Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Sponsors ‘In Pursuit of Architecture’

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope will sponsor "In Pursuit of Architecture," a conference on buildings and ideas presented by the journal ­Log­ to mark its 10^th anniversary and 29th issue. The conference will be held at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City on Sept. 21, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Co-organized by the Department of Architecture and Design at The Museum of Modern Art and Log, an independent journal on architecture and the contemporary city founded in 2003 by Cynthia Davidson, the conference presents a series of roundtable discussions about the physical and conceptual challenges of creating architecture. To learn more about the conference, visit www.anycorp.com/inpursuit.

The conference features the recently built work of 10 ground-breaking architects, selected from an open, international call for submissions: 51N4E (Brussels), Barkow Leibinger (Berlin), C+S architects (Treviso), LAN (Paris), MOS (New York City), Neil M. Denari Architects (Los Angeles), OFFICE Kersten Geers, David Van Severen (Brussels), Preston Scott Cohen (Cambridge), Reiser + Umemoto (New York City) and UNStudio (Amsterdam). These architects will be joined by four architecture critics: Sam Jacob (London), Sylvia Lavin (Los Angeles), Emmanuel Petit (New Haven) and Sarah Whiting (Houston). They will discuss architectural ideas, what it takes to build them, and how to measure the cultural value of architecture.

"This is not a conference about urbanism or alternative practices; rather, it is a conference about how ideas become buildings. Providing this forum for architects from around the world to exchange ideas on exceptional architecture is an extraordinary opportunity," says Ted Hathaway, CEO, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. "It helps create awareness of how leading architects are striving for excellence in a world with ever-changing sociopolitical, economic and environmental challenges."

 

SPEC MIX to Provide AIA CES Credits at CSI CONSTRUCT

SPECMIX Inc. has partnered with Hanley Wood to host the first-ever “Live Learning Area” during exhibit hours at the 2013 CSI Annual Convention and CONSTRUCT Show. 

Designed to offer attendees and AIA members a means to earn learning credits, SPEC MIX technical representatives will give 60-minute, hands-on learning demonstrations that illustrate the real factors that can impact the quality, compressive and bond strength, and consistency of colored masonry mortar. 

Each session will teach the audience how to select and specify the correct mortar based on building design and masonry units selection. This will be followed by a live demonstration of the key steps for the installation of masonry units with mortar, as taught by skilled masons. Although the course is free and open to all CONSTRUCT participants, upon completing the course all AIA registered members will be awarded 1 Learning Unit that also meets the Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) criteria.

Promoted to building design professionals as the most cost effective strategy for combining educational opportunities with practical, real-world, product and service solutions, the CONSTRUCT Show is scheduled for Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 25-27 at the Music City Center. This conference is dedicated to the institutional, industrial and commercial building industry. 

Considering masonry is viewed as one of the most preferred forms of construction, the SPEC MIX mortar presentation will undoubtedly provide useful information to attendees. As the industry leader of preblended cementitious products, SPEC MIX is committed to educating the construction industry on the latest developments in masonry.

After 20 years of making presentations and working closely with architects who design with masonry, it is evident the majority of these professionals are surprised to learn that not all mortar is created equal. Mortar quality significantly affects building design, integrity and durability. SPEC MIX has teamed with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to provide a comprehensive accredited course titled “Factory Preblended Mortar for Masonry Construction”, which has changed how many design firms select and specify mortars and grouts for new buildings and restoration projects. This presentation is the content foundation for the CSI CONSTRUCT Show Live Learning session.

As of January 2013, under CES education mandates, AIA members are required to satisfy a minimum of 18 Learning Unit credits (LUs) per year. Of this total, 12 LUs must meet the Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) criteria. The SPEC MIX Live Learning presentation meets this HSW requirement making the course even more valuable to attendees seeking Learning Units.

SPEC MIX Live Learning Objectives:

• How mortar is made
• What the role of mortar is in masonry construction
• How types of mortar are defined
• How to specify consistent mortar every time
• How Sand Bulking can affect the quality of your mortar
• How inconsistent mix proportions can affect the quality control and performance of mortar
• Why efflorescence in mortar occurs

 Class Hours:

· Wednesday, Sept. 25th —11:30-12:30 PM & 2:00-3:00 PM

· Thursday, Sept. 26th — 8:30-9:30 AM & 11:00 AM-Noon

· Friday, Sept. 27th —10:30-11:30 AM

Contractors: OSHA Proposed Silica Rule to be Posted to Federal Register Sept. 12

OSHA's proposed silica rule will be posted to the Federal Register today, Sept. 12, 2013. That will be the official federal site for public comment on the rule.

The MCAA is encouraging contractors to comment on the proposed rule and the impact it will have on your business.

It is important when commenting to remember that this will be a part of official government records. It is also important to note where you can the impractical application and difficult nature of trying to monitor silica in an uncontrolled environment such as a jobsite.

While financial impact is important, other things that will impact you are important to relate. Are there enough independent labs in your area number one and are they qualified to do the monitoring at your jobsite?

If you do comment on the rule, please copy and paste your comments into an email back to Jeff at the MCAA office. He will collect our comments and bring them to the silica coalition for consideration in our battle to change the rule.

Download the proposed rule and submit comments and attachments electronically at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=OSHA-2010-0034, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. All comments, including any personal information you provide, are placed in the public docket without change and may be made available online. Therefore, be cautious about submitting personal information.

PFW Earns ARA Rental Market Metrics Certification

The American Rental Association (ARA) is pleased to announce that PFW Systems Corp., a dealer management system provider in the equipment rental industry, has achieved ARA Rental Market Metrics certification.

