Masonry Construction articles from April 2006

Masonry Construction archives from April 2006

The right focus.(masonry industry)(Editorial)
April 1, 2006... I see it once a week each spring and summer. It normally happens in about the 5th inning of a close game. The batter of the losing team hits a solid single off a pitcher who has up to that point of time dominated the game. When the pitcher gets...

Concrete industry raising funds for education.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Representatives from concrete producers and suppliers, education, equipment manufacturers, aggregate producers, trade associations, and contracting met in Scottsdale, Ariz., to discuss ways to ensure the vitality of the industry. The group...

Avoiding an IRS audit.(Lawyers)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Tax Deductions for Professionals by Attorney Stephen Fishman presents a wealth of information that allows contractors, architects, and engineers to take advantage of every money-saving opportunity available. The book covers a variety of...

Alimak Hek purchases company.(Alimak Hek purchases Champion Elevators Inc)
April 1, 2006... McDonough Corp. has announced the sale of the manufacturing arm of Champion Elevators Inc. to Alimak Hek, a global company that manufactures, installs, rents, and maintains rack-and-pinion personnel and material hoists for various industrial...

Meet the decision makers.(brickbats)
April 1, 2006... The Masonry Industry Legislative Conference, scheduled for April 24-26 in Washington, D.C., will provide attendees the opportunity to meet the important decision makers that affect both regulatory and legislative issues. The three-day...

Understand ADR procedures before agreeing to them.(brickbats)(alternative dispute resolution )
April 1, 2006... Every construction company owner has heard horror stories about pursuing project-related claims in court cases that last for years, sapping much-needed cash from projects. When subcontractors specify alternative dispute resolution (ADR)...

Clark Construction receives national award.(Clark Construction Group)
April 1, 2006... The National Building Museum will present its prestigious annual Honor Award for 2006 to Clark Construction Group LLC. Clark, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2006, will be honored for its work in Washington, D.C., and across the...

AEM elects slate of officers.(off-road equipment manufacturing industry)
April 1, 2006... Gerald Shaheen, group president of Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill., has been elected 2006 chairman of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the North American-based international trade group representing the off-road equipment...

Main street, Indiana.(middle America architectural heritage)
April 1, 2006... Strolling through central Indiana's Clay Terrace retail and office center, a visitor is transported to small-town America of the mid-19th century through the early 20th century. To reflect the evolution of those communities over the decades,...

Laterally bracing non-load bearing walls.(details, details, details)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Masonry bearing walls are typically braced against lateral wind loads by the steel joist at the bearing connection. However, steel joists normally span parallel to non-load bearing walls. Therefore special connections must be implemented to...

I love my job: when Joe Luchtenburg talks about his work, masonry program, and students, he speaks with the enthusiasm of Tony Robbins and the rugged determination of Vince Lombardi.(education)(Column)
April 1, 2006... My school has a great masonry curriculum, and I feel very lucky to be working with these kids and so many dedicated adults who have helped make it successful," proudly stated Joe Luchtenburg when describing the nine-year-old program at Kirkwood...

Water-resistant sheathing.(International Building Code)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Q Can water-resistant sheathing be used without a water-resistive barrier in brick veneer walls with steel stud backing? A Section 6.1.5.1 of Chapter 6--Veneer, in ACI 530-05/ASCE 5-05/TMS 402-05 (MSJC 2005) states "Exterior sheathing shall...

Flexible flashing.(troubleshooting)
April 1, 2006... Q How do you prevent a flexible flashing from sagging into a cavity at areas where the flashing is not supported by a foundation wall or shelf angle, such as walls rising above lower roof levels? Is it more appropriate to use rigid stainless...

More than filling time: Chicago union is educating a workforce for the important jobs of saving buildings and lives.(Masonry training)
April 1, 2006... If you are ever in Chicago, give Bill Meyers a call. He is one of those guys you want to have alongside when ambling down the famous Chicago streets that feature some of our nation's best masonry structures. The unassuming, middle-aged Meyers...

