Variations in masonry construction techniques from country to country exists today. Basic terminology used to describe masonry construction is different throughout American countries. This technical publication provides an opportunity to correlate performance of various masonry construction methods so that more can be learned about the sensitivities, or commonalities, inherent in the construction techniques that are used. This timely publication is a set of technical papers on various related topics authored by engineers from various North, Central, and South American countries. This special publications will be of interest to designers, constructors and specifiers.