Masonry Magazine September 2002 Page. 23
All Construction Today is Based on Cost
All construction today is based on cost versus benefits. When given the option, most owners and general contractors will opt for the least costly route to accomplish the objective. Architects might grumble but they, too, know that tough times require adjustments to the methods used in erecting their designs. But many engineering and design specialist fail to understand the many options that are available, zeroing in on the ones that are the most familiar. It's a "Catch 22" situation- when you limit the options, you force people to limit their experience and with a lack of experienced workers available, the less used approaches are used even less.
In many parts of the country, the building codes and the building code enforcers have been slow to adapt to changes in available building materials and construction techniques. It's the same story: Innovation breeds slowly when there are few experienced teachers to bring the new techniques to the forefront.
Companies that produce innovative techniques and technologies have a hard time changing the pattern of the officials who must sign off on a project. But that might be changing in one area-post tension masonry-due to the efforts of companies that are pioneering ways to bring this tool to the industry.
Post Tension Masonry: Implanting bolts
Post Tension Masonry: Implanting bolts the height of the wall that will be tightened to specific torque requirements, to bolt the wall to the footing.
First, a little dictionary work. Post Tension Masonry: Implanting bolts the height of the wall that will be tightened to specific torque requirements, to bolt the wall to the footing. Post tension masonry can be either mortar jointed or dry-stacked block. The system tends to be used for low-rise buildings, retaining walls, fences and such.
According to the Besser Company, a block manufacturer in Alpena, Mich., "Post-tensioning enables concrete to be used for its greatest advantage, compressive strength. By increasing the tension using post-tensioning tendons, the concrete masonry units are placed in compression. This limits the flexural action of the structure, thereby dramatically increasing its strength. Should the structure experi-
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The Voice of the Mason Contractor
September 2002
Masonry 21