Masonry Construction articles from February 2006

Masonry Construction archives from February 2006

Arranging your priorities.(editor's note)
February 1, 2006... Last month, I was one of the millions of people who went to bed thinking that the 12 men had been rescued from that West Virginia coal mine, only to wake up to the horrific news of their deaths. For the next few days, I watched the media...

So you want to be a bricklayer.(reader's forum)
February 1, 2006... Anyone wishing to be a master bricklayer must devote himself to a life of hard work and discipline, and pay precise attention to practical matters as well as blueprints. There are several points to consider in mastering the trade, mental as...

SWBI launches total masonry program.(brickbats)(The SouthWestern Brick Institute)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The SouthWestern Brick Institute (SWBI), Austin, Texas, has launched a new educational campaign for school administrators and architects that details the benefits of using a proven, age-old construction system to battle the modern mold epidemic...

Gallegos Corp. wins safety award.(brickbats)(The Gallegos Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The Gallegos Corp., a Vail, Colo.-based contractor specializing in distinctive residential and commercial projects including plaster/stucco, concrete, marble/ granite, and stone, recently received the Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. Gold Award for...

Construction equipment manufacturers expect gains.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Construction equipment manufacturers expect overall industry growth to continue through 2006, but at a somewhat slower pace than 2005, according to an annual business forecast conducted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). ...

"Building our Future" serves as theme for safety show.(brickbats)
February 1, 2006... The 16th Annual Construction Safety Conference & Exposition is scheduled for April 4 - 6 in Rosemont, Ill., a Chicago suburb near O'Hare Airport. Operating under the theme "Building our Future," the event will feature 100+ exhibitors and over...

PCA expects increase in consumption.(brickbats)(The Portland Cement Association)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The Portland Cement Association reported that even though residential construction is expected to decline in 2006 due to rising mortgage rates, increases in commercial and public works will more than offset that slowdown and provides a net...

Bosch Tools web site wins award.(brickbats)(S and B Power Tool Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... B to B magazine's annual "10 Great Web Sites" issue included www.BoschTools.com, the North American site for Bosch Power Tools and Accessories. The award is based on making customers' lives easier, presenting detailed information in an...

N.C. Crowns Apprentice Champ.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Heath W. Drye, C.M. Allmon Masonry, Mt. Pleasant, is the 2005 North Carolina Department of Labor State Fair Masonry Apprentice Contest champion. He is joined at his winning project by N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steven W. Troxler;...

Sun block.(showcase)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The landscape of Arizona's Tucson Mountains is dry and rough, with an angular, weather-beaten beauty. The same may be said of this house, which achieves a harmony with its desert environment that is both visual and practical. Design wise,...

Accommodating thermal expansion of Steel and Masonry.(details, details, details)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Structural steel members embedded in exterior masonry walls expand and contract due to temperature variations. However, steel and masonry expand at different rates. Steel experiences a volumetric change 40% to 50% greater than masonry. The...

Wall strength.(troubleshooting)
February 1, 2006... Q I have heard the phrase "equivalent thickness of a wall" applied to describe clay or concrete masonry units and their resistance to fire. This value is used in determining the fire rating of a wall system. Can equivalent thickness be...

Drip edges.(troubleshooting)
February 1, 2006... Q Most masonry standards recommend using a flashing that extends out of the wall and turns down to form a drip. I have been told that you should use a metal drip edge so that when sealant is replaced in the future it won't damage the flashing....

Working securely: here are several simple tips for increasing the anchoring safety of mast climbers.(security measures of construction workers)
February 1, 2006... According to Mike Pitt, more than 1500 mast climbers are annually produced for the North American market. Pitt, who works at MastClimbers, a Grayson, Ga.-based distributor/rental dealer of these versatile work platforms, estimates contractors...

Sealing the envelope: a recently updated online resource shows contractors, architects, and designers how to create tighter structures by using masonry properly.(online resource)
February 1, 2006... The trend towards dramatically higher fuel costs experienced by commercial building owners beginning in 2005, and expected to continue into the near future, is directly affecting the profitability of the masonry construction industry. But not...

