Masonry Magazine May 2002 Page. 27
Industry Standard for Adjustable and 2-Wire Reinforcing
There is no doubt that a bold move by any one of these producers would soon become the industry standard for adjustable and 2-wire reinforcing as the advantages of these configurations would reach every facet of our industry.
Mason contractors benefit from these two changes with wire that easily meets industry lapping standards, simplifies rebar installation and improves gout flow. Narrowing the profile of adjustable wire will improve bricklayer productivity by up to 15%, with less time installing the wire itself and improving their ability to meet modular heights. Contractors can reduce worker's compensation risk with shorter wire bundles (with one less cross rod and one less and shorter pintle eyes) that are lighter and easier to handle.
In addition to the workers compensation issue, masonry distributors will gain with yard storage and shipping capacity. Both changes will result in bundles that are at least 8" shorter while flush-welded eyes narrow 250 If bundles by two inches. Yard capacity requirements can be reduced and shipping capacity on trucks can be increased by 25-30%. This change will improve truckload stability by eliminating the spring in bundles.
Manufacturers gain for all of the same reasons as mason contractors and distributors, with the additional benefit of lowering their production, packaging, and shipping costs. In addition, this system standardizes pintle packaging to match the quantities of all of their adjustable wire configurations.
So, you ask, what's taking so long? In short, the manufacturers have failed to recognize the fact that most wire reinforcing is not lapped according to the standards, in fact,
Disappoint a lawyer.
(Prevent work-related injuries.)
Don't wait for a lawsuit. Participate in our Safety and Health Consultation Program, ASAP. It's free. It's confidential. And it will help you reduce work-related injuries and illness as well as help reduce the cost of doing business. Not only will this program help ward off the lawyers. As an added bonus, it will keep OSHA off your back, too, by teaching you how to comply with OSHA regulations. But act fast. The vultures could be circling your workplace right now.