Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Mason Contractors Association of America: 2014 Key Accomplishments


Membership dues paid to the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the largest source of funding that we have. Its importance cannot be understated…it's a vital part of the association that enables us to continue to fight for our industry on behalf of all mason contractors. Our involvement on all fronts (from regulatory reform to education and training) continues to ensure the survivability and viability of our industry for generations to come. Below is a list of some of our recent successes supported by MCAA Membership dollars followed by a brief outlook for the year ahead.

BIM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Phase II of the BIM Software Development program is moving forward. Phase I gave the industry a roadmap forward to implement a fully operational BIM for Masonry program and Phase II is starting that process. Later this year contractors will begin to see opportunities to educate themselves on computers, what BIM is through an introductory to BIM software and other programs. This is an exciting step forward in the process and will offer huge opportunities for contractors. The entire process is projected to be about a five-year process. When complete masonry will level the playing field with competing systems and will be at the very beginning of the development process in building design. We plan to be incorporated into designer software making the design of masonry in project development a very easy task.

SILICA RULE

The MCAA was very busy this past year working on developing arguments both as a part of a construction industry coalition and as a representative of our industry. We testified at hearings in March of 2014 on issues we had with the new proposed rule and submitted written testimony on our objections. We are now in an evaluation period where OSHA will determine what they will do with their rule. We expect a final rule to come in the new year. This battle over a fair and reasonable rule will be continued and the MCAA will continue to fight for the interests of our industry on this rule. Watch for this issue in 2014-15. This was an unbudgeted item and the MCAA did not hold back on representing our interests on this issue, as it will be critical to our future. Likely the next stage of the battle will get very expensive (potential lawsuit against the Federal Government by major industry coalitions including MCAA).

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The MCAA had an opportunity to begin implementing its workforce development issue it had been working on with the Masonry Association of Florida. This was not a budgeted item, but it was an opportunity to roll-out the program in an area that was ready for this initiative. In October of 2013 we hired Terry Ruppel from Nashville, Tennessee to kick-off our MCAA/NCCER high school sponsor-training program. The MCAA has secured their first schools and plan for a major expansion of the program in the fall of 2014. This program’s goal will be to support and implement new high school construction in particular masonry programs at the high school level. Then use those programs to feed new apprentice programs in the states we are working in. Tennessee is the first model program and once self-supporting, the MCAA will look to branch out into other areas. Look to hear more about this in 2014-15.

NEW LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR CONTRACTORS

In 2013-14 the MCAA continued our popular networking sessions for contactors to share information with one another. Something that has branched out as a result has been the development of on-line networking groups. These are designed to take the valuable networking events we have had at our meetings and make them available all year long. In addition, the MCAA has bulked up the popular Live Webianr Season Pass to the weekly webinars. Now most weeks contractors have multiple webinars they can attend and allow everyone in their company access to the recorded events 24/7. Look for this to be further enhanced in the year ahead. In 2014 the MCAA also released the first three revised programs to what has been known as the MQI. These new programs were created by mason contractors for mason contractors. Look for an additional three to roll out in 2015.

NEW MEMBER BENEFITS

In 2013-14 new member benefits were rolled out. Benefits were added to our traditional programs such as our Grainger discount program, and safety discount program. The MCAA is introducing a company called Sageworks. They offer member firms some of the best financial comparison numbers that can be found in the industry. Look for more on this in 2014-15. It is a new program that will help your firm benchmark it’s expenses and profits to fellow contractors (in a discreet fashion locally, regionally and nationally). It is a very exciting program and those who have seen the demo have been very impressed with its capabilities. Beeline Safety Products has expanded their offerings and now has a web-store for members to get everyday low pricing on safety equipment and needs. Make sure you take advantage of broker buying through Beeline.

COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY

In an effort to better identify needs and services of our members and non-members, the MCAA undertook a massive survey effort in 2013-2014 of our members, non-members and past members. It stared out with an intensive interactive survey done on-line for three days and allowed for interaction of those surveyed and the MCAA so additional questions could be posed after responses to the initial questions. Phase II is finishing as we write. That was a much larger survey, but was done traditionally as an on-line question and answer survey. Once the results are compiled, the MCAA will evaluate the responses and begin to implement and make changes to MCAA offerings based on the results. The marketing firm used for the survey process will work with us to implement these in 2014-15.

A LOOK TO THE YEAR AHEAD

SILICA INITIATIVES

It is expected that OSHA will release their final rule. The MCAA will be poised with our coalition members to continue our effort for reasonable regulation on this issue. Further action on this initiative will be dictated by the content of the final rule. There is hope that OSHA will spate out construction and establish a different PEL for construction. If very little changes about the rule, the MCAA is prepared to work with coalition members to continue our fight on a multitude of levels including politically and legally.

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MEMBER BENEFITS

An area you should expect to see developed in 2014-2015 is a new member only benefit which will be specifically tailored to our member needs and the discount offered in this program will only be available to MCAA members. The MCAA will be working with a consultant on an exclusive program, which will be formulated by finding out the top three controlled expenses our members have. The goal is to take one of your largest expenses that you have control over (taxes, medical etc. would not be included) and get a national provider to offer a savings program that will reward you for being a member and likely cover your membership dues in savings. Look for more details on this in the summer of 2015.

REGIONAL CONVENTIONS

One thing that has come out of our initial membership survey is to bring regional conventions to our members and non-members. These conventions will bring the best of educational and networking opportunities from our national convention to a more local level. The idea is to reach out and engage members who can’t afford to be at our convention for either economic or time issues. The MCAA is planning to initiate three of these in the year ahead.

SPEED DATING

The MCAA will be introducing something termed speed dating at our mid-year meeting. This concept will bring suppliers who have new products to meet with our members and discuss those products in a half hour program. Suppliers will be selected based on their ability to help contractors with their products to more efficient and productive. This will be a unique opportunity for contractors to engage in a small group discussion with suppliers about how they can utilize them and be more profitable as a result. Look for more details in the coming months.

ASK THE EXPERT

New at this year’s convention will be an MCAA booth which will be themed to be similar to the Apple Store Genius Bar. We will be scheduling short question and answer sessions with experts from our industry on a wide array of topics and they will be in our booth to answer questions and share knowledge. This will be a unique way to learn not only about industry topics but also other topics to help make you more productive such as tablets and how to utilize them on a job-site. More on this coming soon.
As the year develops there will be undoubtedly more exciting opportunities for our association to participate in. We need your continued support to maximize our opportunities and serve the needs of our industry.

Friday, May 23, 2014

12th North American Masonry Conference in 2015

The University of Colorado at Denver’s Civil Engineering Department will host the 12th North American Masonry Conference (12NAMC) May 17 – 20, 2015, on the downtown Denver Auraria campus. The quadrennial conference features the latest in world-wide masonry research presented in lively educational keynotes and sessions. 

Close to 150 papers from 20 countries are expected for inclusion in the final proceedings for the conference. Topics of the research may include such diverse issues as seismic resistance, case studies of recent events, the sustainability life cycle analysis of masonry materials, and restoration of historic masonry structures. The conference will feature tracks of interest to academics & researchers, designers, and mason contractors.
Authors are invited to submit abstracts describing proposed papers and publications no later than June 1, 2014. Abstracts are to be 100 to 300 words. Format information and requirements for the abstract and final paper are available at www.masonrysociety.org/NAMC.

Date: 05/17/2015 - 05/20/2015
Time: All Day Event
Location: Denver
Cost: Conference fees apply

Contact:
Name: The Masonry Society
Phone: 303-939-9700
Sponsored by: UCD Department of Civil Engineering

Disability Options:
To request disability accommodations, please contact The Masonry Society at 303-939-9700 or  info@masonrysociety.org.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

New Issue of Masonry Magazine Digital!