Different kind of blocks: masonry contractor meets tight production schedule to complete important community project.(block)
February 1, 2006... Gresser Companies, a masonry and concrete contractor based in Eagan, Minn., has taken on a variety of projects since its founding in 1969 by Mike C. Gresser and his wife Joan. Over its 37-year history, the contractor has developed a solid...

Project of the year.(masonry)
February 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...

Wall system provides face of masonry.(new products)
February 1, 2006... For both traditional and novel patterns, this cast wall system gives tilt-up and precast panels a face of genuine architectural masonry. Also called thin block, the system consists of 2-inch thick units of architectural concrete set face-down...

Heaters available in three models.(new products)
February 1, 2006... Indirect oil-fired portable heaters provide air free of moisture and contaminants for a variety of construction and municipal applications. Three models that operate on 120 V and range in capacity from 320,000 to 505,000 BTU are available. They...

Guide serves as terracotta reference.(new products)
February 1, 2006... Terracotta and Architecture provides valuable information for facade builders, architects, promoters, and roofers. The technical guide is published in five languages and delivers detailed information on applications, treatments, and methods of...

Laser level includes three beams.(new products)
February 1, 2006... The DW099 is a three-beam laser level that combines both precision bubble vials and laser beams to meet jobsite demands. It allows users to generate precise laser beams for plumb, level, and square applications with an operating range up to 200...

Software manages jobsite assets.(new products)
February 1, 2006... Construction Manager handles numerous jobsite assets with just one software interface. The wireless device uses GPS technology to connect the office to the jobsite. It delivers a two-pronged solution: Managers can locate, track, and navigate...

Creating the look of natural stone.(new products)
February 1, 2006... The Fieldledge profile is one of 12 stone types that create the look homeowners dream about. A host of colors, blends, and creative grout techniques enhance the look of natural stone. It is ideal for exterior projects, outdoor living spaces,...

Backhoe loader features precise speed control.(new products)
February 1, 2006... The CBL40 backhoe loader is equipped with a Tier II-compliant, 37.2-hp diesel engine and two pumps, and offers smooth, precise, and speedy control. It provides a 10-foot digging depth with a backhoe reach of 13 feet 2 inches, and a loader lift...

Portable device locates underground utilities.(new products)
February 1, 2006... The XTpc is a lightweight, portable, underground utility locator. The transmitter is about the size of a candy bar and can be carried in a shirt pocket. The pistol-gripped receiver weighs 2.5 pounds, is "holsterable" on the provided tool belt,...

Mortar meets needs of historical buildings.(new products)
February 1, 2006... Historical pointing mortar is a mixture of sand, lime, and cement that meets the needs of historical societies and building owners looking to match grout on older structures. Just add water and you are ready to lay brick, block, or stone. ...

Natural stones offer slip-resistant surface.(new products)
February 1, 2006... SafeStep technology ensures that X-Terra natural stones and Z-Terra porcelains provide a slip-resistant polished surface. These products are installed the same way as concrete pavers and are resistant to freezing, thawing, and salt. Their 3-D...

System drills and chisels.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... Because drilling and chiseling are hard work, the TE 76P and TE 76P-ATC system's active torque control provides added operator protection. The control monitors tool rotation and disengages the drive system if it senses the housing beginning to...

Six-in-one driver fits power drills.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... The six-in-one driver reduces the time spent storing multiple bits or locating small bits that are easy to lose. The user quickly changes between six different drivers. A 1/4-inch shank fits all 3/8- and 1/2 inch chuck drills. The driver is...

Drills survive one-story drop.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... Re Brute Tough 1/2-inch cordless hammer drill/driver line keeps on working after repeated one-story drops. The hammer can be turned off and on without changing the clutch setting. The drills are available in 14.4-V, 18-V, and 24-V versions. ...

Bit sharpeners require less than 60 seconds.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... The Drill Doctor line of bit sharpeners includes the DD750X, which handles dull or broken bits--including split points and masonry bits--in less than 60 seconds. It sharpens 3/32- to 3/4-inch bits and allows the user to change point angles (115...

