Masonry Construction articles from May 2005

Masonry Construction archives from May 2005

Recording legacies.(editor's note)
May 1, 2005... Is it me, or are we getting older at a younger age? I've been considering the concept of legacies frequently over the last few weeks. My interest began when I received my first invitation to join AARP. How did they know that I was about to hit...

Marmomacc and StonExpo form endorsement agreement.(brickbats)
May 1, 2005... Marmomacc, the world's largest and most prestigious exhibition in the natural stone industry, and Hanley Wood's StonExpo, the leading North American exhibition for the stone industry, have entered into a mutual endorsement agreement. These two...

SBIC picks new board of directors.(brickbats)(Sustainable Buildings Industry Council)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) has announced the election of its new board of directors for the 2005-2006 term. Re-elected to the board were J. Gregg Borchelt, vice president of the Brick Industry Association; Scott SEar,...

Construction Technology Laboratories changes name.(brickbats)(CTLGroup)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... In order to better reflect the breadth and variety of services provided to its clients, Construction Technology Laboratories has changed its name to CTLGroup. The new corporate identity was introduced at the recent World of Concrete/World of...

Portland hosting National Preservation Conference.(brickbats)
May 1, 2005... The National Preservation Conference provides all-important know-how, innovative ideas, and inspiration for people saving America's historic places and revitalizing communities. The 2005 event is scheduled for September 27-October 2 in...

Acme patents brick engraving process.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Acme Brick Co, Fort Worth, Texas, has developed a newly patented method of engraving brick using lasers that improves on the traditional sand-blasting approach. The technique was developed by Mike Young of Acme's Engineering Department (above)....

Firehouse rescue.(showcase)(Roanoke's Fire Station-1)
May 1, 2005... Built nearly 100-years ago in a Georgian Revival style, Virginia's oldest continuously operating firehouse was not about to shut down during restoration of its facade. The project plan had to enable firefighters at Roanoke's Fire Station #1 to...

Ready, aim, hire: masonry instructor prepares students for workforce by focusing on the qualities contractors are seeking.(education)
May 1, 2005... Don Borchert's approach to teaching young masons reflects the 17 years he spent as a foreman before joining Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Fennimore, Wisc., four years ago. "I was in charge of training apprentices, and I look at the job...

Deep brick spandrels.(details, details, details)
May 1, 2005... Some masonry wall designs require brick spandrels to span over lengthy bands of window openings. For this condition, the designer should consider supporting the brick veneer on a girder truss. By utilizing this truss, the depth of the spandrel...

Using expansion joints.(troubleshooting)
May 1, 2005... Q I am working on the design of an eight-story medical center that has 14-foot floor-to-floor heights. The wall construction is brick veneer with steel stud backup. The windows are either individual punched openings or larger groups that span a...

Putting brick on flashing.(troubleshooting)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Q Many architects recommend that no mortar be used for the brick course that is directly on the flashing over a shelf angle. If mortar is not used on the flashing, what keeps the brick from sliding off the angle? A When mortar is placed on...

Restoring a university landmark.(preservation)(Seton Hall University)
May 1, 2005... Seton Hall, the oldest diocesan Catholic university in the United States, was founded in 1856. In 1863 while the Civil War raged in the South, the university built the still standing stone chapel. Three years later, the Presidents Hall building...

Historic restoration: three tips for improving masonry repairs.(restoration)
May 1, 2005... The best bit of wisdom I received in the last 20 years came from a prominent sculptor and repairer of national monuments. At a seminar near Washington, D.C., I asked him, "What repair material do you use to patch stone and brick?" Before...

Mast climbers 101 * FAQ's.(TRAINING)(Hydro Mobile)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... This week, the Hydro Mobile team completed its Mast Climber Training Blitz across the nation. We were in precisely 57 cities to help users discover what more they could do with their mast climbers to maximize safety and productivity on their...