Click here to see the new issue of Masonry Magazine!


OSHA Cites Contractor for Wall Collapse, Fall Hazards at Construction Site


A Stamford-based contractor faces $196,000 in fines for two willful and 12 serious violations following an inspection by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Cesar Mendoza, d.b.a. KI Management LLC, was cited by the agency following a November 2013 inspection at a Bridgeport worksite, which found that workers demolishing and rehabbing a building were exposed  to potentially fatal crushing injuries and other hazards due to their employer’s failure to brace the building’s walls and adhere to basic, legally required safeguards.

“This employer’s disregard of basic demolition safety fundamentals is unacceptable. The seriousness of this hazard can be seen in the June 5, 2013, building collapse in Philadelphia that killed six people and injured 14,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “While no collapse occurred in Bridgeport, the hazard was real, present and entirely avoidable.”

“The removal of flooring from the second and thirds floors left an empty, unsupported shell that was vulnerable to collapse,” said Robert Kowalski, OSHA’s area director in Bridgeport. “Employees at this job site were also exposed to falls of up to 36 feet from unguarded wall openings and to health hazards from inadequate measures to protect them from exposure to lead at the worksite. Worker safety and health were blatantly ignored.”

OSHA cited Cesar Mendoza, d.b.a. KI Management, for two willful violations, with maximum allowable fines of $140,000 for the wall collapse and fall hazards. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

A total of 12 serious violations, with $56,000 in fines, were cited for a variety of health and safety hazards. These included having workers dry sweep and shovel lead-containing waste materials and debris, as well as failing to supply workers with proper training, respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment. In addition, employees were provided inadequate demolition, fall and fire protection, and general safety training.

Other safety hazards included unmarked emergency exits, improper storage of oxygen and fuel gas cylinders, and electrical hazards. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known if an accident were to occur.

Cesar Mendoza, d.b.a. KI Management, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission.


To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Bridgeport office at 203-579-5581.                 

Monday, May 5, 2014

Hilti Canada Recognized as Best Workplace in Canada

Hilti Canada, a supplier of tools and fastening systems for the professional user, is being recognized as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Canada by the Great Place to Work Institute. Great Place to Work Institute is a research and management consultancy with expertise on workplace transformation and a presence in 46 countries.

Ranking 16 on this year’s list of 50 Best Large and Multinational Workplaces in Canada, Hilti Canada was recognized with the special Credibility Award. This award is given to workplaces with a combined focus on building trust, culture and practices that make the day-to-day relationships with employees a great experience.

“We are excited to once again receive this recognition”, said Avi Kahn, president and general manager. “Being a great place to work is at the heart of our culture, so when we are appreciated by our team members and an organization like Great Place to Work, we appreciate that.”

The award to Hilti Canada is evidence of a strong culture and a reflection of the passion that employees bring to work every day. The commitment to shared values unites Hilti team members and fosters an environment in which innovation and teamwork thrive.

This year’s list received more than 300 nominations and more than 60,000 employees participated in the 2014 Best Workplaces in Canada survey.



Thursday, May 1, 2014

Construction Spending Rises in March as Housing, Private Nonresidential Categories Rise

Total construction spending remained in a holding pattern in March as strong gains in apartment construction and modest growth in homebuilding and private nonresidential activity offset falling public outlays, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Association officials noted that the construction spending figures may get dramatically worse unless public officials act urgently to maintain federal highway funding.

“Overall construction spending has increased from a year ago but has stayed in a narrow range since December,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “It is encouraging that spending remained level despite severe winter weather that may have delayed some projects, and the totals are likely to grow moving into spring.”

Construction put in place totaled $943 billion in March, 0.2 percent above the revised February total and matching the latest estimate for January. Spending in March was 8.4 percent higher than a year earlier.

