Masonry Construction articles from May 2006

Masonry Construction archives from May 2006

Investing your profits wisely.(masonry industry investment management, occupational safety and health)
May 1, 2006... I probably spend more time in Las Vegas than most working professionals. Even so, I am not listed on any casino exclusive guest rosters or high roller clubs because I am not much of a gambler. Yet, while attending the MCAA annual meeting and...

Hodge receives Acme's 2006 President's Award.(Acme Brick Co. presents an award to Jerry Hodge)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Jerry Hodge, Acme Brick Co.'s general production manager for brick operations, has been awarded the coveted President's Award. This award is presented annually to the Acme Brick employee whose efforts reflect the type of performance that has...

Chimney Sweep meeting features restoration theme.(brickbats)
May 1, 2006... The Southeastern Chimney Sweep Association's annual convention and supplier exhibition will feature a historic renovation theme, along with seminars on business administration and hands-on workshops. The event is scheduled for Colonial...

Seminar covers masonry design and renovation.(brickbats)
May 1, 2006... The two-day "Design, Construction, and Renovation of Masonry Structures" seminar will be presented at three locations across the country during 2006: Minneapolis, May 18-19: San Francisco, July 27-28: and Baltimore. Sept. 28-29. The program is...

Residential masonry expo scheduled for Chicago area.(brickbats)
May 1, 2006... The International Masonry Institute will host a one day residential masonry expo at the organization's training center in Addison, Ill. Cost for the May 24 event is free with a pre-registration ($20 refundable deposit required). Panelists...

ASTM plans Symposium on Masonry.(brickbats)
May 1, 2006... An International Symposium on Masonry will be held June 13 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The program is sponsored by ASTM Committee C12 on Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry and C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units....

NCMA presents Design Award winners.(National Concrete Masonry Association )
May 1, 2006... The National Concrete Masonry Association revealed its 2005 Design Awards of Excellence winners at a special banquet during the association's annual convention, which was held recently in Anaheim. Awards of Excellence and Awards of Honor were...

Restoration stacks up.(showcase)(Ziolkowski Construction Inc. handles restoration works of a smokestack)
May 1, 2006... The centerpiece of a new 40-acre industrial site in South Bend, Ind., is a renovated boiler house and smokestack built in the 1870s. Once the power source for the Oliver Plow Works, the structure now houses the showroom for Rose Brick &...

Structural steel tubes at corners.(construction management)
May 1, 2006... Settling steel tube columns at the corners of walls should be considered when buildings are constructed with concrete masonry infill panels. A structural steel tube's rectangular shape creates continuity with the masonry at the outer corner....

Teaching requires continual changes: C.W. Bynum meets the challenges with dedication and determination.(education)
May 1, 2006... What once was a school enrollment of 700 is now 6000. What once was mostly hands-on instruction is now supplemented by videos and DVDs. What once used to be just brick and block instruction is now complemented by specialties such as ceramic...

Leaning parapets.(building maintenance)
May 1, 2006... Q The masonry parapets on older buildings often lean inward. What is the reason? When sighting along the length of the parapet, the top portion moves in at the center of the length and comes back out to the face at the corners. What causes...

Structural strengthening of historic chapel: extensive repairs and restoration return the Seton Hall University icon to its original grandeur.(restoration of Chapel of the Immaculate Conception)(Cover story)
May 1, 2006... The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception is the centerpiece of the Seton Hall University campus in South Orange, N.J. This historic structure was built during the civil war era of local brownstone and lime mortar. Architect J. O'Rourke and...

Changing the face of construction: high strength composite technology protects masonry buildings.(Hamid Saadatmanesh of University of Arizona develops high strength composite materials for construction)
May 1, 2006... Can you envision a world where masonry buildings absorb the shock of bomb blasts without toppling? Where unreinforced masonry buildings maintain their structural integrity through hurricane-force winds and raging waters? Where, in less than a...

The monkey is on your back!(general contractors' financial management)
May 1, 2006... Do you have any money owed to you right now? If so, will you get paid? Have you done the proper paperwork it takes to insure you will get paid? And, what does this all have to do with monkeys? The following story is an example of how easy...

Designer brick available in two styles.(new products)
May 1, 2006... Available as load-beating or veneer units, Heritage Collection designer concrete brick combine the aesthetics of clay with the durability, fire resistance, sound control, economy, and energy efficiency of CMUs. They feature smooth textured...