Chisel effect.(cutting tools)
April 1, 2006... The Turptech mortar chisel increases clean-out efficiency. Masons screw the tool directly on the spindle of the angle grinder. The tool produces three chisel cuts on each round, or about 33,000 chisel cuts per minute on most grinders. The...

Close cleanout.(Products)
April 1, 2006... A versatile tool for cutting concrete, tile, and mortar, the tuc-pointer improves productivity by providing better visibility. An optional work shoe allows the mason to properly position the cutting edge with an accurate height adjustment. The...

Easy filling.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The just introduced 1964 Drill-mate mortar gun is more affordable and easier to repair than its predecessor. The new design features an abrasion wear plate on the hopper's bottom, which eliminates the need to replace the entire piece. The new...

Parapet repair.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Masonry contractors have a new method to employ when confronted with a badly damaged low parapet masonry wall. This system offers an alternative approach to solving problems associated with older masonry structures that are subject to wind...

Brick Show 2006: the Brick Industry Association will gather in Phoenix for its annual meeting.
April 1, 2006... BIA's Brick Show 2006 will combine an assortment of exciting business events and entertaining social activities when it gathers at the Pointe South Mountain Resort in Phoenix, April 6-8. The event is the only national trade show and conference...

Colored masonry cement has many applications.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Flamingo-Brixment colored masonry cement can be used as mortar in all types of masonry walls, including clay and concrete brick, manufactured stone, and natural stone. It offers superior color durability, excellent workability and extended...

Grout flows vertically and horizontally.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Agilia BlockFill is a self-consolidating grout that requires no vibration and leaves no voids. It is capable of flowing both vertically and horizontally under its own weight, which provides complete cavity/cell fill with or without mortar fins....

System enhances masonry's appearance.(Products)
April 1, 2006... This coloring system can enhance practically all masonry surfaces, regardless of age or condition. The products are geared for renovating, restoring, or changing the color of brick, block, mortar, concrete, precast, and stone. They are vapor...

Three colors added to lines.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Three new colors have been the added to the company's brick lines. Universityhill is part of the Designer Classics line and is distinguished by a warm cinnamon base, and accented with touches of cream tones and distinctive markings. Briarwood...

System integrates several components.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The TotalFlash cavity wall drainage system combines several modern moisture control methods into one easy-to-install 5-ft flashing panel. The integrated system includes the flashing, stainless steel drip edges, end dams, no-clog weep tabs,...

Residential brick sports new look.(Products)
April 1, 2006... A new color and size has been added to this company's residential brick product line. Plum creek has a rosy pink base with gray and white elements that either blends with most trim and roof colors or creates dramatic effects, depending on...

Product for the ages.(Products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Brick is one of the world's oldest man-made building materials. Kiln-fired or clay-baked brick dates back to 3500 B.C. Fired brick has been part of the North American "building" market since the early 1600s, and its use came to define the...

A defensive line in the wall: using water-repellent admixtures in mortar might help prevent moisture-related problems later.(mortar)
April 1, 2006... Every mason knows that quality workmanship is the single best way to prevent moisture penetration problems on walls. Properly filled joints, correctly installed flashing, and clean weeps are proven methods to prevent wind-driven moisture from...

Achieve safety goals through incentive pay.(Occupational safety and health)
April 1, 2006... Last month we talked about why safety is the most important issue a contractor faces to stay in business, grow, & prosper. Now, the question becomes what do we do about it? Tie your safety goals to incentive pay for everyone. Here's the actual...

Masonry Construction's "Project of the Year" contest.(project of the year)
April 1, 2006... Outstanding examples of masonry construction deserve to be honored and publicized throughout the industry. Performing this task recognizes top-quality design and craftsmanship and inspires excellence among others in the profession. MASONRY...

Repair mortar installs quickly.(new products)
April 1, 2006... The ultra-fast setting properties of Planitop X repair mortar enables installers to place the material, sculpt it to the desired shape, and float it smooth within 10 minutes. The one-component mortar is used in horizontal, vertical, and...

Veneer cut from real brick.(new products)
April 1, 2006... Old Brick Originals thinbrick veneer is real brick tumbled for an old-world look, then cut into tiles and corners for simple installation. They are made from the company's signature full-sized, FBX-quality brick and can be installed on...

