Masonry Construction articles from September 2006

Masonry Construction archives from September 2006

Scoring a goal for concrete in Mexico.(brickbats)
September 1, 2006... Amid the nation-wide fervor of Mexico's second game in the first round of the World Cup, this year's World of Concrete-Mexico had a definite soccer theme. Most exhibitors had draped images proclaiming support for the Mexican soccer team in...

Commercial construction rebounding.(commercial construction is shaping up)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Commercial construction, one of the last industries to recover from the most recent recession, is poised for its best year since 2001, contributing more to economic growth just as homebuilding starts to ebb. Job growth and falling vacancy rates...

Cleveland bricklayer a finalist in national contest.(brickbats)
September 1, 2006... Americans will get to vote on a different kind of "Idol" this summer: the five finalists in the 15th annual Dickies "American Worker of the Year" Awards. David Bildstein, a steel mill bricklayer from Cleveland, will compete against a school...

Robinson Brick caters to commercial developers.(Robinson Brick Co reintroducing architectural classics line)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Responding to an increase in demand for high-quality, architectural brick, Denver-based Robinson Brick Co. has announced the reintroduction of its Architectural Classics line. The company marked the reintroduction by announcing three new...

Arizona Masonry Guild announces winners of design/build competition.(brickbats)
September 1, 2006... The 5th annual design/build competition, "Masonry: It Makes A Village," sponsored by the Arizona Masonry Guild, was held earlier this year in Phoenix. The timed event pitted teams of Arizona architects and mason contractors against each other...

Manor of masonry.(showcase)(Spencer Brickwork Inc.)
September 1, 2006... A lavish display of ornate masonry detailing embellishes this 8883-square-foot Italianate-style residence. The buff-and-rose colored brick facade features projected and recessed courses, a dentil marking the lower roofline, and two banded...

Inner corner at base of wall.(details, details, details)
September 1, 2006... It is difficult for a mason to properly tool mortar joints at inner wall comers due to the size and shape of the jointer and the acute angle formed by the intersecting brick. As a result, the mortar joints at this location cannot be tooled...

Different, but similar.(troubleshooting)
September 1, 2006... Q What is the difference between ground block, ground face block, burnished block, and honed block? A All these terms deal with concrete masonry units produced using essentially the same finishing technique. They describe a process where...

Flashing concerns.(troubleshooting)
September 1, 2006... Q Our firm designed a school building in the Chicago area. We specified plastic masonry through-wall flashing where a lower roof intersects a taller masonry wall. The through-wall flashing was to have a metal drip edge that extended out beyond...

Competency-based program proves its worth.(education)(Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College)
September 1, 2006... "Hardly anyone ever graduates from our program," said masonry instructor Rick Brown, unemotionally. "But I need to explain that," he added with more vigor in his voice. "Our students are so much in demand that they are hired before...

Masonry Construction's top contractors: residential market leads surge as total masonry volume reaches $1.177 billion.(top contractors)(Industry overview)(Statistical data)
September 1, 2006... Contractors participating in our 5th annual article generated about $1.177 billion in 2005, exceeding the amount of any of the previous four lists and nearly $90 million more than the 2004 volume. The residential market led the way with a 6%...

Submit better bids to get more work: there are several strategies available for improving the bid-hit ratio.(bidding)
September 1, 2006... "It's impossible to compete in this tight construction market." "There is too much competition." "I can't find any profitable jobs to bid." "The only way I get jobs is when I leave too much money on the table." "I get tired...

Who you are: surveys reveals interesting facts about the mason contractor.(contractor profile)
September 1, 2006... Did you ever wonder about the profile of the typical mason contractor in the United States? In the fall of 2005, many MASONRY CONSTRUCTION readers participated in a survey gathering this type of information. Thanks, because we use the...

