The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) (A) represents a unification of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), to CMHA in 2023. CMHA supports the industry with essential research to create long-lasting, eco-friendly, and visually striking structures that are the foundation of beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. Here are some hardscapes highlights from this year.

New Websites
CMHA's new website, (B) launched in March: masonryandhardscapes.org. The site includes a comprehensive library of technical resources, project profiles, several new searchable directories, an industry calendar, and more.

To support a dynamic and sustainable workforce, CMHA also redesigned HardscapingIs.com, a site dedicated to raising awareness of exciting career paths in the hardscape industry.

 

Advances in Hardscaping
In April, The Future Segmental Pavement Research Focus Group released their final report. Gathering experts from academia, government, and the industry, this group examined key opportunities for advancing concrete pavement solutions - including conventional and permeable interlocking concrete pavement, concrete paving slabs, concrete planks, and concrete grids. The group identified challenges, gaps, and opportunities associated with design and specifications, materials and construction, and maintenance and education. Of all the ideas discussed, the development, promotion, and enhancement of mechanistic-empirical pavement design was ranked as the highest priority. The report is available on CMHA website.

CMHA also worked closely with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to publish the Guide for Interlocking Pavement. The guide - intended as a resource for both state departments of transportation and municipal public works departments - represents a synthesis of the research and decades of experience on Interlocking and Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements.

Additionally, CMHA released the updated Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Course Student Manual, along with the latest version of SRWall software (SRWall 5.0) to enhance precision and efficiency in wall design. (C)

2024 Hardscape North America Project Awards
This year's Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards program drew 215 visually stunning projects across 19 categories. Winners were honored in Louisville in October during the Hardscape North America trade show. The competition recognized top-tier hardscape design with projects that utilized materials such as concrete pavers, retaining walls, adhered thin veneers, and more.

This plaza at Scottsdale Civic Park in Scottsdale, Arizona (D) was designed by the City of Scottsdale. It won the Segmental Concrete Pavement Category for Commercial projects less than 15,000 square feet.

A home in Carmel, Indiana (E) designed by Ryan Coyle won the Segmental Concrete Pavement Category for a Residential project greater than 3,000 square feet.

The HNA Awards, produced by CMHA and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and the Natural Stone Institute, are a testament to the artistry and innovation in hardscape design today.

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2024.