Card tracks fuel consumption.(new products)
April 1, 2006... The Integrated Fleet Solutions card provides detailed tracking of fuel and service expenses, while its security features prevent unauthorized users. Purchase information can be directly integrated into the company's Fleet and Fleet Pro...

Gun dispenses grout evenly.(new products)
April 1, 2006... The Morto-Jet cuts the time it takes to lay brick, stone, or any type of masonry/ restoration work. The handy dispensing gun allows the user to evenly spread grout in the area needed in a fraction of the time required with standard grout bags....

Mortar/concrete mixer line includes eight models.(new products)
April 1, 2006... Showcasing tough tubular steel frames that give improved wheelbarrow clearance on the job, this line of mixers contains forklift pockets for stability during lifting and transporting. The product line includes five plaster/mortar mixers in...

Brick design lighter in weight.
April 1, 2006... A new brick design was developed to increase production efficiency by reducing bed depth (width) to 2 3/4 inches. An additional frog (indention) was also added. Together, these two changes reduce individual brick weight from 5.8 to 5.1 pounds....

Stencils create natural look.
April 1, 2006... Faux stencils allow contractors to create natural-looking brick or stone surfaces on new or existing concrete. They are placed on new concrete while it is still wet, or used on existing concrete with a resurfacing system. A wide variety of...

New forklift division formed.(new products)
April 1, 2006... As part of a new division and brand of Komatsu Forklift USA, these trucks offer easy-access engines and comfortable operator compartments, which minimize down time and maximize productivity. The brand replaces the company's Kalmar AC forklift...

Post-tensioning makes masonry walls stronger.(new products)
April 1, 2006... Post-tension engineering makes the Proto II masonry wall system stronger than conventional or segmental designs. High-strength steel tension rods are connected to the footings in the wall and tightened to specific torque requirements, creating...

Crane lifts 300 pounds.(new products)
April 1, 2006... VanCrane is installed at rear or side door van openings and offers single-operator ease for transferring loads up to 300 pounds. It features manual swing arms with oil impregnated bronze bearings, vertical swing base with self-lubricating...

Natural limestone veneer blends with brick.(new products)
April 1, 2006... Featuring a full color look that displays the subtle variations of natural limestone, Rockford Estate Blend veneer adds life to any building. It includes random mid-sized, lightly tumbled stones that go well with virtually any brick or building...

Hydraulic machine makes straight and angle cuts.(Chipping & Splitting Tools)
April 1, 2006... The Blockshear is an easy, dust-free, and convenient onsite method for making straight and angle cuts. It produces split-face cuts on brick pavers and precast concrete blocks from 2.5-8-in. thick. The cordless, foot-operated hydraulic tool has...

Tool roughs out block.(Chipping & Splitting Tools)
April 1, 2006... The carbide-tipped Hammer Point provides a fast, easy way to rough out block or remove a difficult knot or high spot. The user can swing the Hammer Point or use the 13-in. fiberglass handle to hold it in place while striking with another tool....

Line includes chisels and drills.(Chipping & Splitting Tools)
April 1, 2006... A line of masonry tools features unbreakable polymer caps and oil-resistant cushion grips so they are safe, accurate, and comfortable to use. These features reduce noise, vibration, and spalling associated with hand-struck tools, while...

Blade features thousands of teeth.(Chipping & Splitting Tools)
April 1, 2006... The Eliminator blade cuts, sands, and shapes reinforced concrete, rock, brick, ceramics, and foam and fiberglass surfaces in tight areas. With thousands of tungsten carbide micro teeth coated onto heat-treated steel, this blade works from all...

Grinding wheels available in three bonds.(Chipping & Splitting Tools)
April 1, 2006... The SegTurbo grinding cup wheels are designed for fast removal and smooth finishes on masonry, stone, concrete, and other materials. Professional and economy lines are available in soft, medium, and hard bonds. * Ocean Diamond Tools,...

