An Engineer's View of Lime-Mortared Masonry by an International Expert
About this Event
About the Event
The Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) Ottawa Chapter is proud to host a unique technical seminar featuring Dr. David Wiggins, an internationally recognized conservation engineer travelling from the United Kingdom to Canada specifically for this event. This rare educational opportunity will provide attendees with direct access to one of the leading experts in historic masonry assessment, repair, and conservation.
Drawing on decades of research and practical experience, Dr. Wiggins will explore how historic lime-mortared masonry behaves structurally, why it deteriorates, and how engineers and conservation professionals can develop effective repair and preservation strategies. His work includes major heritage landmarks such as Durham Castle and Carlisle Castle, and he is widely regarded as one of the UK's foremost experts in conservation engineering.
Whether you are involved in structural engineering, architecture, restoration, masonry, building envelope consulting, heritage conservation, or construction, this seminar offers valuable technical insights that can be applied to both historic and modern projects.
Why This Event Is Unique
✅ International speaker travelling from the United Kingdom
✅ Rare opportunity to learn from a CARE Accredited Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers
✅ Practical and research-based insights from real heritage conservation projects
✅ Interactive Q&A session with one of the world's leading masonry conservation specialists
✅ Networking opportunity with engineers, architects, consultants, contractors, and restoration professionals
✅ Hosted by the CSC Ottawa Chapter
Featured Speaker
Dr. David Wiggins, PhD, CEng, FICE, CARE Accredited Engineer
Dr. David Wiggins is an award-winning conservation engineer specializing in the care, repair, and conservation of historic masonry buildings. He holds a doctorate in technical masonry conservation and is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE). His experience includes the structural assessment and conservation of some of the United Kingdom's most important heritage structures, including Durham Castle and Carlisle Castle.
His combination of academic research and practical engineering experience makes him one of the most respected voices in the field of masonry conservation today.
Seminar Program
Session 1
Structural Aspects of Lime-Mortared Masonry
This session explores how traditional lime-mortared masonry behaves structurally and how it derives its strength and stability.
Topics include:
- Why masonry walls stand and remain stable
- How lime-mortared masonry develops strength
- Load transfer mechanisms within masonry construction
- Calculation-based assessment of masonry strength
- Experimental validation of masonry performance during early hardening phases
Session 2
Fabric Pathology and Conservation Behaviour
This session focuses on deterioration mechanisms, moisture movement, and the critical role of lime mortar in preserving historic masonry structures.
Topics include:
- Water transport through porous materials
- Understanding the myth of "breathability"
- Common causes of masonry deterioration
- The role of water and traditional weathering details
- How lime mortar sacrificially protects masonry units
- Carbonation kinetics in damp masonry
Closing Discussion and Q&A
The seminar will conclude with an interactive, moderated question-and-answer session, providing attendees with the opportunity to discuss real-world challenges directly with Dr. Wiggins.
Who Should Attend?
This seminar is highly relevant to:
- Structural Engineers
- Architects
- Building Envelope Consultants
- Restoration Consultants
- Heritage Conservation Professionals
- Masonry Contractors
- General Contractors
- Specifiers
- Project Managers
- Building Owners and Facility Managers
- Students and Emerging Professionals interested in heritage conservation.
Continuing Education & Professional Development
Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) Ottawa Chapter.
Participation in this seminar may qualify for continuing education or professional development hours for engineers, architects, project managers, CSC certification holders, and other construction industry professionals. Attendees are responsible for determining eligibility with their respective professional organizations.
Registration:
- CSC Members: $200
- Non-Members: $250
Group Discount: Organizations registering more than five attendees are eligible for a %25 group discount. Please email [email protected] for group registrations.
Sponsorship Opportunities
This seminar is part of a coordinated CSC initiative that will feature two identical events during the first week of November 2026: one in Ottawa and one in the GTA/Hamilton area.
A single sponsorship covers both events, providing exposure to a broader audience of design and construction professionals across Ontario.
Gold Sponsor – $2,000
For organizations seeking maximum visibility and direct engagement with attendees.
Benefits include:
- Sponsor table at the event entrance or presentation room
- Larger logo placement on event promotional materials
- Verbal recognition during the event
- Opportunity for a brief sponsor introduction
- Recognition in post-event communications
- Opportunity to distribute printed materials or giveaways
- Complimentary admission for 2 attendees
Silver Sponsor- $1,000
For organizations wishing to support the event while gaining visibility within the construction and design community.
Benefits include:
- Logo placement on event promotional materials
- Verbal recognition during the event
- Recognition in post-event communications
- Complimentary admission for 1 attendee
Bronze Sponsor – $750
For organizations wishing to help support this educational event.
Benefits include:
- Verbal recognition during the event
- Recognition in post-event communications
- Complimentary admission for 1 attendee
Why Sponsor?
This event provides a unique opportunity to support technical education and professional development while connecting with engineers, architects, consultants, contractors, and conservation professionals involved in heritage restoration, adaptive reuse, and masonry construction projects.
Sponsors will receive recognition before, during, and after the event and benefit from exposure at both the Ottawa and GTA/Hamilton seminars through a single sponsorship commitment.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
The CSC Ottawa Chapter gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following organizations whose sponsorship helps make this unique educational event possible.
Gold Sponsors
Our Gold Sponsors have provided the highest level of support for this seminar and have played a significant role in bringing this international educational opportunity to the Canadian construction and conservation community.
- Sika
- John G. Cooke & Associates
Silver Sponsors
We sincerely thank our Silver Sponsors for their valuable contribution and commitment to technical education and professional development.
- ORMCA (Ottawa Region Masonry Contractors Associationon)
- Robertson Restoration
- HRI
- Tacoma Engineers
Bronze Sponsor
We also recognize our Bronze Sponsor for supporting this important industry event.
- Permacon
Your support helps advance technical knowledge, heritage conservation awareness, and professional development within Canada's design and construction community.
Presented By
Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) Ottawa Chapter
CSC Ottawa supports education, technical knowledge sharing, professional development, and networking within the design and construction community. Through seminars, technical presentations, certification programs, and industry events, CSC Ottawa brings together architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, manufacturers, specifiers, and other construction professionals to promote collaboration and excellence within the industry.
If you have any questions about the event, please reach out by email to Maria Villalba at [email protected].
Also available in the GTA/Hamilton area:
Dr. David Wiggins will deliver the same seminar in the Hamilton/Niagara region on a separate date. If Ottawa is not convenient, you may register for the Hamilton/Niagara session here: An Engineer's View of Lime-Mortared Masonry with International Expert Tickets, Wednesday, November 4 • 10 AM - 3 PM | Eventbrite.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 242.19 to CAD 2408.44
