Masonry Magazine March 2001 Page. 48
masonry news
INDUSTRY MEETS TO SHAPE MASONRY RESEARCH NEEDS
By Rashod Johnson, Director of Engineering
On January 5th and 6th of 2001, the Council for Masonry Research (CMR) sponsored a research workshop through The Masonry Society (TMS) entitled Planning for Enhanced Research in Masonry (P.E.R.M.). The objectives of this masonry research workshop, held in Phoenix, AZ, were to improve communication among researchers and end-users, to facilitate integration of ideas, needs, and researchers, and to set the direction for improving the coordination of future research activities. Representatives from all aspects of masonry and construction were invited.
MCAA's representatives were Michael Sutter, Regional Vice-President, and Rashod Johnson, Director of Engineering. The participants included CMR members (Mason Contractors Association of America, Brick Industry Association, National Concrete Masonry Association, Portland Cement Association, National Lime Association and Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute), the International Masonry Institute, contractors, practicing designers, building owners, government agencies, researchers, and end-users. This cross-section of people was instrumental in obtaining a diversified assessment of research needs.
The P.E.R.M. project had five tasks to accomplish: establish a research oriented news group, post abstracts for masonry research, report on past masonry research, provide an industry position statement, and strategically plan for future masonry research. Each of these tasks were handled either before or during the workshop. In reviewing the outcomes of past research workshops, the P.E.R.M. participants decided to revisit an idea from 1988, to establish a consortium. This consortium would consist of an equal number of contractors, designers, researchers, and end-users. The primary duty of this consortium would be to guide where the industry focuses its research efforts, and deciding the methods of funding these research projects.
This idea is being placed in a P.E.R.M. summary document to be circulated in March.
Even though research on masonry topics is currently being performed by many different entities, a more focused effort is needed in order to place some priority on the entire industry's needs. Topics that are important to the contractor such as the over design of the masonry building envelope, silicosis, wet vs. dry cutting of concrete block, grout additives and consolidation techniques, and mason ergonomics, are some of the many topics that are being considered for research. MCAA will continue to ensure that the contractor's research needs are met through this consortium. For more information on P.E.R.M., or any other research needs, contact Rashod Johnson at 800-536-2225 or by email at rjohnson@masonryshowcase.com.
ANNOUNCEMENT
KRAFT TOOL
As of January 2, 2001, Kraft Tool Company has acquired W. Rose Inc. of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. W. Rose Inc, a company with a 203 year history of manufacturing brick trowels and other related products, has a unique status as being the most famous and widely accepted brand of bricklayer's trowels manufactured in the United States today, in fact in the world.
Both Kraft Tool Company and W. Rose Inc. are excited about the new opportunities created by this acquisition. W. Rose Inc. will strengthen Kraft's presence in the professional hand tool and masonry markets. Glen and Larry King of W. Rose Inc. will continue to oversee operations at the Sharon Hill plant and report to Ron Meyer, President of Kraft Tool Company.
HOME GROWNS TOOLS
Homegrown Tools features innovative tools and ideas adapted by contractors from around the country. This column does not accept tools or ideas that are for sale by a manufacturer. The only ideas or tools published will be "home grown." We encourage readers to submit their own "Homegrown Tools" to the editor of Masonry Magazine at 1910 S. Highland Ave. Ste. 101 Lombar IL 60148. The publisher of this magazine does not endorse or promote the use of any of these ideas or tools. Readers should evaluate these ideas for safety and effectiveness and adapt their own thoughts on the usefulness of these tools and ideas.
This month's feature submitted by Steven Fechino, WASCO Masonry, Nashville, TN
Trowel Tips
COUNCIL TO PUBLISH MASONRY INSERT IN ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE
The Masonry Industry Council will be producing and publishing an all masonry insert for Architecture magazine. The insert will be placed in the April 2001 issue and will feature creative uses of masonry in design work. The Masonry Industry Council is also soliciting suppliers to purchase ad space for the special insert.
The Masonry Industry Council is made up of the Brick Industries Association, the Mason Contractors Association of America, the National Concrete Masonry Association, and the Portland Cement Association. The purpose of the council is to be an information source and to cooperate in the promotion of the masonry industry to construction customers.