Private residential construction spending increased by 0.5 percent in March to reach the highest rate since November 2008. The latest total topped the year-ago level by 16 percent. Single-family construction rose 0.2 percent in March and 13 percent year-over-year. Multifamily spending leaped 4.4 percent and 33 percent, respectively.

Private nonresidential spending edged up 0.2 percent for the month and 8.6 percent over 12 months. Most major categories increased from year-ago levels. The largest private segment, power construction—comprising work on oil and gas fields and pipelines as well as electricity projects—rose 2.8 percent over the year. The fastest-growing private type was communication construction, with a 34 percent gain since March 2013.

Public construction spending declined 0.6 percent for the month and 0.8 percent year-over-year, sinking to its lowest mark since November 2006. The largest public segment, highway and street construction, increased 8.5 percent from a year before, but the second-biggest category, educational construction, slumped 5.3 percent.

“All of these trends are likely to continue,” Simonson predicted. “There appears to be plenty of demand for more apartments and many categories of private nonresidential construction. Single-family homebuilding should remain above year-ago levels, although growing much more slowly as the year progresses. Public construction is likely to shrink further, based on what has been proposed or enacted in federal and state budgets.”

Association officials cautioned that the recent increase in highway spending will reverse course if the federal Highway Trust Fund runs out of money this summer. The Trust Fund provides funding to every state to match state spending on highway and bridge repair and construction projects. If the Fund runs out of money, billions of dollars worth of construction projects are likely to be stalled.

“Unless Congress and the administration get together in the next few weeks on a funding plan, thousands of construction projects across the country may have to lay off workers in the height of the construction season,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “There is no time left for political posturing; construction workers and companies need immediate assurance that they will be paid on time for their work.”

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

MCAA's Online Auction Taking Place Now

Don't miss out on your chance to bid on new, name brand equipment for a fraction of the cost of retail. Save your company thousands of dollars and support the industry at the same time. View products

Monday, April 28, 2014

Construction Employment Up in 197 of 339 Metros, March '13 - '14

Construction employment expanded in 197 metro areas, declined in 87 and was stagnant in 55 between March 2013 and March 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that construction employment stands to suffer if Congress allows federal highway funding to stop this summer.

“Much of the country experienced relatively robust growth in construction employment during the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But the fact construction employment remains below prior peak levels in most areas shows just how hard hit the industry was during the downturn and how vulnerable it is to disruptions, such as a potential lapse in federal highway funding.”

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif. added the largest number of construction jobs in the past year (10,000 jobs, 9 percent), followed by Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, Calif. (9,100 jobs, 12 percent) and Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas (6,200 jobs, 6 percent). The largest percentage gains occurred in Monroe, Mich. (43 percent, 900 jobs), El Centro, Calif. (37 percent, 700 jobs), Pascagoula, Miss. (35 percent, 1,900 jobs) and Lewiston, Idaho-Wash. (33 percent, 300 jobs).

The largest job losses from March 2013 to March 2014 were in Gary, Ind. (-5,400 jobs, -28 percent), followed by Bethesda-Rockville-Frederick, Md. (-3,000 jobs, -10 percent), Putnam-Rockland-Westchester, N.Y. (-2,200 jobs, -8 percent) and Rochester, N.Y. (-1,400 jobs, -9 percent). The largest percentage decline for the past year was also in Gary, followed by Yuba City, Calif. (-13 percent, -200 jobs), Elkhart-Goshen, Ind. (-12 percent, -300 jobs), and Sandusky, Ohio (-11 percent, -100 jobs).

Pascagoula, Miss. experienced the largest percentage increase (26 percent, 1,500 jobs higher than March ‘08) among the 27 metro areas that topped or matched their prior March construction employment highs. Baton Rouge, La. added the most jobs since reaching its prior March peak in 2013 (3,400 jobs). Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, Ariz. (-86,300 jobs) experienced the largest drop in total construction employment compared to its prior March 2006 peak while Lake Havasu City-Kingman, Ariz. experienced the largest percentage decline compared to its March 2006 peak (-69 percent).

