Masonry Magazine December 1992 Page. 35
February 1993
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Your company's response is confidential. It's important. And it's required by law.
1992 Economic Census-Working For America
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Breaking Down the Barriers
Dayton, Ohio officials sold on use of masonry highway sound barriers.
IT WAS TOUGH going with plenty of obstacles to overcome, but the Masonry Institute of Dayton, Ohio convinced local officials to use sound barriers made of masonry. Barbara Campbell, the institute's executive director, said that when she first came on board, a wooden sound barrier had already been approved for a nearby community.
However, Campbell said she was able to make a presentation along with competing product industries, gain needed citizen support, overcome short time problems, and develop plans that were eventually approved.
When bids were received, the masonry wall came in at $2 per square foot cheaper than the wood sound wall barrier, and it was built using 250,000 Ohio manufactured units.
Benefits were obvious to the masonry industry as well as to residents. After the wall was constructed, area residents started using more masonry, providing still more business to the masonry industry. At the same time, the wall substantially increased the value of nearby homes.
Sound walls don't have to be limited to interstate highways, Campbell noted. "A power company put one up to protect nearby residents from the sound of humming generators. It also makes the parking area more private," she said.
"Privacy/sound walls have been used in apartment complexes, trolley substations, motor raceways, senior citizen centers, libraries and schools," she said, adding that in California, officials are considering installing sound walls in all schools, to help children concentrate better, and increase safety.
There is a great deal of competition for sound wall barrier construction, including pre-cast, metal, wood, earthen berm, plastics and aluminum. Even transparent (glass) barriers have been constructed in Canada, Maryland and Massachusetts.
To improve chances of getting masonry approved, Campbell suggests the following:
* Work closely with Department of Transportation (DOT).
* Keep work updated. Change plans according to new codes.
* Check your state requirements for contractors. Be sure to get them pre-qualified and encourage them to bid.
* Add key contacts to your mailing list, including general highway contractors, DOT officials and members of the local legislative body.
* Make presentations to DOT officials, lawmakers and service organizations.
* Create an information package for distribution to citizens. You may even want to include samples. Hand deliver packages if possible.
* Send articles and news releases to local newspapers and magazines explaining the benefits of masonry.
Cushwa Brick Celebrates 125th
CUSHWA BRICK, one of the oldest brick plants in the country turns 125 this year. To celebrate the occasion, they held an open house and barbecue at company headquarters in Williamsport, Maryland, with special guest Brooks Robinson, baseball hall of famer.
Cushwa was founded in 1872 in Williamsport, Maryland by Victor Cushwa and was first involved in retailing and wholesaling coal, cement and plaster, in addition to brick. Brick had been made on the site since the early 1800s, prior to the Cushwa acquisition.
Although much has changed since the firm's early days, Cushwa remains one of only three U.S. brick manufacturers that still produce genuine hand thrown brick. Their colonial hand molded brick has been used for the restoration of historic sites such as the Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
MASONRY-NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1992 35