Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook by James E. Amrhein

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This publication was developed to simplify and clarify the requirements, design, and construction of residential fireplaces and chimneys for use by architects, designers, engineers, building officials, construction inspectors, masons, and masonry contractors.One of the most historic icons of masonry construction is the fireplace. Fireplaces have long been a great gathering place in the home for families. The masonry design for fireplaces goes beyond the standard details for walls, openings and parapets. The geometries of the fireplace are of utmost importance to the functionality. Built masonry fireplaces require skill in design and construction.

James E. Amrhein, S.E. was a great masonry engineer who was the Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of America (MIA) in California. He exemplified the skills necessary for masonry design, and shared his knowledge with the design community through numerous educational resources. One of the MIA’s key pieces of educational literature: the Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook Second Edition (1995) and the Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook Third Edition (2004). The handbook discusses the components of fireplaces that homeowners, designers, and construction professionals need to know.

(174 pp. b&w illus.)