Masonry Construction articles from July 2006

Masonry Construction archives from July 2006

Recording our self-images.
July 1, 2006... I recently trashed some of my old work files. It was a long overdue task, and I'd justified my delay by citing the advice of a college business ethics professor. "You need to save essential documents for the appropriate time period," he...

Scheduling bad weather days.(influence of weather)
July 1, 2006... Scheduling a masonry project is easy. Simply take the amount of material, divide by anticipated production per crew day, and arrive at the final number. In a controlled environment, everything may go as planned. But in reality,...

Artist creates 20-ft brick mural.(brick carving)(1st United Methodist Church )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Nashville sculptor John Watts recently completed the installation of a 20-ft x 8-ft brick relief carving for the 1st United Methodist Church in Sikeston, Mo. The carving, entitled "The Living Water," is an abstract depiction of the interaction...

KMI Announces architectural award winners.(Kentuckiana Masonry Institute)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Kentuckiana Masonry Institute (KMI) has announced the winners in its 26th annual architectural awards competition. The program recognizes excellence in architectural design in six categories: "M" Honor Award for overall excellence, Brick...

ASTM calls for papers on dimension stone.(brickbats)(American Society of Testing and Materials)
July 1, 2006... American Society of Testing and Materials Committee C18 on Dimension Stone is soliciting papers for its upcoming "Symposium on Dimension Stone Use in Building Construction," scheduled for Oct. 3, 2007, in Tampa. Fla. Presentations are being...

North Carolina Association elects officers.(Mike Rogers)(Gary Manning)(Wayne Starr)(North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA) installed new officers for the 2006-2008 term at the group's annual convention. Those elected were (left to right) Secretary/Freasurer Mike Rogers, Michael J. Rogers Masonry, Brevard;...

SWR Institute elects new leadership.(Sealant, Waterproofing, & Restoration Institute)(Matt Shane)(Bill Leonhard)(Eric Johnson)(www.swrionline.org)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Sealant, Waterproofing, & Restoration Institute has announced the election of new leadership for 2006-2007. Elected president for the new term was Matt Shane (below), Structural Preservation Systems, Sarasota, Fla. Shane's primary...

Several bricklayer 500 regionals scheduled.(competitions)
July 1, 2006... SPEC MIX has announced a number of regional sites for the annual Bricklayer 500 competition. The first event was held in early June for the Central Illinois/Iowa region. Seven others are currently scheduled, with the winners earning a free...

Masonry tells hard story.(Masonry Construction 2006--project of the year)
July 1, 2006... The striking appearance and bright red brick facade of the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills, Mich., catch the eye of even the most casual passerby, If observers cringe when they take a closer look at the 60,000 square-foot...

Fire-rated partition walls at steel joists.(construction design)
July 1, 2006... It is difficult to properly construct a fire-rated partition wall when the steel roof joist span is perpendicular to the wall. An opening must be created at the top of the wall to allow the joist to bypass the concrete masonry. This opening...

Recommendations for supporting masonry veneers.(troubleshooting)
July 1, 2006... Q Can masonry veneers be supported on a wood stud framed wall or wood beam? In low-rise wood frame construction where masonry is used for two stories, there are often instances where the lower roof levels frame into the walls (such as...

Horizontal reinforcement in control joints.(troubleshooting)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Q Should horizontal reinforcement extend through control joints? A When joint reinforcement is used in concrete masonry walls to control shrinkage, it should be stopped just short of the joint to allow the control joints to open and close...

Lancaster General Hospital: Lancaster, Pa.(Masonry Construction 2006--best commercial)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The three-story hospital entrance and facade contract required Witmer & McCoy to place more than 120,000 brick, including 4000 special shapes, 30,000 CMUs, 650 pieces of Indiana limestone, 400 pieces of Maine granite, 200 cubic feet of cast...

Fordson High School: Dearborn, Mich.(Masonry Construction 2006--best institutional/school)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... An increasing number of students made the need for an addition necessary at Fordson High School, which was built in 1928. The city of Dearborn required that the addition must maintain the integrity of the original building. The...

Paramount Condominiums: Raleigh, N.C.(Masonry Construction 2006--best high-rise)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... LPS Enterprises was facing the biggest project it had ever tackled and a tight work site when it was awarded the contract for the 10-story Paramount Condominiums. A dedicated staff of quality masons took care of the first concern, while the use...

