Masonry Construction articles from March 2004

Masonry Construction archives from March 2004

Going home together.(editor's note)(masonry)
March 1, 2004... I just returned from my first visit to the International Builders' Show, which was held in Las Vegas. Talk about an industry that seems to be on a run of success. There was optimism everywhere. From the economists who predicted a steady year of...

J.E. Dunn wins international award.(brickbats)(J.E. Dunn Construction Co.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... J.E. Dunn Construction Co., Kansas City, Mo., recently received an award from the Industrialists of the Marble Producers, Macael, Spain, for its use of stone in the "Sprint Experience" within the Sprint World Headquarters, Overland Park, Kan....

Multiquip names new vice president.(brickbats)(Multiquip's General Construction Equipment group promoted Mike Ferguson)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Mike Ferguson was recently promoted to vice president of sales for Multiquip's General Construction Equipment group. The 20-year company veteran previously served as district sales manager, southeast regional manager, national sales manager,...

New Acme Brick commercials all "monkey business".(brickbats)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Former Dallas Cowboy quarterback and current Fox Television sports commentator Troy Aikman has a new co-anchor in a series of television spots for Acme Brick Co. Aikman's "unusual" partner is Baxter, a 7-year old chimpanzee, who according to...

Readers' forum.(brickbats)
March 1, 2004... In the November/December issue, we posed the question "Is fiber siding trying to pass itself off as a masonry product in your area," We received the following two replies to this question. I have not seen any problems whatsoever along this...

NCMA announces educational design award winners.(brickbats)(National Concrete Masonry Association)(2003 Impact on Learning Awards)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The National Concrete Masonry Association has announced the winners of the 2003 Impact on Learning Awards. The awards were developed "to recognize educational facilities that solve real-world problems with design, engineering, and technology...

"Going green" conference scheduled for Austin, Texas.(brickbats)(the 2004 National Green Building Conference )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The National Association of Home Builders is hosting the 2004 National Green Building Conference in Austin, Texas, the birthplace of the green building movement. The March 14-16 event featuring educational sessions, exhibits, tours, and...

PCA expects robust construction in 2005.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The U.S. economy is set to more into high gear in 2004, according to a fine-cast from the Portland Cement Association, but don't expect robust construction activity to arrive until 2005. Chief economist Edward Sullivan explains. "The...

A study in masonry.(showcase)
March 1, 2004... A new all-masonry student center enhances the 104-acre campus of the Hopkins School, a New Haven, Conn., private facility for grades 7-12. The Commons and Dining Hall exhibits a medley of brick, stone, and ornamental precast concrete. ...

Shelf angle details at steel beams.(details, details, details)(instructions )
March 1, 2004... Shelf angles are required on mid-rise and high-rise steel frame buildings to support the outer wythe of brick. They transfer the dead load of the masonry back to the steel frame structure. Improper detailing and installation of shelf angles are...

Affects of torching.(troubleshooting)
March 1, 2004... Q Masons doing residential construction work occasionally use a torch during cold weather to speed up the drying or settling of the masonry. Besides some of the obvious problems, such as the potential for damaging vinyl siding and windows, does...

Using raked mortar joints.(troubleshooting)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Q Many references strongly recommend using tooled mortar joints rather than raked joints. On many projects, however, raked joints are needed to match the historic fabric of the area. If this mortar has worked effectively in the past, what is...

Why less cavity?(troubleshooting)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Q The Brick Industry Association recommends a cavity of 2 inches for commercial masonry walls. However, the cavity in residential construction is only required to be 1 inch by Technical Note 28." What is the reason for this difference? ...

All brick makes a big difference.(brick)(masonry,marketing)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2004... Mason contractors serving the residential market dream of neighborhoods with homes featuring four sides of brick veneer. A variety of reasons come to mind as the rationale for this type of development.... permanence.... durability.......

Using large hydraulic mixers keeps your job moving!(Masonry New Contractor Tip)
March 1, 2004... Have you studied how much time your employees stand around and wait on mortar? If so, you may be amazed at what you would find! I'll bet your employees are consistently waiting on mortar the first thing each morning and also right after lunch...

Molding your response to their problem: how to protect your company from unnecessary callbacks because of water penetration.(mold)(influence of water penetration in construction industry and the ways to overcome the problem)
March 1, 2004... Given all the attention being conveyed by the national media about what has become a serious national concern, masonry contractors should be actively spreading the word that block and brick are not food sources for mold. it's a message that...

Masonry showcase: Las Vegas will host the Mason Contractors Association of America's annual convention.(MCAA)(Mason Contractors Association of America)
March 1, 2004... Contractors from around the country will be heading to the 2004 Masonry Showcase in the country's most exciting city--Las Vegas--on March 21-24. Attendees at the event, which is sponsored by the Mason Contractors Association of America, will...

Preventing chimney cap failure: author offers one approach for making the cap durable and attractive.(caps)(masonry,management)
March 1, 2004... Whether running up along an exterior wall or emerging through the roof, the last few feet of chimneys are completely exposed to the wrath of Mother Nature. These positions mean that chimneys are regularly subjected to intense heat, windblown...