Splitter accommodates 16-inch block.(Chipping & Splitting Tools)
April 1, 2006... The Sharky 48-inch inline splitter handles difficult thin products as well as 16-inch high concrete block. It features a free-floating blade assembly, along with top and bottom independent teeth, for a perfect split. The middle cylinder of...

Drill bits use two or four cutters.
April 1, 2006... Carbide-tipped rotary hammer and hammer drill bits are available for concrete, masonry, and stone applications. The Pro 4 has a self-centering, chisel-shaped tip for rapid penetration, and a multi-fluted shaft that transfers impact to the tip...

Splitter handles stone, brick, and concrete.
April 1, 2006... The Stone Mason M-50 is equipped with a fully hydraulic cutting system and power unit to supply up to 50 tons of force. The single-axle design makes towing and positioning easy, allowing the operator easy access to the product and controls. It...

Carbide tools cut stone faster.(Chipping & Splitting Tools)
April 1, 2006... A line of Swedish-made carbide tip hammers and chisels cut stone faster and more effectively than steel versions. The line includes several different sizes and styles of stone working tools, from heavy-duty splitting to fine detail trimming....

Boom features high articulation point.(Lifting Equipment)
April 1, 2006... With a working height of 134 feet, the HA 130 JR diesel articulated boom lift is particularly useful because its articulation point is at 54 feet with 63 feet of outreach. This high articulation point allows it to negotiate around any obstacle....

Handlers upgraded for higher heights.(Lifting Equipment)
April 1, 2006... The RS series telescopic handlers have been upgraded to increase lift heights and lengthen boom reaches. For instance, the RS8 model now has a 44-foot lift height and boom lengths of 42 or 44 feet. A rear axle stabilizer cylinder has been added...

Telescopic handler extends safely.(Lifting Equipment)
April 1, 2006... With a 56-foot lift height, 40.5-foot forward reach, and patented rear axle stabilization system, the VR- 1056C telescopic material handler allows operators to extend the boom to its fullest reach without stabilizer deployment. It carries 6000...

Tool carriers have three steering modes.(Lifting Equipment)
April 1, 2006... VersaHandler telescopic tool carriers combine the speed, agility, and strength of a skidsteer with the extended reach and capacity of a telehandler. They feature two-section, low-profile booms that protect cylinders and hoses and can be used...

Portable hoist moves 1200 pounds.
April 1, 2006... The Gemini Plus portable hoist has a single line lifting capacity of 600 pounds and a double line capacity of 1200 pounds. The hoist comes with a non-rotating cable to help prevent loads from spinning while lifting and lowering objects. An up...

Injecting cracks.(bookshelf)(Epoxy Injection in Construction)(Brief article)(Book review)
April 1, 2006... A new, updated, second edition of Epoxy Injection in Construction, written primarily for applicators, those involved in concrete restoration, and specifiers, presents the science, as well as the art, that enables the successful injection of...

The look of natural stone.(Products for the Pros showcase)
April 1, 2006... AFTEC's concrete fence forms produce the StoneTree[TM] wall designs providing the aesthetic qualities of natural stone with the strength and durability of reinforced precast concrete. The forms provide maximum efficiency producing a combined...

Carbide masonry handsaw.(Products for the Pros showcase)
April 1, 2006... This handsaw will cut a clay brick in no time! Its special carbide teeth make it second to none when cutting in bricks and blocks. It works fast for a long time because of the special self-sharpening teeth. It will cut in a wider range of clay...

Grout pumps.(Products for the Pros showcase)
April 1, 2006... Kenrich Products grout pumps are ideal for grouting metal door frames and for placing grout anywhere that high pressure is not required. Their lightweight design (19 to 32 pounds) allows you to take the pump to where you need the grout. One air...

Scaffold pallets.(Products for the Pros showcase)
April 1, 2006... Designed and built with convenience in mind, the Scaffold pallets give you a quick and easy way to move scaffolding from job to job and a convenient way to store your scaffolding when not in use. We have several different models to choose from....

Importance of the bid proposal.
April 1, 2006... The Scope/Proposal is an extremely important document. It should contain several elements written to protect the company and the owner personally from misunderstandings. There are five major elements to a bid proposal. 1. The bid...