Masonry Magazine April 1977 Page. 5
The concrete block arrives at the job site in large packages which break down into small unitized loads for easy handling. The arrangement of blocks in each steel-strapped package allows for easy entry by forklift trucks or hand carts.
Unitized Block Speeds Material Handling
Steel-strapped, unitized packages of concrete block are helping a Chicago-area mason contractor to cut costs and increase efficiency by reducing block-handling time. Thorlief Larsen and Sons, Inc., Itasca, III., switched from pallets to Signode steel-strapped block several years ago, and the switch has been both beneficial and profitable. The company is currently using the unitized block packages at its various masonry projects, including Madison Junior High School, a $3.3 million project, under construction in Naperville, III.
"The greatest advantage to the strapped block concept is the reduced handling time," explains Bob Lewandowski, foreman on the Naperville project. "Without strapped block, it takes one man at least a half-hour to deliver a pallet load. The same job with strapped block takes the same man just 10 minutes."
The quick and easy delivery helps the entire operation run smoother. For example, the systematic positioning of block at each work station enables the materials to be handled for the first time when the mason puts them in the wall.
Three-Phase Project
Madison Junior High is being built in three phases. Thorlief Larsen is general contractor on the $395,000 Phase Two, which includes masonry, structural steel and exterior metal trim for the 78,000-sq.-ft., one-story building. Phase One consisted of foundation work. Phase Three will include various mechanical and electrical work. Balluff & Balluff Architects, Elmhurst, Ill., designed the building and land use plan for the 19-acre site.
Project foreman Lewandowski expects Thorlief Larsen to finish Phase Two by the end of May, 1977. The school is expected to open for classes next September.
Packaging Developed by Signode
Signode Corporation manufactures the steel strapping, seals and automatic equipment for the concrete block which Thorlief Larsen uses. