Series of Books to Help Learn the 2012 International Codes

The International Code Council (ICC), publisher of the family of International Codes, and Delmar, part of Cengage Learning and a provider of learning solutions for ongoing career development and education, announce the Code Basics series, a new series of books that break down the language within the 2012 I-Codes and makes the content more user friendly for building professionals.
 

The series consists of four titles focusing on the new commercial, green, residential and energy codes recently released by the ICC. With two currently available, and two to be released by the end of 2012, these new books will feature illustrations highlighting key updates and changes in the 2012 codes, practical on-the-job scenarios for real-world applications and straight-forward explanations. These features help to facilitate the learning of technical terms and clarify the meaning behind important vocabulary. The books in the series include:

• Building Code Basics Residential: Based on the 2012 International Residential Code – The first book in the series and currently available for purchase features code references and descriptive illustrations and tables to explain the fundamentals of the 2012 International Residential Code. Chapters progress in the order of construction – from site-work and foundations, to fire and life safety and environmental requirements of a finished residence. Building Code Basics Residential is an ideal resource for both beginning and experienced code users to ensure compliance.
• Building Code Basics Commercial: Based on the 2012 International Building Code – Also currently available, this book covers the basic concepts of the 2012 International Building Code (IBC) and was created to benefit both first-time and experienced users. It explores base requirements in a straightforward, easy-to-read format and simplifies the IBC's regulations and critical concepts so that users can build a foundation for learning and applying the codes.
• Building Code Basics Green: Based on the 2012 International Green Construction Code – Green, environmentally-conscious construction is the driving force behind many of today’s new construction projects. This book, which will be available in the fall of 2012, prepares users to work with the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC). It is a practical guide to green and sustainable construction and was designed to appeal to anyone with an interest in green and sustainable construction. It introduces the mandatory provisions of the IgCC, while also extending its scope to tackle project electives and jurisdictional requirements, designed to promote the construction of buildings beyond the code's minimum requirements to higher performance thresholds. 
• Building Code Basics Energy: Based on the 2012 International Energy Code – Available in the winter of 2012, this book covers a critical topic, as energy conservation continues to become an increasingly important factor in building construction. Based on the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), it fills a need for information that instructs how to properly apply the energy provisions of the code in a real-world setting. The book provides solid, working information on important energy code applications for residential and commercial construction, with a reliance on color graphics, charts and photos that help to deepen understanding of the material.
  
  

Stone Joins Brick and Block at the Board Table

The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI) has changed its bylaws to add a new membership category to its organization. Stone Manufacturers have been welcomed into the organization and will have two seats on the board of directors, alongside the brick manufacturers, block manufacturers, masonry contractors and materials suppliers.

This is a significant change to the organization, which has not changed its membership categories since its incorporation in 1986. The two newly created board seats will be divided, with one representing natural stone and the other representing manufactured stone.

“This is a big change for RMMI,” says Board President Jim Serowski, of JVS Masonry. “There was a rift in the masonry industry between the brick and block guys and the stone manufacturers. By bringing everyone together at the board table, we are working to unify the industry.”

While the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute’s mission is to promote masonry wall systems throughout the Rocky Mountain Region, it has traditionally focused on brick and block. The addition of the Stone Manufacturers expands the organization’s efforts to include all types of masonry, as defined by the building codes. The 2009 International Building code defines the two primary types of masonry: Section 2102, paragraph 39, defines masonry as a “combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together;” and Section 2102, paragraph 75, defines stone masonry as “masonry composed of field, quarried, or cast stone units bonded by mortar.”

There are currently five stone manufacturer members in RMMI: Environmental Stoneworks, Coronado Stone, Legacy Stone, Telluride Stone and Pine’s Stone Company. Prior to this bylaws change, the stone companies were classified in the Contributing Member category with insurance companies and scaffolding suppliers.

“We welcome this historic opportunity to partner with RMMI and other masonry manufacturers and contractors to move our industry forward together,” says Todd Bonnes, general manager of the Rocky Mountain Region for Environmental Stoneworks.

An election will be held later this month to select the individuals who will represent the Stone Manufacturers on the RMMI Board of Directors.

Advanced Masonry Systems Completes MCAA Certification Program

Advanced Masonry Systems Inc. has earned certification through the newly created Masonry Certification program, sponsored by the MCAA. The company’s scope of masonry is commercial, institutional, industrial and restoration projects.

The MCAA has developed the national Masonry Certification program to provide customers with a tool to select mason contractors who are committed to quality and have backed it up with a commitment to continually educate themselves and all their key employees. Quality-of-work and end-user satisfaction are the foundation of the certification program. In addition, companies must renew their certification every three years.

For more information visit www.certification.masoncontractors.org.