Residential Association goes national: group plans first annual meeting during the 2007 World of Masonry in Las Vegas.(RESIDENTIAL MASONRY)(Residential Masonry Contractors Association )(Organization overview)
September 1, 2006... Residential masonry represents approximately 80% of the industry--about 80% of the brick and mortar sold, 80% of the block, 80% of stone and pavers, and more than 80% of the masons and contractors working in the industry. Because of these...

Mortar used for overhead repairs.(new products)
September 1, 2006... V.O. repair mortar can be built up to 2 in. in overhead and vertical repairs without the need for formwork. The one-component, hydraulic cement mortar is self-curing, bonds well to existing substrates, and remains resistant to water and...

Blade cuts several materials.(new products)
September 1, 2006... The Intimidator masonry blade cuts terra cotta sewer pipes, reinforced concrete, brick, and slate. The reciprocating saw blade is ideal for cutting hard masonry materials in tight areas. One blade can cut up to 100 brick. It is offered in 6.5-,...

Ties serve almost any wall.(new products)
September 1, 2006... A line of wall ties is manufactured to meet the requirements of various pouring methods. Made from cold rolled steel, the ties yield a minimum pull strength of 7200 pounds. The ties come in two-, three- and four-hole varieties, as well as round...

Removing concrete from surfaces.(new products)
September 1, 2006... Poof! is an acid-free liquid dissolver that removes hardened concrete from forms, mixers, tools, hand rails, tile, clothing, patio screens, and more. Just apply the product with a brush or sprayer. After it penetrates the surface, the concrete...

Telescopic boom reaches 40 feet.(new products)
September 1, 2006... The S-60 HC telescopic boom offers more than 40 ft of outreach. It has a full range of motion up to 750 pounds, and supports platform loads up to 1250 pounds. Ideal for moving heavy loads in and out of hard-to-reach areas, this option is...

Tilt-up gets masonry look.(new products)
September 1, 2006... The Chameleon cast wall system provides attractive masonry finishes to tilt-up construction. The system consists of 2-in. thick "facers" of architectural concrete arranged face down on a casting bed. Reinforcing steel, lift inserts, and...

Repairing concrete and masonry cracks.(new products)
September 1, 2006... Concrete compounds have been formulated to repair cracks in pool decks, stone walls, and more. Two formulas are available. The low-viscosity CR-2000 offers excellent adhesion and fills thin cracks with ease, and the non-sag CR-2100 can be used...

Safe and easy approach to wall bracing.(new products)
September 1, 2006... The Hog Leg bracing system works on all types of block and adjusts to any wall height. Requiring one- or two-person assembly, it fastens through the head joints so there's no need for block cutting or anchor bolts. The bracing system is...

Filler foams restrict infiltration.(new products)
September 1, 2006... An ideal alternative to traditional sealing methods, the CF 812 and CF 810 filler foams restrict air, sound, dirt, and water infiltration. The 812 is a low-pressure product that seals the perimeters of window and door frames, and can be used on...

Honesty is the greatest quality a leader can have.(Contractor Tip)
September 1, 2006... As I grew up around my dad, one of the statements he emphasized time and time again was one that grandpa always told him. He'd say, "As you go through life, maintain the qualities of honesty, good judgment and action." After being in business...

Level line designed for mason.(the mason's toolbag: Hand Levels)
September 1, 2006... A line of mason levels are easy to read thanks to the plumb vial positions. The levels feature centered hand holes for better balance, and removable rubber end caps that grip walls. Other features include a wide frame and smooth vials for easy...

Product features rotating vial.(the mason's toolbag: Hand Levels)
September 1, 2006... A rotating vial on the I-Beam 180 offers precision leveling of materials installed at angles from 0 to 180 degrees. The level features rigid I-beam cross-section construction, powder-coated aluminum frame, low-profile protective end caps, and...

Magnetic version added to line.(the mason's toolbag: Hand Levels)
September 1, 2006... The True Blue line now includes the em71 Series of magnetic levels. Available in 24-, 48-, and 78-in. models, the levels feature rare earth neodymium magnets carefully positioned on the frame to line up with standard spacing of hinge plates....

