Masonry Magazine March 2007 Page. 37
For example, some masonry trades people see these systems as a threat to their livelihood. To this objection I ask, "How many masonry units do they install in a cast-in-place foundation?" Engineers shy away from specifying dry stacking block systems because they view them as new and untested, although reams of data validating the systems' performance in compressive strength, shear and wind loads, to name a few, prove dry stacking blocks' worthiness in many structural designs.
Another reason the systems meet resistance is because the final, constructed appearance often is less than perfect compared with conventional masonry. The reason for this is that varying heights in the base footings and the dry stacking block do not allow much forgiveness.
The beauty of traditional masonry can and will never be replaced. Skilled trades people can embrace this technology as another means to ply their trade in refute of the alternative systems that are truly taking their jobs.
The intent of this article is not to look at where we have been, but where we can go with this budding building system. Think outside the box, to coin an old phrase, when it comes to dry stacking block systems. First, we must stop thinking of the dry stack block as a traditional concrete masonry unit (CMU) block. In reality, it is a modular and permanent form that can be arranged in fashions to suit the needs of many applications. As long as we look at this system as something to replace conventional masonry block, it will never come close to realizing its full potential.
Imagine if this system could recapture only one fifth of the market lost over the past 20 years the numbers would be staggering in their totals.
The beauty of traditional masonry can and will never be replaced. Skilled trades people can embrace this technology as another means to ply their trade in refute of the alternative systems that are truly taking their jobs. We only need a bit of imagination to take this manufactured form and adapt it to the applications of today.
TOKER
Engineering
Building the American Dream
1-866-357-1664
LIGHT CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
www.toker-engineering.com
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March 2007
Masonry 35