Masonry Magazine June 2001 Page. 17
MASONRY COMPUTER ESTIMATING
Now in 3D
by Tradesmen's Software
were introduced. The style and physical configuration of block has evolved to today's durable high-strength, low-absorption concrete units that can be easily modified to create a variety of attractive elements. Additionally, solid units are so versatile that curves, corners, steps, and columns can be made using only one block.
A solid SRW unit can be used to simplify and incorporate design options into any masonry landscape. Solid units may be used to build 90-degree inside and outside corners. By sawing or splitting solid units, structurally stable corners ranging from 25-degree outside corners, to 140-degree inside corners can be built. The trapezoidal shape of solid SRW units allows concave and convex curves within designs of masonry landscapes. Various radii may be constructed while maintaining structural stability of the wall and tight vertical joints between adjoining units at the face of the wall. Also, steps may be easily built into masonry landscapes by using SRW units as risers and concrete cap units as treads. The beauty of using solid SRW systems is that complicated geometries are accomplished with one unit; special units do not have to be estimated or ordered.
IDEAL FOR MASONRY LANDSCAPES
The basic function of a retaining wall is to provide lateral support for an earth mass to make unstable land more usable. For most retaining wall systems, costly alternatives must be considered including cast-in-place, cantilever-type retaining walls and counterfort and buttress retaining walls, which use rebar and large footings that require deep excavation. With traditional masonry walls, the soil loads are placed on the face of the wall and transferred to a structural footing for stability. In contrast, SRWs get stability by reinforcing the soil. SRWs can be economically constructed with high-strength, low-absorption concrete units that are dry-stacked and interlock with each other. With taller walls, most of the restraint is provided by geogrid soil reinforcement.
Because SRWs are installed without mortar, they tolerate minor movement from freeze/thaw cycles without damage, so footings below the frost line are not needed. In fact, footings aren't required at all. With SRWs, the wall backfill is reinforced so it doesn't transfer loads to the toe of the wall. SRWs only require shallow, granular leveling pads approximately six inches thick and 24 inches wide.
"I've built brick and rock retaining walls and when I started working with segmental walls it was so much eas-
Masonry Computer Estimating
That Does It All... in 3D!
* See the actual building being displayed in 3D as you do your take-off in either PLAN mode, PERSPECTIVE mode, OUTSIDE mode, INSIDE mode or at any ELEVATION.
* Complete your take-off, then walk through or around and see the actual finished building(s).
* SAVE S-No more walls, bandings, openings or even buildings missed from your estimate.
* Figure special wall shapes like PIERS, GABLE, SLOPE or STEPS!
* Calculates CMU: HALF and FULL BULLNOSE, DOUBLE BULLNOSE, CHAMFER, or SASH for any or all OPENINGS, JAMBS, CORNERS, CONTROL JOINTS and any SPECIAL CUTS.
* Integrate with PROJECT COST and DIGITAL PLAN MEASURING SYSTEMS.
* Windows 95/98/NT/ME or 2000 compatible.
* 30 day money back guarantee.
Computer illiterate? Let our 40 years of masonry and 10 years of computer experience help you help yourself. Support available 7 days a week.
Tradesmen's Software, Inc.
1-800-494-4899
See for yourself at:
www.tradesmens.com
MASONRY-JUNE, 2001 17