Lightweight Concrete Masonry Block: Building Efficient Buildings Efficiently
January 2025

In the construction industry, masonry is a labor-intensive trade. Each day, masons handle thousands of concrete masonry unit (CMU) that form a building’s structure. Because normal weight (NWT) CMU weigh about 50 pounds (lbs), repetitive lifting can strain

Vibing Masonry #2: Masonry for Sustainability & Energy Saving
November 2024

Welcome to the second installment of our “Vibing Masonry” series on the benefits and functionality of masonry in modern construction, with a focus on its environmental and sustainability advantages. The Environmental Case for Masonry Masonry is a sustain

Mind The Gap: How Injection Foam is Changing the Insulation Game
May 2024

I recently stayed overnight in a 120-year-old converted warehouse to hotel in Minneapolis that was built with uninsulated clay brick walls. I was perfectly comfortable as it snowed outside, and I had even turned the hotel room’s heating system off.

Masons First with Lightweight Concrete Masonry Units
January 2024

Masons First with Lightweight Concrete Masonry Units

Case Study: Houston Texans Stadium
September 2023

Case Study: Houston Texans Stadium

Lightweight Concrete Masonry Units: A Healthy Win for Resilient, Sustainable and Carbon Neutral Building Practices
May 2023

Lightweight Concrete Masonry Units: A Healthy Win for Resilient, Sustainable and Carbon Neutral Building Practices

A Look At How CMU Is Produced
July 2021

A Look At How CMU Is Produced

Robotic Assisted Lifting
June 2021

Robotic Assisted Lifting

Painter's Corner: Stay up to date
May 2019

Painter's Corner: Stay up to date

Case Study: Kansas State University - Memories to Last a Lifetime REHABS AND RESTORATIONS
October 2016

Founded in 1863, Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., was the first public institution of higher learning in the state. The campus’ architectural style is well defined by the use of native Cottonwood Limestone in stout masonry buildings featuring

February 2015: From the Editor
February 2015

When Big River Industries and the MCAA conducted a survey in September 2014 for mason contractors, no one really knew what their attitudes would be toward lightweight block.

February 2015: From the Editor
February 2015

When Big River Industries and the MCAA conducted a survey in September 2014 for mason contractors, no one really knew what their attitudes would be toward lightweight block. We were a little surprised by the overall acceptance of the use of lightweight b

Big River Industries Conducts Lightweight Block Survey Among MCAA Contractors
January 2015

MCAA contractors quantify their preferences and specifications regarding lightweight block use.

November 2014: MCAA TEAM Awards Go to 13 Winners at Midyear Meeting
October 2014

The Tribute to Exemplary Achievements in Masonry (TEAM) Awards recognize quality masonry projects resulting from strong creative vision and skilled execution. Members of the construction team also are recognized...

MCAA Midyear Meeting
October 2014

The MCAA Midyear Meeting had fantastic attendance in MCAA Chairman Mark Kemp’s beautiful hometown of Milwaukee. The meeting kicked off with the TEAM Awards Dinner, held at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

2014 MCAA TEAM Award Winners
September 2014

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Winners were announced and celebrated in Milwaukee in mid-September