Exploring the Inclusion of Structural Masonry in Higher Education, South Africa

Abstract

This study explores the incorporation of structural masonry into the undergraduate programmes of higher education institutions in South Africa, specifically focusing on civil engineering. This study is of an exploratory nature. A significant portion of the urban infrastructure in South Africa is predominantly built using structural masonry. Structural masonry is a building method in which the walls of a building or any masonry component, such as a masonry beam or a masonry column, serve a structural purpose. Unfortunately, many higher education programmes that train civil engineers, technologists, and technicians do not adequately address aspects of structural masonry design, detailing, and construction. Hence, it is imperative to address this deficiency throughout the industry in order to enable masonry designers, such as structural engineers, to adhere to the requirements of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977. Ensuring compliance is crucial for protecting the well-being and security of the general population. The researchers collected and examined data through content analysis and verified it with the civil engineering departments of higher education institutions. While civil engineering can be pursued at various traditional universities and universities of technology, only two have confirmed that they offer a fair portion of structural masonry in their undergraduate curricula. The researchers consider this a significant issue because it is critical for civil engineers and technologists to have a thorough understanding of structural masonry. This study is the first in South Africa to propose and support structural masonry education in undergraduate programmes, including design, detailing, and construction.