Masonry Construction articles from July 2002

Masonry Construction archives from July 2002

A dugout of all-stars. (editor's note).
July 1, 2002... I haven't watched too many professional baseball games on television in recent years. By July, I've umpired more spring and summer games than I would care to have my wife count. Nonetheless, every year I always seem to find the time to schedule...

Project of the Year contest. (announcement).
July 1, 2002... Outstanding examples of masonry construction deserve to be honored and publicized. Performing this task recognizes top-quality design and craftsmanship and inspires excellence among others in the profession. MASONRY CONSTRUCTION magazine's 4th...

AEM unveils new logo.(Association of Equipment Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) new logo symbolizes the group's improved ability to serve its membership and advance industry causes with the power of one industry voice, enhanced services, and cost and time efficiencies. "The...

Kentucky mason actively recruits apprentices.(Don Salyers Masonry Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Don Salyers Masonry Inc., Florence. Ky., recruits at high school career days and job fairs throughout Kentucky and works with the state labor department to attract young people into its apprenticeship program. The effort over the last 6 years...

Brazil to host International Seminar on Structural Masonry. (brickbats).
July 1, 2002... The University of Edinburgh in Scotland and The Centro Federal de Educacao Techologica de Minas Gerais in Brazil will hold the 7th International Seminar on Structural Masonry for Developing Countries. The event will be presented September 18-20...

What about head joints. (readers forum).
July 1, 2002... I was looking at the photo on pages 16 and 17 of your April issue and question came to mind. Whatever happened to the idea of full head joints? John H. Wetherell, A.I.A. Wetherell Ericksson Leusink Architects PLC Des Moines, Iowa...

Question of the month.
July 1, 2002... To many industry observers there is a measure of doubt of how autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) will affect masonry construction. Most masons welcome the lightweight and easy to use precast concrete material. But while it offers a comparable...

NCMA plans midyear meeting. (brickbats).
July 1, 2002... The NCMA's annual midyear meeting will be held in Chicago, July 23-28. The meeting provides a forum for discussing industry issues that have important ramifications for the concrete masonry industry. Committee meetings will be held to look at...

Arizona Masonry Guild conducts design-build competition.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Arizona Masonry Guild recently held its first annual design-build competition, "Masonry: It Makes a Village." The timed event pitted teams of local architects and mason contractors against each other to produce the most creative and...

Grace gives $10,000 to NCMA Foundation.(Grace Construction Products, National Concrete Masonry Association)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Grace Construction Products, Cambridge, Mass., recently presented a $10,000 check to the NCMA Education and Research Foundation to support the group's efforts to advance and support the concrete masonry industry and the public interest through...

SkillsUSA-VICA receives $85,000 donation.(from Home Depot)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Home Depot has announced its support for the preparation of America's future skilled workforce by making an $85,000 donation to SkillsUSA-VICA, a national organization for career and technical education of high school and college students...

Campus mines a new look. (showcase).(Colorado School of Mines)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... An eye-catching expansion does double duty at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo.: The three-level masonry addition updates the 50-year-old Hill Hall while blending with adjacent historic buildings more than twice that age. Rising...

Industry Leader of the Year Herb Slavens. (management).
July 1, 2002... Apprentice. Journeyman. Foreman. Estimator. President. Consultant. Teacher. Jesse H. (Herb) Slavens, Dallas, has done it all in a masonry industry career that stretches beyond 50 years. His father, three brothers, and several cousins were...

Insights on the industry: three industry leaders present their viewpoints on several of the significant and complex challenges facing today's masonry contractor. (management).(Donald C. Grant, Tim McGourty, Charles W. Seedorff)
July 1, 2002... Mickey Mantle will always be revered as a hero who broke new ground along with old records. He was, perhaps, the best a baseball player could be in his day. But today's game is more sophisticated and demands the skills of a Mark McGwire,...

The sun's dark side: heat exhaustion: warning signs are easy to spot and several precautions can be taken to prevent the problem. (heat exhaustion).
July 1, 2002... An experienced masonry crew begins its day. The work site is open and without significant shelter from the sun. The temperature is expected to climb past the 90[degrees]F mark. The foreman and his crew understand the severe dangers associated...

Top masonry contractors. (top contractors).
July 1, 2002... MASONRY CONSTRUCTION magazine is compiling a list of the country's largest masonry contractors based upon last year's business activity. Your participation is an invaluable part of this editorial project. Please complete this form end...

Table saw. (the mason's toolbag).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Diamond Products The Core Cut CC900TE tile saw has a 10-inch blade capacity and 1 1/2-hp high-torque motor. The saw handles a rip cut up to 20 inches and a diagonal cut up to 14 inches. The plastic water tray is easily removed for...

How much projection? (troubleshooting).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Q How far beyond the front edge of an angle can a brick unit project? What problems result if the horizontal leg of the angle is too short? A The angle should support 2/3 of the thickness of the brick masonry veneer, according to the Brick...

Wetting masonry wall. (troubleshooting).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Q Concrete slabs are typically covered and wetted down periodically when poured to facilitate proper curing. Should masonry walls be cured in a similar manner by misting or other means to keep them wet? A Typically, new masonry walls are...

Code update.(loop ties)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The question about "Placing loop ties in wall systems" that appeared in the March issue referenced a 1999 MSJC document when the statement "Ties that contain cavity drips require twice the frequency" was made. The recently released 2002...

