Masonry Magazine January 2007 Page. 54
TECHNOLOGY
It's time to step up to the plate and work to develop codes, standards and regulations that will allow you as contractors to perform your jobs easier and with more efficiency.
What are Some Current Issues?
BUILDING CODES have never been, and will probably never be, perfect. Many of you have experienced this firsthand. For example, during the past few years, there have been some major changes that affect contractors. Did you know that under certain circumstances, low-lift grouting could be as high as 12 feet? Did you know that until last year, the code did not allow you to wet cut concrete masonry units? These changes were made with the contractor in mind.
While there has been some progress, there are still many issues within the building codes that adversely affect contractors.
Have you noticed...
* in some cases, rebar lap splice lengths can be up to half the height of the wall?
* brick veneer is rarely over one story in high seismic areas?
* more and more steel reinforcement is being designed into the masonry unit core?
* there are few, if any, single-wythe concrete block walls still designed?
* Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) walls are rarely designed?
Did you know that according to current ASTM Standards...
* once the producer's (or distributor's) truck reaches the job site, it's yours? (Even if you haven't seen it!)
* you have to stand back 20 feet to accept your shipment of material?
* five percent of all your units in a shipment can be broken?
* once your mason places a brick in the wall-no matter how poorly it was manufactured - ASTM releases the producer from any liability?
* you could be required to pay for tests of materials?
* you may have to look at a unit to determine if it can carry the intended load?
While these examples are taken out of context, all of them are in a building code or standard that contractors must follow when constructing a project. Do any of these examples bother you?
What Can Mason Contractors Do About It?
THERE IS NO BETTER TIME than right now to join the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC). This is the committee that develops the Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530-05/ASCE 5-05 / TMS 402-05) and the Specification for Masonry Structures (ACI 530.1-05/ASCE 6-05/TMS 602-05). The current code cycle (2008) is ending soon, and the committee will be disbanded and reconvened early next year. This means that there is an opportunity for contractors to have more influence on the masonry building code for the next six years. There is no cost to belong to this committee; however, voting members are asked to attend two meetings per year. As a voting member of the committee, you will be an integral part of the code development process.
Likewise, ASTM International has an open membership policy. Therefore, you can join this committee at any time and have an immediate impact. There are two committees that deal specifically with masonry materials. They are