Association officials said thousands of construction jobs could be at risk if Congress and the Obama administration allow billions in highway funding to come to a halt this summer when the federal Highway Trust Fund is expected to reach a zero balance. The prospects are so daunting that thousands of highway workers have already contacted their members of Congress asking for help as part of a “Hardhats for Highways” campaign organized by a coalition of construction and labor groups.

“It would be an economic travesty to put thousands out of work and undermine the construction industry’s recovery because Washington officials don’t fix a problem they’ve known about for months,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “This isn’t the kind of summer break hard-working crafts men and women expect or deserve.”

View construction employment figures by state and rank.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Showcase Your Masonry Work in the Masonry Design Gallery

Your projects (be they buildings, hardscapes, etc.) are your calling card – your signature. They are how you and your firm get noticed, and therefore, earn more clients. By this logic, the more you are able to showcase your designs, the better your firm’s bottom line. This is where the Masonry Design Gallery comes in. We want to help you showcase your projects. Just submit your project images for free to our gallery. Learn more from the blog.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Masons: AcmeTools.com Uses IBM Smarter Commerce for Mobile Shopping

Acme Tools, an authorized online retailer of tools and equipment, has launched its new mobile version of AcmeTools.com for online customers using smartphones. Developed by BlueSky Technology Partners, the new mobile platform leverages Acme Tools' ongoing investment in IBM WebSphere Commerce to deliver a seamless online shopping experience regardless of how customers choose to browse and buy.

Based on a recent IBM study, mobile traffic and sales have continued to soar as a component of overall online sales. In the fourth quarter of 2013, mobile traffic accounted for nearly 35 percent of all online traffic, up 40 percent year-over-year. In addition, mobile sales neared 17 percent of all online sales, an increase of 46 percent over the same period in 2012.

The new Acme Tools mobile site is designed to reduce load time and enhance the user's experience making it easier to browse, search and purchase using a smartphone. Registered users can utilize cross-platform features that include saved wish lists, saved checkout and the convenience of completing a purchase on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. The new mobile site also offers click-to-call and store locator functions and excellent readability on smartphones.

"The new mobile site expands Acme Tools' e-commerce capabilities," says Steve Kuhlman, VP of corporate operations for Acme Tools. "Mobile optimization ensures Acme Tools' online customers a consistent user experience regardless of platform."

Mobile shoppers will find the same extensive product specifications unique to AcmeTools.com and the exclusive option of shopping by trade, category or brand.

"We recognized the importance of having a mobile friendly site for our customers," stated Paul Kuhlman, VP of merchandise operations and marketing for Acme Tools. "Our online customers will experience the same excellent shopping experience whether they're using a smartphone, tablet or laptop."

Acme Tools' new e-commerce platform is based on the latest version of IBM's WebSphere Commerce, the industry's leading customer interaction platform. Designed through IBM premier business partner BlueSky Technology Partners, WebSphere Commerce provides Acme Tools with a differentiated e-commerce experience to drive better customer engagement and increased sales through a single platform.


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Sims Crane Earns Insurance Premium Reduction Via Safety Record

Sims Crane & Equipment Co. has earned a significant reduction in its insurance premium, due to its on-the-job safety score. The firm’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is .68, meaning its insurance premiums will be 68 percent of the premiums required from less safe companies. 

“The EMR is a rigorous standard set by insurance companies and the state, so having those outside third parties attest to our superior workplace safety practices and our culture of safety at Sims is a credit to everyone who works here,” says Dean Sims II, VP of marketing at Sims Crane & Equipment.

The EMR is a gauge of both past cost of injuries and future probability of injuries. An EMR of 1.0 is considered industry average. The lower the EMR, the lower the firm’s worker compensation insurance premiums will be. 

The EMR is designed to measure whether a company’s workers’ compensation losses are better or worse than expected. If the experience is worse than expected, a company is punished with a high EMR greater than 1.0. If the experience is better than expected, a company is rewarded with a low EMR below 1.0, paying less for workers compensation premium than a company with a high EMR.

