Masonry Magazine November 1965 Page. 7
MCAA's All-Weather Conference
Oh, what a blamed uncertain thing
This pesky weather is!
It blew and snew and then it thew
And now, by jing, it's friz!
This short poetic effort by Philader Johnson certainly describes the plight of the Mason Contractor and the 3 million construction workers who constantly fight off the effects of Mother Nature.
Until a few years ago, construction work came to a complete standstill when cold weather set in. Workmen often went jobless until the first sign of spring. Today, however, many mason contractors plan their jobs to carry right on through the winter, be it mild or wild. During the period of January through March of this year nearly $14 billion worth of new construction was put in place, a record for this quarter.
Cost of various operations can be as much as 30 percent higher in winter construction, with temporary heating and enclosure accounting for most of the added expenses. Some of this cost can be offset by early completion of a project and continuous use of men and equipment.
To investigate ways and means through which Mason Contractors can work greater lengths during adverse weather the Mason Contractors Association of America held an All-Weather Conference on Friday, October 15th in Chicago. Ninety-six persons from 8 states and Canada were in attendance to hear a full agenda of conference speakers.
Doing a skillful job of moderating the meeting was Corb Garton, Regional Director, SCPI, Chicago. Speakers were: William E. Dickinson, President, Calcium Chloride Institute; Donald Moritz, Steel Scaffolding & Shoring Institute; Gene Vocker, Space Heater Institute; W. W. Bird, President, Airshelters Div. of Birdair Structures, Inc.; Gordon Koegel, Wisconsin Motor Corp.; Eugene George, G & A Ltd.; William Roark, Director Mason Relations, SCPI; Robert Shepherd, 9th Vice President, B.M. & P.I.U.; and Robert Shuldes, Portland Cement Association.
Many of the addresses presented will be featured in masonry during the coming months so all members will be able to benefit from this conference. The first of these appears on page 9 by Robert W. Shuldes entitled Cold and Hot Weather Aspects of Mortar.