Brick show: informative program and exciting social activities await attendees.(BIA)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Savannah, Ga., will host Brick Show 2004 flora April 1-3. The Brick Industry Association meeting will include educational sessions, product exhibits, and several social events, including a golf tournament, two tours of local attractions, and...

Crane goes higher, longer, and lower.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The RT800E rough terrain crane offers a higher lift capacity, longer boom, and lower overall height than previous models. The boom is a 38-142-foot unit in five sections, with sequenced, synchronized full power. The maximum tip height is 150...

New pavers provide aged look.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The Antiqued line of genuine clay pavers are tumbled together to create an aged look with worn edges. Intended for use in exterior pedestrian and light vehicular applications, the pavers give the appearance of centuries-old brick, even when...

Admixtures protect block and mortar.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The Color Cure admixture system is a combination of two water-repellent admixtures: one used in concrete block and the other in masonry mortar. The use of the two products in conjunction results in a high level of water repellency, weather...

Screw anchor installs quickly.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The HUS screw anchor is used in permanent indoor or temporary outdoor installations where reliable fastening and quick installation are needed. The anchor's hardened tip makes it easier to cut into high-strength materials, and a ductile shank...

Nine models added to bull float line.(new products)
March 1, 2004... Nine models have been added to a line of bull floats. The channel bull float now includes a smaller 48-inch x 6-inch version and a large 120-inch x 6-inch version. Two new square end magnesium bull floats measure 36 inches x 8 inches and 54...

Device stabilizes extension ladders.(new products)
March 1, 2004... A stabilizer attached to extension ladders up to 40-feet high provides a stand-off space of 19 inches to simplify working around overhangs, windows, and other obstacles. The contact tips are made of soft, non-marring plastic to avoid damage to...

Traction footwear prevents slips.(new products)
March 1, 2004... Designed to provide a high degree of slip resistance in slick conditions, Spiderz over-the-shoe traction footwear fits on regular shoes of boots to protect the wearer. The product is composed of a proprietary rubber compound, is 100%...

Scaffold planks increase safety.(new products)
March 1, 2004... GripStrip scaffold planks provide a safer traction surface than rough-sawn lumber. The planks are proof-loaded as an extra step to increase safety. The manufacturing process uses high fiber quality lumber with all defects removed. Hardened...

Liner creates thick brick system.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The concrete Versa-Brix brick gasket form liner can be used when a thick system is needed in almost any application. The flexible liner can be manufactured with variable mortar joints, which eliminate the need for perfectly ground brick sizes....

Lift truck features enhanced ergonomics.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The H25D/T 39X hydrostatic drive truck has a capacity of 5000 pounds. It is enhanced with improved fuel economy and a high level of operator comfort and productivity. The low-profile operator station gives easy on/off access, and the controls...

Levels are almost unbreakable.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The 330 Series polycast levels are virtually unbreakable under normal use. The 24- and 36-inch levels have a large, magnified, top-read vial that allows 300-degree viewability. Two additional acrylic vials read plumb and 45 degrees, and the...

Dump trailer hauls 3500 pounds.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The TH-4D hydraulic dump trailer offers a load capacity of 3500 pounds. The dump box is 12-inches high, 60-inches wide, and 96-inches long. The product features a standard multifunctional tri-swing gate and axles with easy-lube hubs. The...

Portable hoists incorporate several safety features.(new products)
March 1, 2004... A line of portable, suspended material hoist systems provides easy, safe lifting of general building materials. The hoists range in capacity from 200-2000 pounds and offer a full line of mounting options and carrying accessories. Each product...

Control system operates cranes and winches.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The T150 handheld, frequency hopping, spread spectrum control radio remote offers reliable regulation of cranes and winches. Features include a range up to 1200 feet, hall-effect trigger for proportional control, OSHA-approved E-stop to ensure...

Corded, miter, and table saw blades added to line.(new products)
March 1, 2004... A number of new blades have been added to the company's Marathon line. The corded blade comes in 18-, 24-, and 40-tooth versions. The blades features a thin kerf for faster cutting speed, construction-grade carbide teeth, and reinforced...

Crane serves smaller contracting needs.(new products)
March 1, 2004... Designed to meet the needs of small contractors, the hydraulically-driven 2820 telescopic crane lifts as much as 6000 pounds. The product is built with a standard mounting pattern, can interchange with existing models, and is easy to attach and...

Battery charger makes units stronger.(new products)
March 1, 2004... The RediPulse battery charging and maintenance system helps make units stronger so they work harder and last longer. A slight trickle charge prevents loss of battery power on stored vehicles. Using a unique ion-transfer process, the electric...

Weep systems.(the mason's toolbag)
March 1, 2004... Mortar Net USA Ltd. These weep vents are constructed of recycled polyester, are 90% open mesh, and are bonded with flame-retardant adhesive. They come in six different colors to match mortar: white, brown, tan, red, gray, and almond. ...

Let go and watch employees grow.(lookout)(employee management)
March 1, 2004... Trust is the number one characteristic of leaders. People won't follow your lead if they don't trust you. Can you imagine buying products from a store or insurance from an agent you don't trust? Would you do repeat business with someone you...