The ARA Rental Market Metrics program provides additional value to the equipment rental industry because it establishes consistent benchmarks for measuring business performance that were not previously available.  Now, these metrics can be used by industry professionals, investors and analysts to a compare a rental equipment company’s performance over time or in relationship to a competitor.

 

PFW, which works with leading rental equipment companies in North America, has integrated ARA Rental Market Metrics with its IntelliDealer dealer management system to enable its customers to track and share key performance measures.  

“The adoption of ARA Rental Market Metrics by PFW is another step forward in making this program readily available to the rental industry,” says Christine Wehrman, ARA’s executive VP and CEO.

According to Frank DeDecker, PFW director of product management and market relations, ARA Rental Market Metrics will be a welcome addition to IntelliDealer’s current rental market offering. 

“Our software features tools that help customers track and manage their rental fleet from a branch or across the enterprise,” says DeDecker. “We believe the integration of standardized metrics with our rental module will be very well accepted by our customers.  It will fulfill an unmet need in the industry.” 

PFW currently works with leading rental equipment dealers in North America such as Best Line Equipment, which has 12 locations throughout Pennsylvania and also serves Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia and northern Virginia. 

“The fact that PFW is now certified for ARA Rental Market Metrics is important to us. ARA has been our lifeblood since we started, and PFW’s ARA membership and association involvement shows they’re committed to understanding our business,” says Ryan Houseknecht, project manager, Best Line Equipment.

ARA Rental Market Metrics provides equipment rental companies a consistent way of calculating and reporting critical performance measures such as industry standards for the definition of a rental day, original equipment cost, and for the calculation of time utilization of equipment, financial utilization, fleet age and percentage change in period-over-period rental rates.

Hilti Launches New Website

Hilti has launched a new website, Hilti Online, www.us.hilti.com or www.hilti.ca (Canada). The new website provides a modern look and easier site navigation to access to the entire line of Hilti products, as well as technical and design resources to improve the customer experience.

Hilti Online is a resource for construction professionals, whether they are on a jobsite or in the office. A new mobile feature for use with smartphones or tablets allows customers to place orders and get information quickly from their mobile devices.
 
Hilti Online is built on an e-commerce platform. Hilti customers will appreciate the convenience as well as the transparency of ordering Hilti products online. Customers will have the capability to:

• Conduct a live chat with Hilti sales professionals
• Check stock availability
• View account history indicating all Hilti products in their fleet
• Request a tool repair/calibration
• Find local Hilti locations
• Track orders and shipments
• Print invoices.

Architectural and design firms will find tools to help make their jobs easier, including:

• An easy-to-use design center
• An online submittal generator
• Extensive technical downloads
• Software tools.

“We are excited to launch the new Hilti Online for our customers." says Cary Evert, CEO and president of Hilti North America. “The new site will ensure a better online experience for current customers and also help Hilti reach new customers we haven’t had the opportunity to serve in the past.

Wright Tool Partners With Florida International Marketing

Wright Tool Co., manufacturer of heavy-duty, professional-grade hand tools, has partnered with Florida International Marketing (FIM). Through the relationship with its new manufacturing representative, Wright Tool will expand its reach to Florida’s construction market.

“For more than 85 years Wright Tool has offered top-quality tools that are manufactured here in the USA,” says Ty Smith, Wright Tool director of business development. “Now, thanks to our partnership with FIM, Florida distributors will have greater access to Wright Tool’s construction line and improved customer service and support. FIM has an unparalleled reputation for outstanding industry knowledge and service. We are confident this partnership will offer distributors a tremendous value of quality tools and exceptional sales and marketing support.”

Founded in 1989, FIM represents Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association industrial and construction manufacturers. FIM is based in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., and has representatives throughout the state. FIM's experienced sales team guides distributors through their purchasing decisions and provides comprehensive marketing support to maximize sales and customer satisfaction.

“This new partnership will offer a first-class level of sales and factory support to Florida’s construction market,” says FIM President Steve Kaplan. “Each member of our sales management team has more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry. They use this knowledge to equip distributors with the best possible marketing strategies for their products. FIM and Wright Tool share a commitment to quality. This combined experience and commitment to quality makes the decision to carry Wright Tool products a winning strategy for distributors.”

Wright Tool’s full line is now available throughout Florida. Interested distributors may contact FIM President Steve Kaplan at 954-325-5763 to learn more about the Wright Tool construction line.

News for Masons: Nonresidential Construction Index Remains Constant

FMI, a provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, released the 2013 Third Quarter Nonresidential Construction Index report. The NRCI score of 60.3 is a .2-point improvement over Q2.
 
Although the numbers aren’t drastically rising, the sustainability and continuing upward movement is encouraging. This score remains the highest score for the NRCI index since Q1 2009. The index for the overall economy rose to 72 points and the combined index sentiment for economies where panelists are doing business rose 3.2 points.

Cost of construction materials, cost of labor and productivity continue to hold down the index. Additionally, investments in technology, equipment and training are needed to keep the economy from going stagnant.

Panelists for this quarter’s NRCI suggest that the uncertainty for investments is a result of the immigration/labor bills, delays in implementation of “Obamacare” and the impact of residential growth on nonresidential construction. These issues are causing the industry to sit back and wait to see the outcomes before making any risky investments.

To download a copy of the full report, click here. For reprint permission or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact Sarah Vizard Avallone at 919.785.9221 or savallone@fminet.com.