January 2015 Table of Contents

Words: Dan KamysTable of Contents

January 2015

Volume 54, Number 1 FEATURES BIM-M Building Information Modeling masonry

Air Barriers and Insulation

Mason contractors can experience long-term energy savings through cavity wall systems.

Education and Certifications

The tough new standards developed by the Natural Stone Council over a five-year period were released in late-June and promise to level the playing field between man’s oldest building material and other building components.

Software: BIM for Masonry

BIM-M will expand the use of masonry within the construction industry by promoting the development of tools that will help architects, engineers, manufacturers, masons, contractors and owners.

Technology: Humanoids and Bio Bricks

With a sharp decline in the number of young people learning the masonry trade, could robot prototypes fill the void?

Mast Climbers, Cranes and Telehanders

The mast climber industry has been working hard to update committee focus and standards development, always mindful of the increased potential for accidents in the period immediately following a recession.

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

From The Editor Chairman’s Message Government Affairs Full Contact PM New Products Classified Advertising News

Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
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Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
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Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
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I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
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Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
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Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
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Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
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