Masonry Construction articles from January 2005

Masonry Construction archives from January 2005

Becoming a smaller world.(World of Masonry trade show)(Editorial)
January 1, 2005... Fame has its problems. I'm still surprised when recognized, especially in places I'd least expect it. For example, last Wednesday evening I was standing at the scorer's table in Maple Park, Ill., thinking about the basketball game that was...

North Carolina Masonry Design Scholarship Awarded.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... A team of three undergraduate students at North Carolina State University won the 4th annual North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association Sigmon Memorial Scholarship Award. The three will share a semester's tuition. On hand for the...

Certify two ways.(reader's forum)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... I read your editorial in the October issue of MASONRY CONSTRUCTION magazine regarding the subject of "Certification," and wish to provide my personal comments. I am a structural engineer for an A/E firm in suburban Detroit with annual billings...

Safety Conference & Expo scheduled for Chicago.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The 15th Annual Construction Safety Conference based on the theme "Safety from the Ground Up" will held Feb. 1517 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., a suburb of Chicago adjacent O'Hare Airport. Over 70 construction...

University of Wisconsin offering two Masonry courses.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The University of Wisconsin-Madison will offer two back-to-back masonry related courses in late January as part of its engineering professional development program. "Masonry Design and Construction: How to Avoid and Solve Masonry...

Hydro Mobile clears the air.(brickbats)(patent infringement case between Hydro Mobile and Bennu Innovation)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Vincent Dequoy, president of Hydro Mobile, L'Assomption, Quebec, Canada, has reported that there seems to be some confusion in the industry regarding the relationship between his company and Bennu Innovation, which entered bankruptcy protection...

A mighty fortress.(showcase)(Christian Brothers College High School in St Louis)
January 1, 2005... When Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School relocated to a new campus, the school wanted a facility that would honor the heritage of the 150 year-old St. Louis institution. The new complex needed to integrate traditional elements into a...

A dad's lesson: "do as I do".(education)(career in masonry, Bret Pickens)
January 1, 2005... Nearly three decades ago, a young high school student set his sights on a career in masonry and enrolled in a vocational program at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, Okla. Little did Bret Pickens suspect that his choice of a career...

Shelf angle corners.(details, details, details)(design)
January 1, 2005... Special considerations should be taken when designing and constructing shelf angle corners. Minor oversights can lead to water penetration into the building or cracks in the exterior wythe of brick. Shelf angles must be installed...

Corrosion considerations.(troubleshooting)
January 1, 2005... Q I am working on an older building that has considerable corrosion on the steel lintels above the windows. I noticed that the problem at the south and west elevations was worse than on the east and much worse than on the north. Why did...

Chimney reconstruction.(troubleshooting)
January 1, 2005... Q The chimney on an older building needs to be rebuilt from just below the roofline due to excessive deterioration. The appearance of the chimney must be retained because the building has some historic significance. A consultant...

School craze: masonry gets high marks for quality, but the industry's promotional efforts need improvement.(schools)
January 1, 2005... Scrambling to accommodate record-breaking enrollment, school districts across the country are spending an estimated $30 billion a year to build new facilities. At the same time, states' fiscal crises are putting the squeeze on funding for these...

Mixer uses hydraulic drive and dump.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The Mud Hog 10 mixer is a scaled down version of the larger MH20 and is built to withstand any jobsite condition. The MH10 features a hydraulic drive and dump, along with an optional electric start. It has a 10-cubic foot capacity and is...

Utility tractors feature diesel engines.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The 8435 and 8435 HST compact utility tractors have powerful diesel engines, two powertrain model options, and mechanical four-wheel drive. The 8435 has a synchro-shuttle shift transmission for easy forward and reverse operation. The HST...

Rotating laser performs horizontal leveling tasks.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The PR 20 rotating laser for exterior horizontal leveling and slope-setting tasks is easy to use and able to withstand tough jobsite conditions. Simply turn on the tool and allow the unit to self level; it then begins to rotate. The automatic...

System locates reinforcement steel corrosion.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The Cor-Map II system permits users to quickly identify areas of probable reinforcement steel corrosion in the field by measuring changes in voltage potential. It uses the half-cell potential method to locate the areas without the expense and...

Excavator designed for tight quarters.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The KX41-3V compact excavator provides greater performance and operator comfort for precise work in tight spaces. The unit features a 17-hp, three-cylinder diesel engine, which reduces fuel consumption, noise, and vibration. With a new digital...

