The world is slowing reopening and while it has been one heck of a journey, UMI has hit the ground running. From answering technical questions to promoting the masonry trade at a school level, we have teamed up with industry professionals to help make us a one stop shop for everything masonry!
The pipeline looks plentiful and we want you to know if you have any questions regarding design or career, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Onward and Upward,
Amanda
UPCOMING WEBINARS
| JUNE 2021 |
RESTORATION SERIES
6/15/2021:
Masonry Cleaning Approach & Methodology
Presented by- Casey Weisdock
International Masonry Institute
1LU/HSW
12pm-1pm
Get insight into the parameters that impact decisions on historic masonry surface treatment. That includes patina, soiling, weathering, cleaning, and matching -- before and during the project. Learn about how to align the purposes of cleaning with expectations, who makes decisions and when, applicable standards, methods of specifying cleaning, and developing a cleaning plan. We'll also review important field considerations like sequence of work, environment conditions, protection, and field testing and mock-ups. Get a general overview of currently available treatments, including water, misting, detergents, chemical, biocides, poultice methods, micro-abrasive systems, mechanical hand tool methods, and laser. Walk away with an understanding of how to select methods appropriate for your project.
Cliff Notes for Successful Masonry Restoration Projects.
Presented by-Scott Lupini, Lupini Construction
1 LU | HSW
12pm-1pm
Historic masonry buildings have common issues that architects, engineers, conservators, contractors, and owners are often challenged with evaluating and addressing. Historic generally refers to buildings 50 years of age or greater with significance architecturally or culturally. For this older building stock to continue being relevant in the modern era, modifications and upgrades are needed.Historic masonry buildings have common issues that architects, engineers, conservators, contractors, and owners are often challenged with evaluating and addressing. This presentation is a general overview of proposed steps in order to complete a masonry repair project on a building facade.
The presentation will begin with an overview of historic mortars, components, profiles, and purposes. It is critical to understand the cementitious binders historically used as well as modern available materials. All too often new pointing mortars that are denser and stronger than the original mortar lead to moisture entrapment and damage to original masonry materials. Focus will be given to understanding the lime cycle and differences between non-hydraulic and hydraulic binders and how this affects the mortar properties. A methodology for assessing existing mortars and developing appropriate replication mortar mixes will be outlined. Laboratory mortar analysis can be complex. This presentation will breakdown elements of testing that are practical and helpful for mortar replication. In addition to understanding the original mortar, how to analyze it, and how to use this information to replicate mortars, how the mortar is installed is also important for a successful project. An emphasis will be placed on explaining mortar removal and installation techniques along with quality control recommendations. Demonstration videos from knowledgeable masonry restoration craftworkers will illustrate best practices
This webinar will discuss how changes to ASTM C90 (Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units) has allowed newer unit configurations that provide superior performance relating to compliance with ASHRAE 90.1 and the Michigan Building Energy Code. This presentation will focus on how detailing can affect how detailing can affect the energy performance when these units are used (including R-values and U-factors) and on best practices for detailing when these units are used. This webinar will focus on the 3 energy units available in the Michigan markets: HI-R and HI-R-H by Concrete Products Group, Omniblock, and NRG Insulated Block.
1. Learn about the various concrete masonry units that can be used to design multi wythe walls including conventional units, open end units and double open end units, and specialty units.
2. Learn about the prescriptive requirements in the current energy code (ASHRAE 90.1) for masonry walls in Climate Zones 5, 6, and 7 for semi-heated
and heated buildings.
3. Learn about the industry tools available to assist designers in determining R-values and U-factors for various masonry walls including the NCMA Thermal
Calculator and the NCMA Thermal Catalog.
IMI EDUCATION
FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS
IMI provides free continuing education for architects, engineers, and interior designers to help you deliver high-performing projects and to inspire you to design with masonry
International Masonry Institute pre recorded and current webinar schedule can be found HERE.
The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) offers webinars - HERE.
For BAC Contractors:
International Masonry Institute pre recorded and current webinar schedule can be found HERE.
Mason Contractors Association of America(MCAA) offers on-demand education HERE
SPECIAL EPISODE
Concrete masonry products are superior building products, and as an industry, we take pride in that. Their use creates safe, warm, energy-efficient spaces – key reasons that these are timeless products in construction. Known for its structural integrity, durability, and design flexibility, concrete masonry is ideal for many building applications, from educational, to commercial, and residential spaces.
Learn what the CMU Check Off program is, what it will do for the masonry community and why CMU producers should register and vote YES.
CLIFTON PARK — The Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Department’s $4 million plan to expand its Moe Road fire station will go before the town Planning Board on Wednesday... The commissioners are cautiously optimistic that the project won’t suffer too badly from the soaring cost of construction materials, especially wood. “Fortunately, a lot of it’s going to be concrete masonry,” he said.
Major changes to Materials & Resources credits for LEED
LEED USER
USGBC did some spring cleaning, and the LEED Materials & Resources (MR) category was first on its list. The 2021 Quarter 2 Addenda include some significant updates to requirements for Environmental Product Declarations, Sourcing of Raw Materials, and Materials Ingredients across both BD+C and ID+C LEED v4.1 rating systems. The changes include reducing the thresholds for materials in order to earn points, which should make these credits more accessible to design teams. For an explanation of the changes, click here.
Adapting building codes to changing weather risks
BUILDING ENCLOSURE ONLINE (tiered subscription)
As a first line of defense, building codes and standards are fundamental in assuring that buildings support the health, safety, and welfare of communities, including protecting life during hazardous events. Read more here.
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
STRUCTURE Magazine May focus is masonry
NCMA
Structure Magazine is focused on providing information to practicing structural engineers. The May issue is focused on masonry and stories include changes to masonry codes and standards, case studies on masonry buildings and helping engineers better understand masonry constructability. Read the digital version here.
Coalition advocates for more resilient communities
ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD (tiered subscription)
A coalition of more than 250 construction, architecture and engineering firms have sent the White House a letter detailing six net-zero carbon recommendations. The group has called for enhancing federal building standards, stimulating building reuse and upgrades, and promoting electrification, material health, healthy schools, and housing. Read more.
Concrete block stairwells all that is left after fire
BRADFORD TODAY
A fire has resulted in the total loss of a hotel under construction in Bradford West Gwillimbury in Ontario, Canada. When the fire service responded, the fire was well involved on the ground floor and spreading upward. Besides the concrete block stairwells, the entire construction was wood framing, all of which was lost in the blaze. The structure is considered a total loss. As is common in these fires, the only part of the structure standing after the fire was those concrete block stairwells. Incidents such as these could be avoided with concrete masonry construction. Read more.
Masonry façade upgrade strategies for K-12 facilities
BUILDING ENCLOSURE
Masonry strengthening, façade overcladding and targeted expansions represent cost-effective approaches to making the most of existing K-12 facilities, benefiting a wide and diverse group of users. They can also contribute to improved neighborhood cohesion, helping to celebrate and build upon the legacy of each historic school building. Read the article.
MASONRY SPOTLIGHT
UMI teamed up with OCM BOCES construction trades classroom to offer an "Intro to Masonry" class to the students. The class was a week long, taking a hands on approach for the students, both Juniors and Seniors to better understand the masonry trade and the materials that complete our industry.
Thank you Barnes and Cone, Paragon Masonry Supply and BAC Local 2 for helping to make this happen!