University of Dayton: Dayton, Ohio.(Masonry Construction 2006--best institutional/college)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The 125,470-square-foot Fitness & Recreation Complex required numerous masonry materials, including 110,000 utility brick, 130,000 gray block, 5000 custom color glazed block, 26,000 colored ground face block, and 462,000 pounds of cast stone....

Texas Tech University: Lubbock, Texas.(honorable mention--institutional/college)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... About 110,000 8-in. CMUs form the shell of the Experimental Science Building, which were chosen because of their protection against tornado-generated debris. The most challenging part of the block work was that there could be no control joints...

Sie Residence: Denver, Colo.(Masonry Construction 2006--best landscape)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The landscaping package surrounding this Denver home includes a wide range of stone materials from around the world installed to exact performance standards. The Gallegos Corp. placed hand-carved Golden Granite from China at the arrival...

Isaac Ray Treatment Center: Logansport, Ind.(Masonry Construction 2006--best institutional/government)(Zioikowski Construction)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... One of the state's primary goals in the construction of this 105-bed, forensic psychiatric treatment facility was to receive LEED certification, which required compliance in six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and...

Indianapolis Museum of Art: Indianapolis, Ind.(honorable mention--institutional/government)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... This project included 164,000 square feet of new construction and 90,000 square feet of renovation. The facade is CMUs studded with Indiana limestone accented with greenstone imported from Germany. A Jura stone radiused wall carries this beauty...

Business is a game of calculated risk.(Contractor Tip)
July 1, 2006... To get to where you are going in business, you must have a high tolerance for taking chances and managing risk. If you are not willing to take a risk, it isn't likely you will go far. Here are a couple of my crazy real-life stories that...

CAU Guest House: Newtown, Pa.(Masonry Construction 2006--best historic restoration)(Community Association Realty Guest House)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Community Association Realty Guest House dated back to the early 19th century, and time and vandalism had converted it into shambles. Complete restoration, reconstruction, and an addition that included a kitchen, wine cellar, and bedrooms...

Wheat Row: Washington, D.C.(honorable mention--historic restoration)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... This 1794 townhouse consists of four attached, three-story, clay brick residences and is a Category II Historic Landmark. An elliptical window with a sandstone surround on the east facade was severely deteriorated through its 9-in. depth and...

McDonnagh Residence: Ludlow, Vt.(Masonry Construction 2006--best fireplace)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... This "fieldstone" fireplace is constructed in a private trail-side log vacation home. The majority of the stone--including two large pieces framing the main firebox--is a blend of Mica and Schist from a nearby quarry. The rest of the stones are...

Groholski residence Mukwonago, Wisc.(fireplace construction)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... This 16-ft. tall outdoor fireplace and barbeque has a 1000-lb granite cap installed on brick pillars about 12-in. higher than the flues so as not to hinder the draft when in use. The structure's exterior aesthetics were enhanced through the...

Harrison Residence: Mooresville, N.C.(Masonry Construction 2006--best residential)(Griffin Masonry )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The general contractor provided Griffin Masonry with a blank canvas to impart its vision, artistic design, and quality craftsmanship in building this 28,000-square-foot house, which required more than 7600 man-hours and 180,000 masonry units....

Marathon Petroleum LLC: Texas City, Texas.(Masonry Construction 2006--best industrial)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The two-story, 37,000-square-foot administration building is a reflection of the strong teamwork formed between the project designers and masons. The aesthetically-pleasing masonry exterior contains distinctive features in color, texture,...

Jefferson Building: Kansas City, Mo.(Masonry Construction 2006--best multi-family)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Jefferson Building, part of Bishop Spencer Place, is a five-story retirement community with 54 residence units and a 50 car parking garage. The skin on the residence portion of the building is brick veneer and cast stone windowsills over a...

Grinders built to last.(new products)
July 1, 2006... Angle grinders constructed with all ball-bearing designs and metal gear housings are built to last. Smaller grinders (4, 4 1/2, and 5 in.) feature gear housings that rotate 90 degrees for cutting applications. The 7-in. model has electronic...

Stationary mixer moved via forklift.
July 1, 2006... The 12-cubic-foot capacity Whiteman plaster/mortar mixer does not have the axle interference found with tow-behind versions, and is moved around the jobsite with a forklift. The WM120SHHDS hydraulic mixer is fueled by a 13-hp Honda gasoline...

