Masonry Magazine October 1976 Page. 9
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Southern California construction often uses a single wall of 8-inch thick concrete block exposed at exterior and interior sides in most projects due to the mild climate. Southern California has about 70 percent less rain than Dallas or Fort Worth, and then, only during one three-month period.
The true fact is that when comparing California construction we have been talking about a structural system that had to overcome the very high stresses that make up the seismic provisions of building codes and have been succeeding economically, whereas the system is even more economically suited to other areas of the country.
Hilton Inn, Fort Worth, Texas
Downtown Fort Worth, Texas is the site of the 12-story convention-oriented Hilton Inn. The 2 acre private redevelopment project is just one block from the Tarrant County Convention Center and overlooking the Fort Worth Water Garden.
The project features a 12-story brick-faced loadbearing concrete masonry hotel tower with 275 guest rooms. Attached is a 2-story masonry and steel frame dining and convention facility which includes the main lobby, specialty shops, food and beverage facilities, and two story skylite atrium.
Although the building tower shape is quite different, the basic Texas system developed by the Convention Center Ramada Inn construction was followed. The basic masonry unit used was 8" x 8" x 16" "pilaster block." Special shapes were also manufactured for the project. Floors were cast-in-place, using two sets of flying forms to maintain the floor-a-week construction schedule. Quality control was also maintained by bi-weekly special inspection and prism tests on floors 1-6 and weekly thereafter above the 6th floor where wind and bearing stresses were lighter. The concrete block structure was veneered with The Fort Worth Hilton Inn features a 12-story brick-faced loadbearing masonry hotel tower with 275 guest rooms.
Autumn gold blend brick was used. Mortar was made using natural warm tone cement found in the area. The brick facing added beauty and waterproofing.
The Fort Worth Hilton complex includes a 2-story dining and convention facility.
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