Lift axle handles 13,500 pounds.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The HLUC-2 Composilite ST offers in-line air springs to provide maximized packaging space and free clearance from vehicle undercarriage obstructions both inside and outside the frame rails. At only 788 pounds, the aluminum-carbon fiber lift...

Augur operates in high speed or high torque modes.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The McMillen 3K2 Double Mc auger has two speeds. The high torque mode is best for difficult ground or large diameter bits up to 36 inches, while the high speed mode is suited for easier material and smaller bits. Auger hydraulic flow rates...

Saw operates with very low vibration.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The Core Cut CC 120-SS deep-cut saw is a highly maneuverable tool that delivers 120 hp of cutting power in a compact frame, and runs with very low vibration. Features include a 4.3-L V6 engine, maximum cutting depth of 12 inches, 36-inch blade...

Pumpset performs variety of tasks.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The Dri-Prime is an automatic self-priming centrifugal pumpset that comes in sizes from 2-16 inches and is designed for a range of pumping applications. Offering maximum flows up to 8000 gpm, heads to 600 feet, and solids handling to 5 inches...

Utility vehicle travels up to 15 mph.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The Gator series of compact utility vehicles are easy to maneuver and store, while providing tough performance standards. The 8-hp Gator CS and 10-hp Gator CX are economical, able to fit and maneuver in tight spaces, and are small enough to be...

Computer assists in construction layout.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The LM80 Layout Manager is a pocket-sized personal computer that features the first data collection software created especially for construction layout. It includes a fully integrated Windows CE version of the Construction Master Pro calculator...

Generator powers variety of tools.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The Ranger 10000 auxiliary generator and stick welder provides 10,000-W peak (9000-W continuous) for lights, tools, and emergency standby power. It can be used as a backup generator or to power a range of tools, such as inverter welders, plasma...

Impact wrenches generate high fastening power.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... Two 1/2-inch impact wrenches generate a great deal of fastening power (up to 260 foot-pounds of torque). An impact-resistant aluminum gear case with a rubber boot protects the all-metal gears, which are built to withstand harsh industrial...

Wheel loader contains onboard monitoring system.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The WA320-5 wheel loader employs an electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission for handling a wide variety of applications with increased production, operator comfort, versatility, and reliability. It is powered by an air-to-air after...

Screw compressor mounts on truck.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The CAS3560 rotary screw compressor is a hydraulic-driven, self-contained unit capable of producing continuous flow from 35-60 cfm at 150 psi. The truck-mounted compressor is lightweight and the air it delivers extends tool life by running...

Solution creates numerous color patterns.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... Rembrandt stain is an acrylic urethane polymer solution formulated for color and UV stability. It offers ultra-low VOC content, is free of objectionable odor, and provides exceptional adhesive strength and wear qualities. Suitable for indoor or...

Cutting wheels minimize burrs.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... Slicer-Plus aluminum-oxide wheels offer high cutting speed and minimal burr when used on heavy-gauge metals. The product is a 0.045-inch thick rigid wheel coated with an aggressive fine grit making it suitable for cutting rebar, large-diameter...

Forming products match job requirements.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... Four items have been added to a line of plastic flatwork-forming products. The twist-in cantilever brackets are used on their regular forms for reusable cantilever pool deck pours. An all-plastic spacer quickly locks into place to ensure...

Skidsteer loader includes advanced hydraulic system.(Product Potpourri)
January 1, 2005... The 268B skidsteer loader has a load-sensing, pressure-compensating hydraulic system that delivers maximum power, regardless of work tool speed or load. It has vertical lift linkage for efficient loading and material handling, an operating...

Bracing for success: handbook provides more than 700 possibilities.(wall bracing)
January 1, 2005... For 17 years, mason contractors have been legally required to properly protect their workers from the potential of wall falls with adequate bracing. The bracing requirement is found in OSHA Standard 29 CFR, part 1926, Safety and Health...

Gabe's training flash.(training)
January 1, 2005... Are you familiar with the following business wisdom? "Our human resources are our most important asset and we need to invest in knowledge (them?) to out perform our competition." Now, how many times have you tossed your personnel's training...

Taking bracing personally.(new wall bracing system)(Larry Grenier, Ed Hodsdon)
January 1, 2005... One masonry contractor has personally taken up the wall bracing challenge. In September 2002, Ed Hodsdon, owner of Ed Hodsdon Masonry, North Monmouth, Maine, experienced an event every mason wants to avoid. A construction worker died in an...