Plastic coating applies like paint.
July 1, 2006... The Block and Wall acrylic plastic coating for interior and exterior surfaces has a tintable base that applies like a paint to stop leaks fast. It stretches with the surface and endures the wear and tear of expansion and contraction, and acts...

Backhoe loader works in tight quarters.
July 1, 2006... Featuring four-wheel drive and 35 hp, the TLB-6235 compact tractor loader backhoe handles small to mid-size earthmoving applications. It has a hydrostatic transmission and a 6000-pound bucket digging force. The machine reaches a 9-foot 10-inch...

Power packs supply hydraulic tools.
July 1, 2006... This line powers a wide assortment of hydraulic handheld tools for construction, utility, and demolition projects. The hydraulic power packs range in weight from 163 to 256 pounds, with the largest being compact enough to fit in the back of a...

Cordless gun applies caulk and adhesive.
July 1, 2006... An 18-V cordless gun uses 10.1-ounce or 30-ounce tubes of caulk, construction adhesive, or roofing sealer. Model R84040 features adjustable speed control and a lock-off button to prevent accidental startups. It also has a heavy-duty joist...

Truck crane has 120-ton capacity.(new products)
July 1, 2006... The GMK5120B all-terrain mobile crane has a 167-foot main boom and a maximum jib of 111 feet. The five-axle unit features a 120-ton capacity and a 469-bp turbocharged engine. The ergonomically designed operator's cab provides all-day comfort...

Machine cuts deep into masonry.(new products)
July 1, 2006... The TS 800 Cutquik cut-off machine works deeply into stone, masonry, and steel. Plus, even with 9000 rpm, the user won't feel uncomfortable, fatiguing shaking due to the tool's five-point, dual element anti-vibration system. The 28.7-pound...

Pre-cleaners improve system performance.(new products)
July 1, 2006... TopSpin pre-cleaners for self-cleaning air intake systems can be used on all types of construction equipment, from crawlers to skidsteers. They extend air filter life and boost system performance by automatically separating and discarding...

Liquid sealant covers porous areas.(new products)
July 1, 2006... This liquid sealant is easy to apply by brush, sprayer, or roller to protect any porous surface, including concrete, brick, masonry, and tile. It is a water-based silicone rubber solution that makes surfaces resistant to water and other...

Repair mortar handles several surfaces.(new products)
July 1, 2006... FastSet repair mortar is a portland cement-based product specifically formulated to make structural repairs to concrete, masonry, or stucco surfaces. Repairs with this low sag mortar can be made on vertical, curved, and overhead surfaces, and...

Laser level works two walls simultaneously.(new products)
July 1, 2006... The Strait-Line X3 laser level sticks easily and cleanly to virtually any surface. It features a Micro-Adjust Knob that allows the user to regulate the laser line up and down after the product is adhered to the wall. It has three bubble vials...

One attachment performs six duties.(new products)
July 1, 2006... Designed for backhoes and excavators, the PicBucket can be used for excavation, demolition, compaction, backfilling, prying, and ripping. The percussion bucket combines the power of a hydraulic hammer with the stripping strength and...

Model added to stainless steel line.(new products)
July 1, 2006... The original stainless steel line of masonry trowels now includes 9-in. Narrow London models in four handle styles. The blade, manufactured from a modified stainless steel that has a high chrome content, is stronger and more durable than carbon...

Pressure washers run on gasoline.(new products)
July 1, 2006... SUV hot water pressure washers are compact machines ideal for onsite cleaning where electricity is not available. They stand 39-in. high, weigh less than 400 pounds, and run on gasoline. Two models are available--SUV3-20124 and...

Device measures square feet and volumes.(new products)
July 1, 2006... Working up to 40-foot distances with an accuracy of +/- 0.5%, the Ultrasonic Estimator allows users to quickly measure interior spaces and calculate square footages, volumes, and room perimeters. It features a large, easy-to-read LCD screen. A...

Skidsteers are compact, but strong.(new products)
July 1, 2006... Models 2026 and 2041 skidsteers feature a compact size, while offering higher capacities and more features. The 2026 is the smallest unit in the line in terms of dimensions, but remains strong with 35 hp at 2600 rpm. With a 4000-pound operating...

Line includes 11 products.(Mortar Mixers)
July 1, 2006... Eleven Champion mortar mixers are available, including a hydraulic dump model, in sizes ranging from 4-16-cubic-foot capabilities. The mixers are available with a choice of power options, including gas and diesel engines from Briggs & Stratton,...

