On Target with Structural Masonry
Structural masonry design software such as RAM Elements developed by Bentley Systems has made designers’ lives a lot easier. One of the easiest ways to spread that message is through webinars. Last week, we joined forces with NCMA to show Target Corporation officials and their structural engineering firms how to get better use out of structural masonry.
We enjoy one-on-one time with local designers, but there is something to be said for technology that lets us reach major national accounts all at once, and provide useful information and live demonstrations that help them build better buildings…with masonry, of course.
We will be reaching out to other big players this way. Stay tuned for a webinar near you. Or, if you’d like a low tech visit, just give us a call, at 800-IMI-0988.
Learn more about Structural Masonry design software and ideas.
No commentsCompetition or Opportunity?
Those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
—John F. Kennedy
Recently, we were in Kansas City, introducing a large group of contractors and architects from Missouri and Kansas to adhered masonry veneers. Through seminars and hands-on, kick-the-tires demonstrations, contractors got to see installation procedures (and potential pitfalls) for themselves. “It was my first exposure to these products in this detail,” said an appreciative contractor.
They were good students, taking it all in, and learning an important lesson. One attendee put it succinctly.
“Select good materials and install using qualified people.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. That’s why IMI works with manufacturers to keep tabs on promising new applications, test-driving them and devising upgrade training that can make all the difference. And we keep tabs on code and regulatory issues, to help good ideas work in the real world, right down to the details.
Taking Control
They are called “bricklayers” but it really doesn’t begin to cover what BAC members do these days. More than just making the skin or structure of a building, they are increasingly responsible for all the control layers in between that handle moisture, air, vapor and thermal performance.
It makes a lot of sense. Designers and owners are realizing that having one trade take on all the layers, especially when that trade really understands how the building envelope should perform, is simply more efficient.
That was clear this week at the Building Envelope event at the Ohio training center, where IMI partnered with manufacturers of some high performance masonry wall systems (Tremco, Prosoco, BASF) to show designers, owners and construction managers some real world applications, and how training can make all the difference.
Folks from the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission appreciated our timing, since they now require air barriers on all of their projects. One CM firm wants us to stage a similar demonstration for all of their supervisors.
“Very timely for current building project requirements.”
CMs and owners are demanding single source responsibility for the building envelope.
We’re ready.
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IMI Gains Outside Advantage for Porcelain Tile
Most of us wouldn’t mind having an “inside advantage,” but when it comes to porcelain tile, it’s the outside that can make a big difference. That’s why IMI fought so hard to get it included in the International Building Code as an acceptable weather covering for building exteriors.
After quite a few rounds through the code gauntlet, final success came at the International Code Council’s May hearings in Dallas. Until then, porcelain tile was not specifically included in the building code as an acceptable exterior finish, which made designers hesitant to use it.
Now with this major victory for tile contractors and craftworkers, they can fairly compete with glass and other exterior finishes.
The fine print
On May 19, the IMI Code Committee succeeded in getting Porcelain Tile added in three places of the IBC: Section 1402 – Definitions; Section 1405.10.2 - Installation of Wall Coverings; and Table 1405.2, where it was added as an acceptable Exterior Weather Covering.
New language for Table 1405.2 - “Exterior adhered masonry veneers-porcelain tile” - limits the size and weight of porcelain tile units. Those stipulations are critical, because anything larger has to be mechanically anchored. The section also specifies that the tile “shall be adhered to an approved backing system.”
The groundwork 
As anyone who deals with codes knows, changes like these don’t come overnight. IMI first had to convince the Tile Council of North America, which serves as Secretariat for ANSI 137.1, to submit the 2005 revised ANSI 137.1 standard, with the new reference for Porcelain Tile in Table 10. The updated 137.1 standard was then referenced in the new definition submitted by IMI to the ICC, which helped define Porcelain Tile for the IBC 1402 definitions section. The changes will take effect as areas adopt the 2012 I-Code, which will be available April 2011.
The bottom line
The practical effect of these victories will be more BAC man hours and more reliable exterior tile installations.
“It is certainly important for architects and owners to understand the materials they have chosen for an exterior installation,” said John Trendell, President of Tile Contractors’ Association of America. “With the right materials and the high quality installation practices offered by our companies, architects and owners can be assured of the best possible installation.”
“We applaud IMI’s work on this issue.”
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“I like to learn from IMI.” Chicago designers and builders learn plenty at Masonry Expo
Design and building professionals cannot stop raving about the 2010 Chicagoland Masonry Expo held last week at the District Council Training Center in Addison.
More than 400 attendees, ranging from local architects to GSA, swarmed the place to learn about masonry systems old and new, from restoration to rain screen walls. They also got to see firsthand the quality difference that comes from comprehensive training programs that cover all masonry crafts and adapt easily to new applications.
“The main thing is to keep everybody aware of the different applications that we do,” says BAC Illinois District Council Director Jim Allen. “This really accomplished a lot.”
Most appreciative were area designers and builders, who took advantage of a very full slate of workshops and hands-on experiences.
“This is a fantastic venue to stay current with the changing and emerging technologies. You do our professional community a great service by providing the opportunity to immerse ourselves with the right people and the right place.” - John Halleran,The Architects Partnership, LTD.
“The event was excellent and beneficial to a better understanding of trends and resources in the industry.” - Sean Gallagher, Gallagher & Associates
“The sessions put a real life spin on how and what goes on in the construction industry.”
- Richard Olszewski
“I… am impressed with how the industry is able to change with the times and take on more aspects of the built wall.”