“In Florida, Workers Compensation rates are ultimately determined by the Florida State Department of Insurance. The only real mechanism to apply either good or bad loss experience to the premium calculation is through the experience modifier,” says Randy Proos, USI Insurance Services, Coral Gables, Fla..

The EMR is calculated by a rating bureau, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, using three years of past loss history, excluding the immediate past year. The 2014 EMR is calculated using the 2012, 2011, 2010 loss experience.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Exchange-A-Blade Changes Name to EAB

Exchange-A-Blade, the pioneer in exchangeable and environmentally sustainable power tool accessories, announces the change of its corporate name to EAB Tool Co. Inc., and the marketing of its core line of exchangeable products under the brand name EAB.

The EAB acronym preserves the connection with the company's origins as a supplier and re-manufacturer of exchangeable circular saw blades for the retail hardware and building supply markets, while allowing it to represent its entire power tool accessories product line.

This announcement launches the rebranding of the Company's exchangeable EAB products, and its non-exchangeable products under the existing StaySharp name. The rebrand encompasses all logos, graphics, product packaging and in-store displays and will be rolled out to retail dealers in Canada and the United States during 2014.

"We're very excited about the new EAB," says Rob Forbes, founder and president of EAB. "This is an evolution of the brand. We continue to enhance the Exchange System that has allowed us to compete successfully against much larger competitors, while reinforcing our principles of delivering outstanding value and service, building customer and dealer loyalty, and striving for a more environmentally sustainable industry."

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

News for Masons: QUIKRETE Opens Company Store

The QUIKRETE Cos., manufacturer of packaged concrete products for the building and home improvement markets, is opening an online company store at www.thequikretestore.com. Consumers, customers and employees can chose from hundreds of officially licensed QUIKRETE items, ranging from premium golf shirts and fleece jackets to die-cast toy trucks and trains.

“We’ve had countless people over the years express a desire to own QUIKRETE branded apparel and merchandise,” says Frank Owens, VP of marketing for The QUIKRETE Cos. “The online company store makes it easy for consumers to get their hands on fun, authentic and even retro QUIKRETE items, like baseball caps and hoodies, while contractors and QUIKRETE employees might select more practical things, like hard hats.”


There is no minimum purchase at the online company store and, for convenience, there are several delivery options, including “QUIKSHIP.” More information on QUIKRETE products and access to home improvement project how-to videos are available at www.quikrete.com.

Monday, April 14, 2014

SAKRETE Named 2013 Building Products Vendor of the Year

SAKRETE, a concrete and concrete-related products company, has been named an ENAP Inc. 2013 Building Products Vendor of the Year in the Specialties Department category. ENAP Inc. vendors are evaluated on a variety of criteria including sales growth, gross margin improvement, customer support and product quality. 

ENAP Inc. is a member-owned forest products and building materials cooperative whose corporate headquarters are in New Windsor, N.Y. ENAP is comprised of premier independent lumber retailers. 

“Sakrete has been a supplier to ENAP Inc. for more than 30 years, and we continue to support the co-op and its members,” says Johnsie Beck, president of Sakrete. “Being named vendor of the year proves our commitment to understanding our customers’ goals. We strive to provide them with leading products, outstanding customer service and support.”

For additional information about SAKRETE, call 866-725-7383 or visit sakrete.com.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Kleinfelder Names Janacek as Retaining Wall Practice Group Leader

Noel Janacek, a senior engineer in Texas’s architecture and engineering community, has been named Kleinfelder’s new retaining wall technical practice leader.
  
Janacek has developed expertise in retaining wall design, construction and forensic evaluation through years of engineering work and work with a specialty contractor. Kleinfelder has been providing investigation, design, construction and expert forensic services to transportation and commercial clients throughout the Texas region.