Mortar mixer uses high-torque motor.(new products)
May 1, 2006... The MM121 hydraulic mixer includes a high-torque output motor, powered dump system, and paddles set at 45 degrees to deliver high production performance and long life. The paddles reduce main shaft torque requirements without compromising...

Carriers handle 650 pounds.(new products)
May 1, 2006... A line of wheelbarrows and block carriers can move up to 650 pounds of material on flat surfaces, and up to 500 pounds on a 50% grade. All models feature a 24-V DC sealed drive system (no pulleys or belts), regenerative braking, electronic...

Masonry cement comes in customized colors.(new products)
May 1, 2006... The U.S. brand of custom color masonry cement is blended by using rich, natural pigments to deliver a long-lasting look. These masonry cements are a mill-mixed blend of portland cement, plasticizing materials, and other agents that provide...

Eliminating scraped knuckles.(new products)
May 1, 2006... These jointers fit the hand comfortably and are angled to help keep the mason's knuckles above the work when finishing mortar joints between brick or concrete block. The heat-treated tubular steel blades can be turned to distribute wear evenly....

Laser measures and calculates.(new products)
May 1, 2006... RoboTape takes accurate level measurements and automatically computes the area of squares and volume of cubes. It marks off measurements as you would with a tape, records and updates minimum readings for walls, and gives readings of...

Backhoe loader features dual steering.(new products)
May 1, 2006... The TX970B backhoe loader combines the versatility of a wheel loader with the functionality of an excavator. Like wheel loaders, it has dual steering and can switch from digging a trench, to bringing in material, to backfilling with ease. The...

Sealers form barrier against moisture.(new products)
May 1, 2006... Mason's Select clear concrete and masonry sealers are non-yellowing and won't crack or peel. The acrylic material seals out moisture, inhibits mildew, and provides resistance to UV rays, gasoline, oils, and other chemicals. They may be used...

Trucks offer three dumping options.(new products)
May 1, 2006... The Landscape Trio includes three dump bodies to suit varied needs. The Landscape Tipper has a swing-out side door with built-in retractable ladder for easy entry, as well as a removable upper tailgate that functions as a ramp for easy loading/...

Machines equipped with hydraulically-powered cooling.(new products)
May 1, 2006... K-Series compact, skid steer, track, and all-wheel loaders feature hydraulically-powered cooling for a more efficient and quiet operation. Operators can match travel speeds to operation requirements, and a transversely-mounted engine provides...

Device creates bold line.(new products)
May 1, 2006... With a snap of the line, the Chalk-Rite Gear Drive "Extra Bold" makes a distinct and uniform mark that eliminates the guesswork in finding the edge-of-line. Features include a 1-mm braided line, gear-lock line hold, and smooth, gear-drive...

Masonry tools that protect the hand.(new products)
May 1, 2006... A line of masonry tools feature unbreakable polymer caps and oil-resistant cushion grips to provide a safe, accurate, and comfortable feel. These features reduce noise, vibration, and spalling associated with hand-struck tools, while improving...

Slide rules stamped with company logo.(new products)
May 1, 2006... Using slide rules stamped with the company's logo keeps the name in front of customers. They are available for a wide variety of concrete and masonry calculations, including concrete volume, concrete block, and sand, gravel, and stone. *...

Rammers generate lower vibration.(new products)
May 1, 2006... The MT-65HA, MT-74FA, and MT-84FA gasoline-powered rammers have contoured handles that reduce vibration. "Duck bill" fuel caps and diaphragm carburetors let operators lay down each unit without spills, and built-in guide handle retainers...

Compact saw cuts 5-in. deep.(new products)
May 1, 2006... The MS3 is a high-performance cutting tool for masonry professionals. Powered by a 2.5-hp, 115-V electric motor, the saw has a 14-in. blade capacity and cuts up to 5 in. deep. Features include a die-cast cart, security lock bar, roller wheel...

Mortar gun serves many joints.(new products)
May 1, 2006... The Drill-Mate gun handles standard and premixed moors for tuckpointing, cultured stone, thin brick, glass block, and all types of masonry joints. It mounts to any 3/8-in. variable speed drill. Just scoop mortar into the 3-quart capacity hopper...

Portable wheelbarrow mixer works indoors.(new products)
May 1, 2006... Materials can be processed almost anywhere with the Gilson wheelbarrow mixer. The 125-pound 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...

Sealer protects against graffiti.(new products)
May 1, 2006... The breathable Graffiti-Shield ST protects against defacement without changing the surface appearance. It uses advanced polymer technology that results in a thin, clear film to prevent adhesion of spray paint and other defacing materials. The...

