Masonry Magazine June 1978 Page. 23
ALL-WEATHER MASONRY
CONSTRUCTION continued from page 7 place, and a five-point program was established, the items of priority being:
First, an annotated bibliography on All-Weather aspects of masonry construction. This was the initial phase or forerunner.
Second, the "state of the art" on All-Weather aspects of masonry construction. This report discusses the current status of the recommended specifications, weather predictions and reporting agencies. It also describes the effect of hot, cold and inclement weather on the performance characteristics of the construction materials and masonry, and sets forth current construction practices regarding material handling and the protection of the mason and masonry during inclement weather.
The third step was a recommended practice for All-Weather masonry construction. The primary objective was to establish a procedure that would provide strong and durable masonry despite freezing weather. To accomplish this objective, consideration had to be given to the effect of climatic conditions, the performance of construction materials, and the protection afforded the structure. These considerations are included in the recommended practice, as are the valid options, considered appropriate to present-day construction.
Next, the recommended specification for All-Weather masonry construction. This, like the recommended practice, has to be a common goal in which engineers, architects, owners, and other users of masonry products would utilize this guide specification to further our industry's aim. The specification includes specific recommendations for durable masonry, regardless of the weather conditions that prevail during construction.
Finally, the adoption of the above. A method in which to steer or channel our efforts in the proper place within the shortest space of time.
Today, we have produced this unit-approximately six printings and 100,000 books later. In 1969 the Technical Task Group recommended job site or field tests to be carried out to further supplement and substantiate the program. In this study, instrumentation would be installed to allow monitoring the temperature of masonry as influenced by ambient temperature, wind and relative humidity, materials selection, and protective devices. The masons' comfort and productivity are also considered a part of this study.
While the five-point program was being instituted, All-Weather programs were being conducted in many cities. Real interest was generated by research groups, contractors, and manufacturers. A new field, a new market, to many a great challenge. Within six months protective coverings such as tarpaulins and polyethelene had improved tremendously. Scaffold enclosures were being demonstrated freely. Devices for heating sand and water were available, and probably one of the finest breakthroughs was the delivery of materials to be used in the construction of the building. These were being wrapped by the manufacturer and shipped to the site reflecting many savings in heating protection and labor dollars.
Truly the time has come when we must all be seeking to provide a continuous working program for our industry. Manpower and their unions will cetrainly dictate this.
Our industry itself has modernized and mechanized to the point where the exigencies of economics dictate that please turn page
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MASONRY/JUNE, 1978 23