and sustainability engineering at Carleton University and her masters at the University of Waterloo with a focus on structural engineering and fire safety engineering. She has been part of the heritage and investigation team at Tacoma Engineers since 2017. Arlin has a keen interest in post disaster and forensic assessments of structures and predominantly works in adaptive reuse. She is an active supporter of the Architectural Conservatory of Ontario (ACO) and APT.

Brought to you by the APT Preservation Engineering Technical Committee.