Nowadays, the use of modular systems in the construction industry has grown substantially in Brazil, and, among them, the structural masonry system stands out. However, several studies point out the high incidence of pathological manifestations related to this system, being the interface between masonry and windows one of the places with the highest number of problems, besides being a bottleneck in the production process, since several activities depend on that interface. This article presents the development process of a new solution, named integration element, its geometrical, functional, and conceptual definitions, as well as the production of virtual and physical prototypes (using different materials). The project team also conducted evaluations of the solutions after the construction of each prototype, when modifications were made. Four virtual and three physical prototypes were produced, and an experimental wall was built. The main results show the feasibility and adequacy of the proposed solution to the constructive system, as well as identify the potential increase of constructability of the system as a whole with the use of the proposed element.
Structural masonry; Interface; Openings; Product development; Integration element
