Masonry Magazine April 1974 Page. 21
Energy Conservation
Meeting Held in N.J.
Many lessons can be learned from the past in the way housing was built and comfort achieved without extravagant use of energy sources, Richard G. Stein of New York City, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, told more than 100 engineers and architects at an Energy Conservation Seminar sponsored by the Bergen County Masonry Council at the Marriott Hotel in Saddle Brook, N.J., March 23. The energy crisis has brought to public attention a change in building methods that has taken place over the last two decades, Stein said. The characteristic building form has become the sealed curtain wall building with total dependence on mechanical systems requiring heavy energy use for heating, cooling, ventilating and lighting, with a marked increase in the use of metals, glass and plastics.
From a performance viewpoint these buildings tend to lose heat or coolness rapidly, responding almost immediately to changes in exterior temperatures, Stein said. Viewing the traditional role of the masonry building, which until recently has been the primary and in many cultures the exclusive building technique, Stein noted that the significant aspect of the use of masonry has been its heat retention characteristic what is referred to as thermal lag.
Stein explained this to mean that the walls would absorb heat slowly from external sun or from a warm fire within. The walls would absorb and store the heat, and release it gradually hours later. The thickness of the wall would determine the length of time required for the heat to travel from one surface of the wall to the other. The mass of the wall determined how much heat it could store.
This thermal inertia has characterized many important historical methods of building from the great structures of the Pueblo Indians to Mediterranean villages, Stein said.
The noted architect sees little room for optimism in returning to the carefree, abundant energy illusion that prevailed as recently as last summer. Building methods and changes in materials have contributed to the 40% increase in use of electrical energy since World War II, this with a population increase of 25%, Stein noted.
His design philosophy calls for walls with mass-brick, concrete, masonry block, precast concrete panels- and placement of openings where they are needed to provide for operable sash, even with full airconditioning systems.
Henry Toennies, P.E., vice president of technical services, National Concrete Masonry Association, reviewed recently published recommendations for winter construction produced by the International Masonry Industry All-Weather Council. He pointed out that a bricklayer works an average of 35 weeks per year. If this figure were changed to 45 weeks, an additional $64 million skilled craft manhours would be added to the economy. "Winter construction is now a reality," he said.
Henry Toennies, P.E., vice president of technical services, National Concrete Masonry Association, who discussed winter construction and fire resistance; Matthew J. Cerritelli, chairman of the Bergen County Masonry Council, and Arthur Rigolo, regional director, American Institute of Architects.
Matthew J. Cerritelli, chairman of the Bergen County Masonry Council, and architects Connie Patrella and Indrikis Kaneps hold an impromptu session during the energy conservation seminar in Saddle Brook, N.J.
Hold Masonry Estimating Workshop
A day-long workshop on masonry estimating and construction methods was attended by 40 contractors, engineers and material suppliers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Workshop leader was Donald S. Roth, engineer and estimator of Donovan Construction Co., St. Paul. Roth directed discussions and demonstrations of estimating techniques in quantity take-off, pricing materials and labor, computer applications and construction methods. The workshop was held in cooperation with the Minnesota Masonry Institute and the Minnesota Concrete & Masonry Contractors Association. A program of a similar nature is being planned for those who were unable to attend the first session, says Robert Hanson, executive secretary of MC&MCA.
CEA Elects Officers
New officers of Construction Equipment Advertisers were elected and took office at the group's spring meeting in Chicago's Bismarck Hotel. Taking office were: General chairman, Dan Stupek, Kochring Co., Milwauke, Wis.; program chairman, Jack Reznichek, Gray & Rogers Advertising, Philadelphia, Pa.: Clarence Black, Manitowoc Engineering Co., Manitowoc, Wis.; secretary, Paul Meeden, Deere & Co., Moline, III.
CEA is a group of executives from 57 construction equipment manufacturers and 31 advertising agencies that meets quarterly to share experiences and ideas common to those involved in the advertising and promotion of construction equipment.
Each year it takes less time to fly around the world and more time to drive to work.
21