Probing masonry walls with GPR: ground penetrating radar preserves historical New York library during search for time-capsule.(gpr)(Brooklyn Public Library )
May 1, 2005... The Williamsburg branch building of the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn, N.Y., had an interesting situation arise in late 2004. The staff was told that a time-capsule had been placed within one of the cornerstones of the library by Andrew...

Top masonry contractors.(top contractors)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... MASONRY CONSTRUCTION magazine is compiling a list of the country's largest masonry contractors based on 2004 sales volume. Your participation is an invaluable part of this editorial project. Please complete this form and return it to the...

Hammer drill includes two battery packs.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The X2 cordless hammer drill easily moves through masonry and concrete and features an efficient, versatile battery system. It comes with a two-speed transmission (0-400 and 0-1600 rpm) and a high-speed gearbox for hammering up to 25,600 bpm. A...

Mast climber serves small jobs.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The P-Series mast-climbing work platform is geared toward small-scale jobs or applications in confined areas. It can be hauled on the back of a truck, set up quickly, and relocated easily. The deck measures 28 inches x 63 inches, holds up to...

Lift incorporates smart control panel.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The Pallet Master material lift incorporates the Intellitroll 2100 smart control panel, which is self-diagnostic and alerts operators to dangers before they arise, aids in preventive maintenance, and decreases downtime. The modular, vertical...

Air heater creates comfortable work area.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The Sahara 1250 air heater temporarily warms large, enclosed spaces and multi-story buildings for construction applications. The unit uses a hydronic heater to warm the 140 gallons of heat transfer fluid up to 1800[degrees]F. A pump circulates...

Barrier protects against air and moisture intrusion.(new products)
May 1, 2005... Sto Guard barrier is used behind most claddings in commercial and residential applications to protect against air and moisture intrusion. The product is a breathable, fluid applied barrier that provides superior protection underneath brick,...

Trailers use air or spring suspension.(new products)
May 1, 2005... Titanium trailers features modular frame construction with fabricated, cambered T-1 steel beams, non-ground bearing scraper profile gooseneck, and 10-inch deep cross members with 4-inch-wide flanges for more contact to the side beams. Other...

Diamond blades cut 30% faster.(new products)
May 1, 2005... Laser Fusion diamond blades deliver cut times up to 30% faster and longer life than competitive products. Each blade incorporates a manufacturing process that uses precise, laser-generated heat to fuse a mixture of synthetic diamonds and...

Wheelbarrow mixer features polyurethane drum.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The 59000C portable wheelbarrow mixer handles up to 3.5 cubic feet of cement, mortar mix, or two bags of pre-mixed concrete. The motor is a high-torque unit that runs at 1/3 hp on single-phase, 115-V electricity. The polyurethane drums do not...

Mobile system provides auxiliary power.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The Blackbird mobile power system is an under-the-hood unit that supplies 120-V, pure-sine, 60-Hz AC power, regardless of the connected engine's speed. It can be connected to a variety of vehicle engines, including the Ford 6.0-L Powerstroke...

Flashings transitioned to non-asphaltic adhesives.(new products)
May 1, 2005... This company has transitioned all of its copper laminated flashing products to non-asphaltic adhesives. The products, originally offered at a premium over asphaltic versions, are now priced at the same level. Nonasphaltic products offer several...

Saw cuts variety of materials.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The Redzaw RZ60 utility gas saw cuts concrete, stone, masonry, and other materials. The 17-pound tool plunge cuts to 9 inches and makes a square opening with no overcuts in material as thick as 8 inches. The saw is powered by a 4.2-hp,...

Lift truck line has four models.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The 336 Series 80-V, electric, counterbalanced lift trucks includes both pneumatic and cushion tire models. The four models offer capacities ranging from 5000-6500 pounds, and travel speeds to 9 mph fully loaded (an optional power package...

Device prevents equipment pilferage.(new products)
May 1, 2005... A universal anti-theft/safety device prevents pilferage and unauthorized use of large equipment at a jobsite. It can be installed on currently available models and older machines, including backhoes, tractors, telehandlers, forklifts, loaders,...