Most innovative products: visit Vegas and help select the winners in the 3rd annual contest.(mip)
January 1, 2005... Visit Vegas and help select the winners in the 3rd annual contest. Hanley Wood's Most Innovative Products contest conducted during World of Masonry/World of Concrete gets bigger and better each year. The contest is now in its third year,...

Mortarboard design prevents runoff.(Masonry Jobsite Equipment)
January 1, 2005... The Gatorback is an innovative mortarboard that helps masons and laborers work more efficiently. It weighs 5.5 pounds and features a handle for easy carrying. It is engineered with a recessed, concave surface that prevents mortar and...

Self-consolidating grout flows vertically and horizontally.(Masonry Materials)
January 1, 2005... 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, providing complete cavity/cell fill with or without mortar fins. It...

Corner flashing system used inside and out.(Masonry Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Cop-R-Corners are a two-piece adjustable flashing system for inside and outside masonry corners. The unique design allows for a one-size-fits-all application regardless of the CMU heights. The flanges and soldered seams are asphalt-coated for...

Flashing for windows and door jambs fits any opening.(Masonry Accessories)
January 1, 2005... Jamflash is an extruded, semi-rigid, polypropylene flashing for window and door jambs in cavity wall construction. It is compatible with silicone and polyurethane sealants, and is easily trimmed to lit any size opening. The material won't rip,...

Barrier system uses three components.(Masonry Accessories)
January 1, 2005... ExoAir system combines a fluid-applied air and vapor barrier, self-adhering membranes, and self-adhering through-wall flashing to provide a comprehensive air barrier solution for superior building performance. The system includes mastics and...

Grout Pumps.(ultimate work zone)
January 1, 2005... Mechanical and hydraulic grout pumps vary widely in power, complexity, capacity, and price. Selecting the most cost-effective product for the masonry contractor's needs requires thorough research of factors such as economics, application, and...

Communication is everything!(Contractor Tip)
January 1, 2005... Do you have an army of employees waiting to follow you to the top? Or are these people just pretending they are on your side waiting at the first opportunity to jump ship and go to your competition? Employees watch how we react to...

The Stanley Works.(Alignment Equipment)
January 1, 2005... The IntelliLaser is a three-in-one device that works as a level, stud finder, and vertical/horizontal layout tool. When used for layout, the tool has a push-button activated laser that pivots every 45 degrees up to 180 degrees to provide...

Jewell Instruments LLC.(Alignment Equipment)
January 1, 2005... LSO series of inclinometers are suitable for use in a variety of applications. The sensors offer precise readings with high outputs. Each self-contained unit is housed in solid aluminum for weather resistance and can connect to a DC power...

Zircon Corp.(Alignment Equipment)
January 1, 2005... The LaserVision iLine is about the size of an average tape measure and produces a bright self-leveling laser line. The product is fast, easy to operate, and can be pinned to a wall or held in the user's hand. The tool can be purchased in a kit...

Trimble.(Alignment Equipment)
January 1, 2005... The Spectra Precision Laser HV301 withstands harsh jobsite conditions. The self-leveling laser has a highly visible beam, exceptional versatility, and is easy to use. The transmitter sends a continuous 360-degree laser reference over a...

Siemens Energy & Automation.(Alignment Equipment)
January 1, 2005... The SITRANS LR200 radar two-wire level transmitter offers a cost-effective measurement solution for liquid bulk storage or simple process vessels. Features include a built-in alphanumeric display, handheld programmer, compact electronics, and...

Bon Tool Co.(Alignment Equipment)
January 1, 2005... The EZ rod system provides a guide so masons can consistently lay straight 3/8-inch vertical control joints. The bottom of the end is placed where the joint should begin. Once the masonry is laid up to the bottom of the holder, it can be...

Keson Industries Inc.(Alignment Equipment)
January 1, 2005... The LL160 Super Beam laser projects red lines on any surface to provide vertical and horizontal alignment. With six separate diodes, it projects both vertical and horizontal dots and lines, which enables it to be used as a laser plumb bob. If...

Two new books available at World of Masonry.(bookshelf)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Decorative concrete is always a hot issue at the World of Concrete/ World of Masonry. Because of this interest, the editors of CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION magazine, a sister publication of MASONRY CONSTRUCTION, have put together two books to guide...

Reasonably inferred clauses.(estimating)
January 1, 2005... There is a common clause in most subcontracts today that reads something like this: "The subcontractor shall prepare his bid as a complete system for each part in accordance with the design documents and local governing codes. These...