Hydraulic version gives high performance.(Mortar Mixers)
July 1, 2006... With a high-torque output motor, powered dump system, and paddles set at 45 degrees, the MM121 hydraulic mixer provides high production performance and long life. The paddles reduce main shaft torque requirements without compromising...

Portable unit handles several materials.(Mortar Mixers)
July 1, 2006... The Gilson wheelbarrow mixer produces mortar almost anywhere. The 125-1b unit clears a 30-in. door and fits easily into elevators. Its quiet 115-V motor (with on/ off switch) enables indoor work without emissions. The polyurethane, in-mold...

Continuous mixer comes in two models.(Mortar Mixers)
July 1, 2006... Continuous Calypso D20/D30 mortar mixers are available in dual and three-phase versions to meet jobsite conditions. The product features one-button operation and two wheels for movement to the point of mortar demand. The D20 produces about 6...

Product offered with four capacities.(Mortar Mixers)
July 1, 2006... A line of hydraulic mortar/plaster mixers features heavy-gauge steel construction and adjustable paddle speed. A bypass system automatically stops the mixer when a stone jams a blade, allowing the operator to reverse direction and resume...

Plaster/mortar mixers use gas or electricity.(Mortar Mixers)
July 1, 2006... Five plaster/mortar mixers are available in capacities from 4.5-12 cubic feet, with electric and gasoline engine options. These mixers feature heavy-duty, bolt-on bearing housings with a specially designed step hole to protect bearings and...

Trigger-operated model slows rotation.(Mortar Mixers)
July 1, 2006... The EHR20S handheld mixer features trigger-operated speed control that slows the rotation of the paddle to prevent splash back. It provides optimal mixing of concrete, cement, mortar, epoxy, lime, and other high-to-medium viscosity materials....

System is easily assembled.(Scaffolding)
July 1, 2006... These easily assembled scaffolds include a drop-in-place bridge, pass-through wall ties, and fewer parts (no chains, bolts, or cross braces). Every tower is legal to climb and has an access platform. They have 5000-lb capacities, extension...

Plank available in numerous sizes.(Scaffolding)
July 1, 2006... A line of scaffold plank includes Dense Industrial 65 rough sawn and smooth surface varieties. Planks have a stress rating of 2200[degrees] F and are offered in 8-in. through 12-in. widths and 1.5-in. through 2-in. thicknesses. Standard lengths...

Small scaffold rolls to job.(Scaffolding)
July 1, 2006... The 4-ft Roll & Fold mini scaffold has a 500-lb working load capacity and two adjustable height steel deck boards (250-lb load capacity each) with a non-slip finish. Four-inch swivel locking wheels make it easy to move the unit where needed....

Laminated veneer lumber meets OSHA requirements.(Scaffolding)
July 1, 2006... Microllam laminated veneer lumber for scaffolding plank is proof-loaded by machine to ensure it meets company quality standards and OSHA deflection limits. The plank is made from many layers of thin veneer and has no cross grain or concentrated...

Pump jack accurately positions worker.(Scaffolding)
July 1, 2006... This aluminum pump jack scaffolding system provides pin-point accuracy when adjusting working heights. Pro-Jack features adjustable descent control, spring-loaded back-up safety system, and anti-theft chain system. Users can install the...

Portable scaffold suits interior work.(Scaffolding)
July 1, 2006... Easy to assemble and adjust into place, this portable platform scaffold is ideal for interior uses. It includes two 29-in. frames, two arm braces, one plywood deck, and four casters for easy maneuvering. The heavy-duty, spring-activated locking...

Are You Building a School ... or a Liability?(materials on building construction and maintenance )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... School officials are searching for ways to make their facilities last a lifetime. Educators need to spend their time teaching the children, not maintaining the buildings. To solve this dilemma, the Southwestern Brick Institute is introducing...

Carbide tuckpointing router.(Products for the Pros showcase)
July 1, 2006... This tuckpointing router has a full carbide and reversible tip designed for soft joints. Increase speed when replacing joints, repairing cracks or making tracks for cables in bricks or blocks. Maximum working depth is 1". Diameters aer 5/16"...

Grout pumps.(Products for the Pros showcase)
July 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...

Time management.(estimating)
July 1, 2006... Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get more done than others? You probably thought, "Why do they seem to be calm and I am in a dead run all day, yet they get more done than I do?" It could very well be that those people know how...