Masonry Magazine April 2002 Page. 38
"From a contractor's view, the Sound Cell is one more tool in the masonry portfolio that helps with competition."
The Sound Cell has 77 percent of its surface skewed to combat the problem. The concept isn't new, only improved. In ancient times, Greeks and Romans used large pots in open air theaters to improve resonance. In Sweden and Denmark, pots were embedded in the walls of medieval churches. Ashes were used as dissipative agents. For sound absorption, the Sound Cell uses a Helmholtz volume resonator tuned to the frequency of sound. The idea is the same as if you blow across the top of an empty Coke bottle. You'll get a tone. If you add water and do it again, the tone will change to a higher pitch. Unlike the Coke bottle, the Sound Cell has a rougher interior and an insert that is especially good at capturing low frequency sound, such as tubas and drums.
Without sound treatment, "those things will just start flying around causing noise and not music," he said. "Most of the other sound blocks on the marketplace are limited to smaller cavities (used to capture sound)," VonDross said. With the larger cavity, there is better sound absorption at the lower end of the sound frequency, 100-200 Hz, absorbing 100 percent of the sound, he said.
Since the Sound Cells are structural block, incorporating them with the overall design of the building made for a cohesive blend. Four different patterns of concrete block were used on the exterior in gray, white, parchment and ivory. Various sizes of block and bands of color formed positive and recessed patterns that mirrored each other on the exterior and interior of the building.
Assistant Superintendent for facilities and construction Bill Weber said the district was pleased with the design, and that the building turned out as he pictured it. "What I like about the exterior is it's nontraditional, said Mark Wilhelms, sales manager for Kirchner Block & Brick Inc. "This cannot be duplicated by tilt-up," Wilhelms added. Leonard agreed. "This is the kind of thing they (precast contractors) can't do." "I want architects thinking masonry can be fun," Wilhelms said.
"From a contractor's view, the Sound Cell is one more tool in the masonry portfolio that helps with competition," Leonard said. "Leonard Masonry, like other masonry contractors, strives to stay cost-effective and compete with other systems, such as precast. Unlike plumbers or electricians who have job opportunities with every new building, there are many materials that can take the place of masonry," he said.
Leonard commended the St. Louis distributor. "We appreciate companies like Kirchner because they're willing to bring new products to the market place, and we recognize it costs them money to do that. Usually we're the ones on the battle lines, fighting the war," he said.
38 MASONRY APRIL, 2002
Todd Bradley
Vice President
Masonry Builders, Inc.
Tampa, Florida
"WIRE-BOND®'s
New Core-Clear
Adjustable Ladder
Allows Flexibility
And Eliminates
Concern About
Blocking The Cells"
Todd Bradley's company, Masonry Builders, Inc. of Tampa, Florida has been responsible for many significant masonry projects throughout the state of Florida. The company won the 1992 Outstanding Masonry Project award from the Masonry Contractors Association of Florida in 1992, and has won the award every year since 1994. WIRE-BOND reinforcement products were an integral part of every project.
"We believe WIRE-BOND's new Core-Clear Adjustable Ladder is efficient, structurally sound, and less labor intensive. So we can increase productivity and profits" he says. "WIRE-BOND knows what the masonry industry needs. They are always looking to improve products and ease of installation. As a major contractor, that's important to us."
The 14° end length permits quick adjustment of the cross rods into the block, leaving the cores clear for grouting. Easy sidelapping maximizes the strength of the splice. Both side wires are active when there is tension on the briek veneer. Eyelets are 16" on center and provide 1/16" tolerance to meet the AC1530 Code.
WIRE-BOND's original Core-Clear Ladder set the industry standard when it was introduced in 1998. Now, the new Core-Clear Adjustable Ladder is making the mason's job even casier, all across the country. Call WIRE-BOND today at 1-800-840-6722. Visit us at www.wirebond.com.
WIRE-BOND
1-800-849-6722
WIRE-BOND
Innovation In Masonry Construction
www.wirebond.com