Weather information received via wireless devices. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Masons can receive instant, personalized weather alerts on any e-mail-compatible cell phone, PDA, pager, or PC by subscribing to the MxVision Weather Information Notification Service. The service delivers round the clock, real-time,...

Rebar bender/ cutter includes microprocessor. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The VB16Y rebar bender/cutter features a built-in microprocessor that enables the unit to uniformly bend 3/8-, 1/2-, and 3/8-inch-diameter rebar up to 180 degrees. A variable-speed trigger switch lets the operator control the bending speed with...

Hydraulic shores. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... A new line of hydraulic shores made of high-yield aluminum alloy is light-weight yet very strong. The shores' cylinder pads mount flush to provide even load distribution on side rails. Cylinder oversleeves provide extra strength and added...

Steel block weigh less than standard. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Steel block does not require an embed (metal placed on the face of a masonry wall for reinforcement) like standard CMU. The block are made of sturdy steel to the exact dimensions of a standard masonry block and can be placed in the same manner,...

Library of predrawn building products available on CD. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... CADBlocks comes on a single CD that contractors can quickly reference for standard drawings and technical data covering hundreds of thousands of building products. Users can preview products and specifications onscreen and then insert CADBlocks...

Platform can be free-standing to heights of 35 feet. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The M2 is a new-generation mast-climbing work platform compatible with the company's prior M-Series equipment. Measuring 24x7 feet, the M2 comes with a new 16x16x60-inch climbable tower that allows free standing to 35 feet. It is an X-brace...

Track loader operates in tight quarters. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Model ASL 300 compact all-surface loader works in places where other larger machines might cause damage. Powered by a 1.5-liter Caterpillar diesel engine, the loader moves on rubber tracks that spread the machine's weight over a large surface...

Interactive program aids fireplace design. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Fireplace Design Solutions is a CD-ROM-based tool that lets masonry contractors and architects design and visualize a new or remodeled indoor or outdoor fireplace while sitting at their computers. The program leads users through a design...

The Stand Off line includes four products for cleaning masonry or stone. (Cleaning Masonry).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The Stand Off line includes four products for cleaning masonry or stone. The Heavy Duty Detergent is a concentrated formula designed to remove heavy stains or soiling from masonry surfaces, while the Liquid Marble Cleaner is a non-acidic,...

The Tile & Stone Care System includes three products for restoring and protecting concrete, brick, and masonry surfaces. (Cleaning Masonry).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The Tile & Stone Care System includes three products for restoring and protecting concrete, brick, and masonry surfaces. Refresh Pro With Protector is an antibacterial formula that requires no rinsing and contains a penetrating sealer for...

New Look Concrete & Masonry Cleaner removes graffiti, oil, grease, and dirt in addition to efflorescence (calcium/lime buildup). (Cleaning Masonry).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... New Look Concrete & Masonry Cleaner removes graffiti, oil, grease, and dirt in addition to efflorescence (calcium/lime buildup). Designed for use on brick, block, concrete, paver stone, and other surfaces, New Look is formulated to provide deep...

Custom built trailer-mounted pressure washers use a hot or cold fluid to match the specific application. (Cleaning Masonry).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Custom built trailer-mounted pressure washers use a hot or cold fluid to match the specific application. Users can choose belt- or direct-drive washers that range from 5 1/2- to 37 1/2-hp and are gas-, electric- or diesel-powered. * Mi-T-M...

These machines give contractors the option of applying chemicals undiluted at low pressure or injecting them into the pressurized hot water flow after the water leaves the nozzle. (Cleaning Masonry).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... These machines give contractors the option of applying chemicals undiluted at low pressure or injecting them into the pressurized hot water flow after the water leaves the nozzle. The chemicals are applied at the same pressure as the...

The Accustrip system is designed for use with ARMEX sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) blast media to remove graffiti from brick, concrete, limestone, granite, and other surfaces. (Cleaning Masonry).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The Accustrip system is designed for use with ARMEX sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) blast media to remove graffiti from brick, concrete, limestone, granite, and other surfaces. A selection of nozzles is available for applications ranging from...

Protectosil Antigraffiti forms a permanent chemical bond with the substrate to provide long-term protection from damage by graffiti. (Cleaning Masonry).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Protectosil Antigraffiti forms a permanent chemical bond with the substrate to provide long-term protection from damage by graffiti. Surfaces treated with the product repel graffiti paints and inks, are easily cleaned with mild cleaning agents...

Drainage system placed under pavers. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The PAVE-EL Pedestal System is used under pavers placed on waterproofed areas such as plazas, terraces, and roof promenades. The pedestal is a grid-like structure of high-density polyethylene, with integral spacer ribs (3/16-inch wide)...

System emphasizes masonry's thermal mass. (new products).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... By taking advantage of masonry's thermal mass, E-Smart Masonry Homes are energy-efficient, economical to build, enjoyable to live in, and easy on the environment. The home's insulated masonry system features a dry-stacked H-Block (with a...

How much profit is enough? (lookout).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Business owners often ask me "How much profit should I expect to make--5%, 10%, 15%, or even more?" Most business owners and managers have no set goals. They claim that their profit goal is to make as much money as possible or to earn more than...