“Kleinfelder’s ability to deliver integrated retaining wall services provides our clients continuity and clarity in this diverse industry,” says Janacek. “I am excited about the opportunity to support our practitioners in continuing growth and innovation in the practice.” 

The Retaining Wall Practice Group works within Kleinfelder’s Geotechnical and Geological Engineering Discipline and focuses on coordinating high quality, efficient analysis, design, and construction among geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers and project managers for large or complex retaining walls of all types. 

The group has already built a solid record of accomplishment of providing innovative, cost saving designs, including a recent project where Kleinfelder’s retaining wall engineers saved the client $1.3 million through a revised design of a key retaining wall on a commercial site.

Janacek earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and his Master of Science from the University of Texas, Arlington. He is licensed Professional Engineer in Texas.

To learn more about Kleinfelder, visit www.kleinfelder.com.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Big News for the Masonry Industry: Holcim, Lafarge Announce Merger

Two of the world’s largest suppliers of building materials announced plans for a “merger of equals” that would create an industry giant with a combined $44 billion in annual revenues.

Swiss-based Holcim and its French counterpart, Lafarge, said the new company would be named LafargeHolcim and be based in Switzerland. They said the merger would create the most advanced group in the building materials industry. The two companies are already global leaders in the supply of cement, crushed stone, sand and gravel.

The plan is for Holcim board member Wolfgang Reitzle to serve as chairman of the merged entity, while Lafarge’s chairman and chief executive Bruno Lafont becomes its CEO. Seven people from each company will be represented on the board.

Reitzle, a German mechanical engineer, also has extensive experience in the automotive industry, while Lafont, a French business executive, has been with Lafarge for more than 30 years and is also a special adviser to the mayor of Chongqing, a Chinese city of 32 million.

“This merger of equals is a unique opportunity in the history of our companies,” Holcim Chairman Rolf Soiron told reporters in Paris.

The combined entity has a market value estimated at 40 billion euros ($55 billion) based on their share prices Friday before news of the deal was announced. LafargeHolcim will dwarf the next largest cement makers, Cemex of Mexico and Heidelberg Cement of Germany.

Lafont emphasized the two companies’ complementary geography. While Lafarge has greater presence in mature North American and European markets, Holcim has a far larger reach in the faster growing markets of Asia and Latin America.

Holcim, based near Zurich, employs 71,000 people and has production sites in around 70 countries. Paris-based Lafarge, meanwhile, employs 65,000 people and operates in 64 countries. The companies said that by combining they would “be uniquely positioned in 90 countries around the world with a balanced exposure to both developed and high-growth markets.”

They said they plan to sell off businesses in developed markets representing about 3 billion euros ($4.1 billion) of revenue and businesses in developing markets worth about 1.5 billion euros ($2 billion) of revenue. The deal is expected to close in the first half of next year, subject to regulatory approval.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Masonry Structural Design Seminar Coming in May

The American Concrete Institute is hosting a one-day seminar is for Engineers, Architects, Specifiers, Public Agencies, and anyone else involved in the designing and specifying of masonry structures. Attendees will learn to design and specify masonry structures using the 2013 edition of Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures. Discussion and comparisons of masonry provisions in earlier Codes and the International Building Code will also be presented. Practical design examples of typical masonry building elements will be reviewed as part of this informative seminar.

