April 2012 Table of Contents

Words: Dan KamysTable of Contents

FEATURES

A Crash Course in Planks When armed with the correct information, you have control over jobsite accidents and fines. Masonry consults a planking industry expert.

Software: Efficiency at Your Fingertips Keeping up with software advances can be frustrating, but let’s face it – this is a good problem to have.

Scaffolding: What OSHA Really Looks For Check out these simple steps to cut OSHA fines.

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COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS From the Editor President’s Message Government Affairs New Products BRICKLAYER 500 Best Practices Making the Grade Full Contact PM Classified Advertising News MCAA Upcoming Education New Members

Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out
February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

A Practical Guide to Modern Masonry Restoration
February 2026

THE MYTH: Masonry Lasts Forever It’s strong, yes, but movement, moisture, and time still take their toll. Common Causes Why Masonry Fails: - Differential movement - Thermal expansion & contraction - Moisture intrusion & freeze–thaw - Corrosion of steel

The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Online Auction, the masonry industry’s premier event for scoring the best equipment at a fraction of costs. Whether you are looking to expand your equipment stockpile or

CMU Partitions: How Much Reinforcement Is Actually Required?
February 2026

Walk onto almost any job site and you’ll find masons laying out interior partitions much the same way they did decades ago. The work looks straightforward: stack the units, strike clean joints, and keep the wall plumb. And the function of these partitions