The Masonry Society (TMS) has named Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Richard Bennett an Honorary Member. He is the 18th Honorary Member of the society since designations began in 1995. Being named an Honorary Member is the highest honor TMS bestows. Individuals must have unanimous approval by the TMS Board of Directors and have attained acknowledged eminence related to masonry research, design, or construction.
“Being named an Honorary Member is quite humbling. I was very surprised when I found out that I was selected,” Bennett said. “Since 2000, there have only been eight other people named as an Honorary Member.”
TMS is an educational, scientific, and technical organization whose mission is to advance masonry knowledge, its development, and application. TMS develops various masonry resources and educates through workshops, seminars, and conferences. They also collaborate with the construction industry, design professionals, and other leaders who aim for a better and more resilient built environment.
Bennett has been a University of Tennessee faculty member since 1983. He first became involved in masonry design through some research projects around 1990. Structures are now his area of specialization.
His contributions to TMS have been significant and vast. Not only has Bennett been a speaker at many seminars and webinars but he has also been very active in the TMS 402/602 Code Committee. He is currently vice-chair of the committee but has been chair for one prior code cycle as well as vice-chair for two previous code cycles.
“TMS 402/602 is building code requirements and specifications for masonry structures. This is the building code that is used for the structural design of all masonry buildings in the US, ranging from high seismic areas to the hurricane coastline and all areas in between,” said Bennett. “I have been fortunate to have been involved in and led many changes and improvements to the code over the years.”
Additionally, Bennett was the editor to the latest edition of The Masonry Designer’s Guide (2022), “an over 1,000-page book covering all aspects of masonry design, including the complete design of three example buildings.” Bennett was also an author of Strength Design of Masonry, “a book focused on providing practical design methods and tips for consulting engineers.”
“UT has been a very supportive place to work and develop my professional career. I believe that UT deserves this award as much as I do because of the support and positive environment they have provided,” Bennett said. “TCE is a place where people can develop, thrive, and have a national impact.”
Contact
Lilly Tran (tce@utk.edu)