“This is a must-see show.”
– Jack Svaicer, Globetrotters Engineering Corp.
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Building the Next Generation of Contractors
- Contractor Start Up class at Flynn Center May 2010
“We want you to be successful,” BAC President and IMI Co-Chair Jim Boland told them, “and IU and IMI resources can help you get there.” Having professional contractors enhances the union masonry industry by raising the bar, he noted.
Charlie Otto from Bruster, NY is a 3rd generation bricklayer who has run jobs and is ready for the next level. He knows there is plenty more to learn, especially on the financial end, but he appreciates the program for keeping him focused.
It’s helped Emery Robbins from Cape Cod see how much further he can go, even though he is grateful for the career path he found through BAC. “I’m really seeing that we have all the resources. In every aspect, from training to marketing, we have a professional there for us,” he says. And becoming a good contractor is the best way to give back, he thinks. “I believe my time is best going to be served here as a union contractor, and our goal should be to preserve our members.”
“I left that program knowing that I am a union contractor.”
IMI support for union contractors is an ongoing partnership. Between constantly updated Contractor College courses and plenty of upgrade and certification programs, motivated union contractors can keep on top of their game, and ready to compete with anyone.
Now Performing in Las Vegas - The Building Envelope
Las Vegas got a little greener last week, when Nevada designers attended the IMI Western States Masonry Expo, where they got a custom tutorial on Sustainable Solutions for tile, marble and terrazzo and high performing building envelopes.
“I got a better understanding of sustainability,” says Patrick Gardner, from Worth Group Architects, who appreciated the in-depth lessons on installation methods and aesthetics, and hearing the new issues raised by high performing building envelopes.
Christine Small from SSA Architecture liked learning how to avoid wall problems and the right materials to use to get a high performing wall. For architect Dennis Rusk, it was a lesson in “common sense.” But perhaps the highest praise came from one architect who raved, “It was a lot of stuff I can use immediately.”
Another highlight was the industry panel of manufacturer representatives sharing their perspectives. Our thanks to Arriscraft International, Bonded Materials Company, Custom Building Products, Daltile, Laticrete International Inc., MAPEI, and Noble Company.
Learn more about IMI Sustainable Solutions
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Ahead of the AAC Curve
Jumping in on a new product takes a good bit of courage, no matter what the economic climate. Still, some masonry contractors find that their best hope for survival is to keep open to new opportunities. That’s where IMI helps.
Take AAC - aerated autoclaved concrete. It’s one of several promising products where IMI partners with manufacturers to test-drive, and provide quality training. IMI offers a key link between manufacturer and qualified contractors to expand opportunities for both.
Designers and contractors also want to know that there is an affordable and reliable pipeline. This week, we arranged for them to get a state-of-the-art briefing on the product, at IMI’s AAC Workshop in Minneapolis.
The 100+ attendees - architects, engineers, developers and building inspectors - proved that the appetite for new products is there. And they left knowing that IMI can help them tap into new opportunities.
For help detailing AAC or any masonry product, check out the Masonry Detailing Series
6 commentsThe TMT Route to Sustainability
Designers want to have their design decisions valued, especially when it comes to the rather uncharted waters of sustainability and enhanced building performance.
That’s why there was a lot of head-nodding during the IMI Seminar at Coverings 2010, the big trade show where people come from all over the world to see the latest products and hear from industry experts.
Architects liked what they heard from IMI Director of Sustainability and Program Development Maria Viteri, AIA, LEED AP, at her popular seminar, “Performance, Energy Efficiency, and Improved Air Quality with Tile, Marble, Terrazzo.”
They liked IMI’s “whole system” approach for using those materials to maximize both LEED credits and energy efficiency. And they like the specific strategies Viteri offered for repositioning what used to be simple material choices into systems solutions that can lead to better building performance. As one architect raved:
“It’s refreshing to see passive solar design presented in such an applicable way.”
This practical, news-I-can-use approach is just one way that IMI’s Sustainable Solutons effort is helping to make the tile industry a major player in the sustainability game.
IMI takes its sustainable systems approach to TMT contractors this fall, in a special Contractor College session on Green & Retrofit Architecture (October 4) and the Sustainable Masonry Certification Program (Oct. 5).
More about IMI Sustainable Solutions
1 commentMore Than A Trade Show: CT designers and builders join to inform and inspire
John S. Martinez Elementary School, photo: Woodruff/Brown Architectural Photography
- Christopher Columbus Academy, photo credit: Robert Benson
“It’s great when there is a way for everybody to get together and understand how masonry can play an important role going forward,” says Gerry Marotti, President and Secretary-Treasurer of BAC Local 1 CT.
We agree. At last week’s Masonry Day in Cromwell, IMI and industry partners collaborated on a packed program of seminars and exhibits to get out the total masonry message. “Pooling our efforts only makes sense,” says presenter Brian Trimble from the Brick Industry Association.
The day offered lots of solid design and construction information, plus glimpses into new products and design trends. Svigals+Partners architects opened people’s eyes to how good design and budgets can peacefully co-exist. “We find ways to make it work,” notes senior architect Bruce Wujcik.
Perhaps most valuable was the reassuring message that the masonry industry is ready, and the interest is strong.
They leave inspired. They find we’re not just a square box building, and that we can meet the demands of whatever an architect or owner needs, says Marotti.
CT Masonry Day was co-sponsored by the Connecticut Trowel Trades Alliance, Mason Contractors Association of Connecticut, and Ceramic Tile Contractors Association of Connecticut.
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