Cordless models tackle various materials.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... Engineered to power through concrete, metal, and stone with ease, the DV 18DMR (18-V) and DV 14DMR (14-V) cordless hammer drills offer flexibility and maneuverability in tight or overhead spaces. Features include two-speed transmissions,...

Hammer drills offer optimal comfort.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... These two 0.5-inch hammer drills are equipped with several operator comfort features, including soft grip handles and a two-finger trigger. Model 5381 is single-speed up to 1800 rpm, 28,000 bpm, with a 10-foot fixed cord. The 5387 dual-speed/...

Drill designed to fit worker.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... The Worx BlockBuster 0.5-inch hammer drill features the patented Revolver handle that fits the person and the task, rather than forcing the user to adapt to the tool. The handle has a 65-degree angle rotation, resulting in a safer and more...

Core drills handle concrete and masonry.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... Used for concrete, brick, and masonry block, the CDM-1H handheld core drill is a single-speed model for wet applications up to 3 inches in diameter. With Cobra dry drilling bits, it handles reinforced concrete up to 5 inches in diameter. The...

Drill/driver features 20 torque settings.(Drills and Drill Bits)
February 1, 2006... The BSZ 18 cordless drill/driver delivers up to 549 inch-pounds of torque. It also offers 20 torque settings, plus a drill setting, with a forward and reverse mode. Onboard variable-speed electronics allow infinite no-load speeds up to 1450...

Contractor tip.(onsite)
February 1, 2006... "How strong is the connection between employee performance and the sales they generate?" Do your employees know how much you are selling each day? Do they know that your company's sales can only be equal to the amount they produce and no...

Hand-held power saws using right tools: sawing specialist incorporates diverse skills and innovative techniques in $150 million renovation project.(application of using the right saw)
February 1, 2006... Having the right tools is vital to successful concrete cutting operations, especially when undertaking large scale or one-of-a-kind projects. What may not be as evident is how much the choice of saws affects the overall business on several...

Gas saws cut masonry and concrete.(Products)
February 1, 2006... The MK-1270/1495 feature heavy-duty gas engines with specially-coated cylinder working surfaces and cut masonry, concrete, and other building materials. The products use a three-stage air filter system for reliable operation in dusty cutting...

Cut-off saws work in confined quarters.(Products)
February 1, 2006... These hydraulic-powered cut-off saws handle concrete, brick, asphalt, and steel. The 14-inch blade on the LS 14 provides a 5.3-inch cutting depth, while the 16-inch LS 16 has a 6.3-inch cutting depth. The direct-drive design provides consistent...

Line includes more than 40 products.(Products)
February 1, 2006... The Great White line of hole saws cut faster and stay sharp longer. They cut through cement board, drywall, cast iron, steel, stainless steel, and more. About 40 products and accessories are available, including bi-metal hole saws, carbide grit...

Hydraulic saws constantly cut.(Products)
February 1, 2006... HydraSaws use hydraulic power to maintain constant cutting speeds and torque without excessive noise, vibration, or exhaust fumes. They can operate from a HydraPak or other compatible hydraulic power supply, such as backhoes, skidsteers, and...

Gas-powered saw uses diamond blade.(Products)
February 1, 2006... The handheld, gas-powered RZ60C Chop Saw accepts up to a 14-inch circular diamond blade. It features a reversible blade arm and a reversible arbor that allows l-inch and 20-mm arbor blades. It also has an advanced rear port and multi-chamber...

Designing patios.(The Patio Portfolio: An Inspirational Design Guide)(Brief Article)(Book Review)(Brief Review)
February 1, 2006... This 128-page book features over 200 color photographs of large and small backyard projects across North America. With photos contributed by The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) members, The Patio Portfolio: An Inspirational...

Games play general contractors.(estimating)
February 1, 2006... General contractors are constantly coming up with new and better ways to get what they want from subcontractors. Most of their efforts reside in the bid documents by using some ingenious ways to cause the subcontractor to incriminate himself....