Terence A. Weigel, Ph.D. from the University of Louisville, will lead the team. Weigel said, "When catastrophic events like hurricanes damage structures, it is important to conduct an investigation as quickly as possible before clean-up efforts are begun to collect forensic data and determine how well the structures performed. Quick-response field studies conducted following major disasters are vital to identify knowledge gaps where further research is most needed. Such investigations also offer opportunities to make recommendations regarding mitigation measures, disaster preparedness, and emergency responses for better preparing communities for future disasters."
Other team members joining Weigel include Jason Thompson of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), Benchmark Harris of the Isbell Engineering Group, Inc., and John Bufford of ACME Brick Company. Additional investigators may join the team if needed to further goals and objectives of the observation.
The Masonry Society, working together with the Council for Masonry Research (CMR) is sponsoring the investigation of structures in Hurricane Katrina's path. The Masonry Society is a professional and technical society for all people who deal with masonry. Members include engineers, architects, educators, manufacturers, contractors, craftsmen, students and many others with an interest in masonry.