Earn .75 CEUs (7.5 PDHs) by attending this one-day ACI Seminar in Charlotte, N.C., on May 14, 2014.
Location:
Doubletree Guest Suites Charlotte/South Park
6300 Morrison Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28211
Topics Covered This intense one-day seminar guides attendees through masonry design requirements while reviewing practical design examples of typical masonry structures. Instructors will review masonry design and specification provisions in the 2013 Masonry Standards Joint Committee's (MSJC) Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5), which is the primary reference in the International Building Code (IBC) for the design and construction of masonry. Several practical design examples of typical masonry elements will be examined using the 2013 MSJC, and necessary revisions to the design examples based on modifications in the 2013 IBC will be discussed. In addition, a preview of the masonry provisions that will appear in the 2015 IBC will also be presented.
Free Publications As part of this seminar, you will receive a FREE compilation of related ACI technical documents valued at $144 if purchased separately.
TMS 402/ACI 530.1-13/ASCE 6 Building Code Requirements and Specifications for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries Speaker Lecture Notes.
In addition, nonmembers can receive a FREE 6-month ACI membership for attending a 2014 ACI Spring Seminar.
Register
To register or for complete information, click Masonry Structural Design or contact Karen Smith at Karen.Smith@concrete.org or 248.848.3814.
Custom Seminars: Education Customized To Meet Your Company's Needs
Let ACI bring the latest concrete technology to your doorstep for all of your employees at one low price. For more information on Custom seminars visit ACI Custom Seminars. To schedule a custom seminar, contact Eva Korzeniewski at eva.korzeniewski@concrete.org or 248.848.3754.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Masons: ASTM Standards in Building Codes Available on DVD, Online

The latest compilation of ASTM Standards in Building Codes is available in DVD and online. The ASTM Building Codes contain more than 2,000 ASTM construction specifications, practices and test methods compiled from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. These standards satisfy the international code requirements established by the International Code Council.

ASTM Building Codes enable you to meet international code requirements; stay informed and remain competitive; specify the right material for the job; understand the significance and use of the standards; and speak a common language that the entire industry recognizes.

ASTM Standards in Building Codes provides easy access to the latest versions of ASTM standards referenced by:
• The International Codes published by ICC
• National Building Code of Canada—National Research Council Canada
• Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code—International Association of
  Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
• MASTERSPEC
• BSD SpecLink
• NFPA5000 – Building Construction and Safety Code
• SPECTEXT Master Guide Specifications
• Green Standards: Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers, International Green
   Construction Code (IgCC), Green Globes
• AWS: Structural Welding Code D1.1/D1M: 2010
• UL Global Standards
• National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

For networking prices, or to purchase ASTM Standards in Building Codes, contact ASTM Sales - 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org). 


Pricing is as follows:

Online Subscriptions:
Basic Individual (Single PC): $1,577; Stock #: BLDGSVC
Single Site Access (LAN): $4,013; Stock #: BLDGSVCX
Plus Individual (Single PC): $1,892; Stock #: BLDGSVCR
Single Site Access (LAN): $4,815; Stock #: BLDGSVCXR

DVD:
Individual Workstation
Basic: $1,275; Stock #: BLDGCD
Individual Workstation with Quarterly Updates
Basic: $1,608; Stock #: BLDGCDUPD
Plus versions available online only. See above.

For more information, contact Marsha Firman, 610-832-9612; mfirman@astm.org.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Sims Crane Forms Construction Angels Chapter in Tampa Bay


The Tampa Bay Chapter of Construction Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that helps with financial support for families of construction-industry employees killed on the job, will hold a fundraiser May 1.
 
Dean Sims II, VP at Sims Crane & Equipment Co. in Tampa, is the founder of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Construction Angels, which originally formed in Broward County.
 
According to the Florida Department of Labor, fatalities on construction jobs in Florida increased from 41 in 2011 to 55 in 2012 – a 26 percent jump. Numbers for 2013 have not yet been finalized.

“With all of the industry’s dedication to safety education and safety on the job, the fact that on-site deaths in the construction industry are on the rise is of major concern to everyone involved,” says Sims. “And the reality is, in most cases, the families of loved ones killed on the job need all the financial help they can get. That’s where Construction Angels comes in.”
 
The fundraiser, hosted by Sims Crane and open to the public, will be held at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, Fla., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on, May 1. Festivities include live music, a silent auction, a raffle, commemorative photos and locally grown and distilled strawberry and blueberry wines. Registration/donation is $25 online and $30 at the door.

For more information, call Dean Sims at 800-282-6651, or email dsims@simscrane.com. Register at www.simscrane.com or www.constructionangels.us.