Masonry Construction articles from February 2004

Masonry Construction archives from February 2004

Practical but current.(Editorial)
February 1, 2004... Im happy that my daughter is now in high school. Every year at this time in the past the middle school my kids attended sponsored a Rube Goldberg design contest. Goldberg was a famous newspaper cartoonist who drew sketches of outlandish...

Arizona association reveals architectural winners.(brickbats)
February 1, 2004... Winners in the Arizona Masonry Guild's 12th Annual Excellence in Masonry Architectural Awards competition were recently announced at a special banquet in Phoenix. The program honored 10 projects for outstanding masonry design, workmanship, and...

Clark named director of engineering services at BIA.(brickbats)(Charles B. Clark Jr.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Charles B. "Chip" Clark Jr.. AIA. P.E., has rejoined the Brick Industry Association as its first director of engineering services. In this position he will oversee BINs engineering and research staff and activities and work in new market areas....

Readers' forum.(bricbats)
February 1, 2004... * really enjoyed the November/ December issue of MASONRY CONSTRUCTION. Thank you so much for your support of our industry. I particularly appreciated the exposure of Skills USA and our masonry competition in the article "Best of the Mason...

Training center for aerial work platform operators opens.(brickbats)(Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT) Inc, International Powered Access Federation)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... A certified training program for North American operators of all types of aerial work platforms has been established by Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT) Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF)....

Dry stack on the rocks.(showcase)
February 1, 2004... The owners of a 7200-square-foot custom home in the gated Kingsmill community near Colonial Williamsburg, Va., wanted stone inside and out. However, they didn't want to see mortar joints between the large split fieldstone pieces on the exterior...

Retempering mortars.(troubleshooting)(Brief Article)(Interview)
February 1, 2004... Q A large percentage of mortars used for masonry construction projects contain some pigments. I read that retempering should not be permitted with these products. Is that true? If so, what can be done when the mortar starts to stiffen? ...

Inspecting masonry walls.(troubleshooting)(standards)(inspection)
February 1, 2004... Q The MSJC 1999 Code requires the inspection of masonry walls. How much inspection is required? A The allowable values for masonry permitted by the Code only apply if the quality of the completed masonry meets or exceeds the...

Detail for lateral bracing of masonry walls.(details, details, details)
February 1, 2004... All masonry walls must be braced to resist lateral wind loads. In multi-story steel frame construction, the masonry wails are typically supported at each floor line. For conditions where the inner concrete masonry spans from floor line to floor...

Doing it the easy way: in an industry of heavy work, productivity is lifting to new heights.(productivity)
February 1, 2004... It wasn't the kind of work this crew normally performed. The project would eventually become a new condo about to anchor yet another west-end Chicago neighborhood renovation. And it was a project that most of the masons would want to...

World of masonry preview: show and conference will provide immediate access to the latest products and information needed to increase the masonry contractor's productivity and profitability.(wom)(Conferences, meetings and seminars)(trade shows)
February 1, 2004... Surviving in today's changing market is the underlying theme for the upcoming World of Masonry/World of Concrete in Orlando, Feb 16-20. To accomplish this goal, more than 1500 companies representing virtually every manufacturer serving the...

Hiring top masonry talent: three steps are involved in this process: finding the right person, selling the individual on your company's opportunities, and closing the deal.(hiring)
February 1, 2004... Effective hiring of key individuals is one of the most difficult and challenging aspects of running a masonry contracting business. This fact is largely the result of the decreasing number of young people entering the industry combined with an...

Computer-based decision making: current technology provides masonry contractors with powerful, yet affordable, tools.(computers)
February 1, 2004... Computers have invaded virtually every aspect of the business world, including masonry contracting. Hardware has shrunk from room-sized to pocket-sized, while capabilities have skyrocketed. Computing speed and the capability to process and...

Most innovative products: check out the latest technologies at the contestants' booths and then vote for your favorites.(mip)
February 1, 2004... The debut of Hanley Wood's Most Innovative Products competition was a resounding success at last year's World of Masonry/World of Concrete in Las Vegas. This unique competition--actually two separate contests--allowed a panel of industry...

I refuse to participate in a recession!(Masonry News Contractor Tip)
February 1, 2004... A couple years ago, my accountant & a few of our top employees asked, "What are we going to do about the recession?" I used a phrase that my good friend Steve Heiss told me a few months earlier. I said, "The world can go ahead and have a...

BlockNet[TM].(Products for the Pros showcase)
February 1, 2004... Advertisement BlockNet[TM] is comprised of a specially shaped 3 3/8" deep stainless steel flashing with an integrated drip edge and a horizontal mesh material adhered to the top of the stainless steel plus a separate 7" x 7" vertical mesh...

Lifter.(Products for the Pros showcase)
February 1, 2004... Caldwell is pleased to introduce a unique, patented lifter designed specifically to handle masonry scaffolding. It safely, quickly, and efficiently moves mast sections, assembled bridge sections, or a combo of the two. Our lifter does exactly...

Quattro system.(Products for the Pros showcase)
February 1, 2004... ChemGrout introduces the Quattro System--ideal for HFS, fireproofing, stucco and sprayable mortars. The Quattro system is self-contained with a built-in air compressor and built-in water pump. The precision water control system delivers...

Originators of leading chemical bonding agents Weld-Crete[TM].(Products for the Pros showcase)
February 1, 2004... True to its claim, Weld-Crete[TM] is the proven concrete bonding agent for practically every application. Simply brash, roll or spray Weld-Crete onto concrete or any structurally sound surface. Then come buck hours, days or weeks later and...

Brick: windowsills.(bricktips)(windowsills)
February 1, 2004... Every brick building has windows and windowsills. Well-built windowsills are rarely thought of since they do their job--primarily to deflect rainwater from the window--quietly. Decorative sills are also available and can be a focal point in a...

Laser provides leveling, aligning, and plumbing measurements.(Measuring Equipment)
February 1, 2004... LLA38 multi-functioning laser torpedo level projects either a dill or a line for precise leveling, aligning, and plumbing measurements. The tool's double magnetic base locks onto metal studs, pipes, and other ferrous surfaces. An attached...

Theodolites make accurate field calculations.(Measuring Equipment)
February 1, 2004... DT-200 series digital theodolites use advanced absolute-circle reading technology for accurate field calculations. Three models are available offering 5-, 7-, and 9-inch angle accuracy. The products withstand wet or dusty environmental...

Two software packages help maintain GPS.(Measuring Equipment)
February 1, 2004... GPSBase and GPSNet 2.2 reference station software packages make it easier for users to set up and maintain GPS surveying and positioning systems. GPSBase software is suitable for surveyors, engineers, mappers, and geomatics professionals. The...

Laser transmitter provides elevation, vertical, and alignment control.(Measuring Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Beamer 5 multipurpose laser transmitter is suitable for interior and general construction applications. It provides elevation, vertical, and alignment control for various uses. The transmitter offers an enviromnentally sealed housing, a pivot...

GPR system includes built-in display.(Measuring Equipment)
February 1, 2004... StructureScan Optical uses ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to automatically record line positions and construct a 3D file for direct viewing on a built-in display. The product lets users quickly evaluate data from depth-slice and cross-section...

Slap results: employees' backs ... and see positive.(lookout)(Human resource management)
February 1, 2004... I went out for the water polo team during my first year in high school. The coach was also the head baseball coach and--interestingly--never played water polo and could not swim. As the season progressed, we learned the basics and began to...