Tools maintain constant speed.(Grinders)
May 1, 2006... Equipped with soft-grip handles that reduce vibration, the 5-in. DEG 500-D and 6-in. DEG 600-D and DEG 600-P angle grinders are designed for comfort and easy use. They feature the Smart Power system that maintains a constant level of grinding...

Machine designed for CMUs.(Grinders)
May 1, 2006... The DCC-J275 is a heavy-duty machine designed to grind ends or faces of concrete masonry units with a 9-inch diameter, single-layer diamond drum. Its compact design takes up little floor space and requires only one operator. The machine can be...

Blade removes joint sealants.(Grinders)
May 1, 2006... The carbide caulk cutter blade mounts directly on any angle grinder to remove joint sealant material up to 10 times faster than other methods. The product is available in 4- and 7-in. sizes and is ideal for waterproofing, concrete, and masonry...

Anti-vibration feature protects operator.(Grinders)
May 1, 2006... The Vibratech reduces vibration on the side handle so operators experience fewer health risks. The handle's design cuts vibration by eliminating direct contact between the spindle and grip. Vibration is further diminished by an absorbent...

Adjustable shrouds remove dust.(Grinders)
May 1, 2006... These fully adjustable 5- and 7-in. dust shrouds feature a mounting collar that enables trouble-free attachment to a large range of angle grinders. Adjustable shroud slots allow grinding fight up to the edges, and a rubber skirt provides a...

Product handles numerous materials.(Grinders)
May 1, 2006... The Solo Trac grinder has a 12-in. working width and is perfect for concrete, ceramic tile, stone, terrazzo, and brick. Its tapered front gives excellent visibility, and the adjustable handle makes operation easy. Large diameter wheels allow...

Climbers keep work waist high.(Scaffolding)
May 1, 2006... A line of four climbing scaffolding systems keeps the wall and materials waist-high all day for better production. The VIP model is ideal for brick veneers and interior partitions up to 12-ft. high. The Junior is suited for residential and...

Walk-through frame remains stable.(Scaffolding)
May 1, 2006... Each Mason Walkthru scaffold frame contains five sets of connector pins so contractors can move outside braces while maintaining stability. The frames include two extra side bracket posts so users can add work platforms with ease, and...

Portable platform serves interior uses.(Scaffolding)
May 1, 2006... This portable platform scaffold is easy to assemble and adjust, making it ideal for interior uses. The scaffold includes two 29-in. frames, two arm braces, one plywood deck, and four casters for easy maneuvering. The heavy-duty,...

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

Guardrail gate fits variety of scaffolds.(Scaffolding)
May 1, 2006... The GRGA adjustable guardrail gate easily installs in a wide variety of scaffold types. It has a positive locking mechanism and adjusts from 32-48 in. in width. The guardrail is made of hot-dipped galvanized steel. * Safway Scaffolding,...

Fiberglass product resists corrosion.(Scaffolding)
May 1, 2006... This fiberglass scaffold is lightweight, highly resistant to corrosive materials, non-conductive to hot and cold temperatures, and prevents electrocution. The product is tested and approved to AS/NZ 1576.3:1995, and is suitable for use at...

Modular system adapts to steep angles.(Scaffolding)
May 1, 2006... This modular system has all its components engineered to lock onto a rosette so few parts are needed. The Total Scaffold System can be adapted to overcome steep angles and irregular shapes, making it well suited for restoration and renovation...

The look of natural stone.(Products for the Pros: showcase)
May 1, 2006... AFTEC's concrete fence forms produce the StoneTree[TM] wall designs providing the aesthetic qualities of natural stone with the strength and durability of reinforced precast concrete. The forms provide maximum efficiency producing a combined...

Diamond grit tuckpointing router.(Products for the Pros: showcase)
May 1, 2006... This tuckpointing router has a diamond grit tip especially designed for hard joints. This reduces the vibrations when replacing joints, repairing cracks or making tracks. Best control is obtained by using our special safety shield for standard...

Scaffold pallets.(Products for the Pros: showcase)
May 1, 2006... Designed and built with convenience in mind, the Scaffold pallets give you a quick and easy way to move scaffolding from job to job and a convenient way to store your scaffolding when not in use. We have several different models to choose from....

Determining the masonry factor.(estimating, calculation)
May 1, 2006... Almost all masonry work is best figured based on square feet. Masonry estimators have long known that it's much easier to work from this basis rather than trying to figure individual courses. It's just a simple matter of using the right formula...