Easy-to-read levels hold tight.(the mason's toolbag: Hand Levels)
September 1, 2006... Dual chamber technology makes straight-line I-beam levels more durable so they resist twisting or bending. They have large bubble vials that are easy to read, even when looking through the top view window. Rubber end caps provide impact...

Tool performs multi-tasking duties.(the mason's toolbag: Hand Levels)
September 1, 2006... Trim-Gauge is a multi-purpose tool that helps users measure, level, and adjust almost anything. Imperial and metric scales on either side use an easy-adjust locking screw for quick changes and different measurements. The tool's mirror design...

Vials won't leak or fog.(the mason's toolbag: Hand Levels)
September 1, 2006... Master levels feature vials that won't leak or log, and if they do, the company will replace them at no cost. The vials use large bubbles that are easy to read. The user can adjust the vials while on the job and keep working. * Master...

Box-beam model resists damage.(the mason's toolbag: Hand Levels)
September 1, 2006... Prosite box-beam levels are manufactured with ribs to allow for add-on accessories. The magnified horizontal vial with a large bubble is easy to read accurately. The acrylic vials are readable and accurate when upside down. Vials are adjustable...

Loader changes from all-wheel to skidsteer.(Site Preparation Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The A300 loader transforms from four-wheel steer to a skidsteer at the flip of a switch. In the all-wheel mode, four steerable axles offer less tire wear and less ground disturbance. In the skidsteer mode, operators get tight turning and...

Mid-size excavators come in four classes.(Site Preparation Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Zero-tail-swing and short-tail-swing mid-size excavators are available in 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-metric-ton classes. The zero-tail-swing 503Z and 753Z rotate entirely within the dimension of the tracks without overhang. The short-tail-swing 603 and...

Rammers designed to reduce vibration.(Site Preparation Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The BS Series of two-cycle and four-cycle rammers features low oil shutdown and single-lever control. Each rammer has a guide handle with a built-in shock-mount system to reduce hand-arm vibration and improve operator comfort. The two-cycle...

Vibratory dirt roller compacts any soil.(Site Preparation Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The Rhino 66X vibratory dirt roller is a ride-on, 66-in. model that features dual amplitude with a choice of high or low compaction forces (up to 22,500 lb). Dual speeds give the roller added maneuverability. Powered by a 110-hp Cummins...

Compact excavator works tight spots.(Site Preparation Equipment)
September 1, 2006... With a quick-connect tool carrier that accepts more than 70 attachments, the XT850 allows an operator to cut and dig without ever leaving the seat. Its offset, dual-pivot 260-degree sweep can dig alongside walls, and its zero turning radius and...

Skidsteer attachment preps site.(Site Preparation Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Whether users need to grade, level, rip, or silt, the Worksite Pro Land plane makes final landscape preparation with a skidsteer easier than ever. This attachment can be used to complete the final grade on both flat and sloping ground, and is...

Vibratory plate compactor works small projects.(Site Preparation Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The BP8/34 single-direction vibratory plate compactor is ideal for small construction projects. A 119-lb operating weight and 13.4-in. plate width allow the machine to maneuver in confined spaces. The compactor is powered by a 4-hp Honda...

Package includes attachments and skidsteer.(Site Preparation Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Five all-in-one system trailer packages are now available for the Boxer Brute, Boxer, and Kanga Kid mini-skidsteer lines. The packages include a trailer, up to 10 attachments, and the machine. Each system trailer is a tool kit on wheels...

Carbide tuckpointing router.(Products for the Pros showcase)
September 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 are 5/16"...

Grout pumps.(Products for the Pros showcase)
September 1, 2006... Kenrich Products grout pumps are ideal for grouting meta] 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...

Motivating yourself, and others.(estimating)
September 1, 2006... What motivates people? There are only two sources from where a person is motivated: outside or inside. When we say that a person is motivated by an outside source, the individual acts as the result of someone other than himself. It could be a...