Richard Bennett Receives the Paul Haller Structural Design Award
The Masonry Society is proud to announce that Dr. Richard Bennett has been presented with the Paul Haller Structural Design Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to advancing the understanding and practice of structural masonry through elegant, efficient, and innovative design.
A longtime professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Dr. Bennett has inspired generations of students to explore and appreciate masonry. His influence extends far beyond the classroom, with decades of research, numerous publications, and a steady presence as a guest lecturer and dedicated advocate for the masonry industry.
As an author and reviewer for the TMS Journal, a contributing author to Masonry Designers’ Guides, lead editor of Masonry Designers’ Guide – 2022, and co-author of Strength Design of Masonry, Dr. Bennett’s contributions have shaped both masonry research and education. His work has strengthened the technical foundation of the field while inspiring new generations of engineers to pursue excellence in design and practice.
Dr. Bennett has an impressive history of leadership and service within TMS. He has served as a Board Member (2011–2017), contributed to multiple cycles of the TMS 402/602 Code Committees (including as Chair and Vice Chair), and participated in numerous subcommittees over the last 20+ years.
Through his teaching, research, and leadership in shaping masonry standards, Richard Bennett has driven innovation in structural masonry design and inspired renewed appreciation for its strength and efficiency.