Brick veneer available with used and wirecut textures.(new products)
May 1, 2005... Four new styles of used and wirecut brick veneer textures are now available. The used texture has a slightly worn face with random indentations in each thin brick surface, while the wirecut style has blunt, uneven grooves that stretch...

Air compressor features CNC-machined rotor profile.(new products)
May 1, 2005... The XAS97JD portable air compressor provides 185 cfm at 100 psi. Enhancements include a reduced noise level, improved corrosion resistance, and standard DOT-approved road signalization. The C111 compressor element features an advanced,...

Coating applies to masonry and concrete.(new products)
May 1, 2005... Ultra-Shield concrete coating LT is a heavy-bodied, emulsified polyresin that dampproofs and beautifies all types of exterior and interior concrete and masonry surfaces. The coating does not peel, chip, blister, or crack. It hides rust stains...

Brick available in 30 colors.(new products)
May 1, 2005... These brick are made of a limestonecement mix with an antique-look slurry face design. They come in more than 30 designer colors and exceed ASTM specifications for grade N-1 brick. Each brick measures 9 5/8 inches x 2 5/8 inches x 3 inches and...

Jointer constructed from stainless steel.(the mason's toolbag: Brick Jointers)
May 1, 2005... A first of its kind patent-pending brick jointer is a new addition to the company's line of stainless steel tools. The product is more durable than carbon steel versions, and comes in five sizes ranging from 3/8 inch to 1 inch. * Bon Tool...

Tool comes with interchangeable blades.(the mason's toolbag: Brick Jointers)
May 1, 2005... This tool is designed for complete versatility on the job. Interchangeable hardened steel blades produce a uniform and consistently fine finish on the mortar. Wear is distributed during use by simply revolving the tubular blade. Should a blade...

Raker features contoured handle.(the mason's toolbag: Brick Jointers)
May 1, 2005... The 8.5-inch x 3-inch joint raker (above) has large, 1.75-inch skate wheels and a strong aluminum handle that is contoured to fit the hand and squared off at the end. A hardened nail that is adjustable to the proper depth can be securely...

Product handles grapevine or colonial joints.(the mason's toolbag: Brick Jointers)
May 1, 2005... Designed for grapevine or colonial-style joints, the Goldblatt brick jointer has a 6-inch long, 1/2-inch wide blade and a bit that is 1/8-inch wide on center. It has a comfortable hardwood handle, and the tempered high carbon steel blade...

Jointers are convex shaped.(the mason's toolbag: Brick Jointers)
May 1, 2005... A line of convex jointers are made of heavey-duty steel and come in seven sizes ranging from 3/8 inch x 1/2 inch to 1 1/4 inches x 1 1/4 inches. * W. Rose, a subsidiary of Kraft Tool Co., 800-422-2448, www.wrose.com circle 22 on the...

Mast climbers: tooled for success: preparation for performance means having the right tools for the job.(ultimate work zone)
May 1, 2005... Every good mason foreman brags about how he can predict whether a new employee will work out before he ever hits the wall. With a glance at the new hire's toolbag, the foreman can predict not only if the prospective employee is prepared to do...

We want your ideas for a new Fireplace Book.(bookshelf)
May 1, 2005... Upon its introduction, The Fireplace Book quickly became the industry's showroom for the masonry fireplace. Now, The Fireplace Book: Volumes 1 and 2 are used to provide inspiration in creating new designs. A fireplace design could be selected...

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.(Contractor Tip)(human resource management)
May 1, 2005... Do you keep your people updated on how your company is doing? Do you show them as much income & expense information as possible? You should. If our key people don't know what our sales, profits, & losses are, how are they going to help us get...

Quality masonry.(estimating)
May 1, 2005... All masonry contractors strive to perform "quality" work; however, we don't live in a perfect world. If we did, the design would be flawless, labor would make no mistakes, working conditions would be ideal, and the material would be perfect in...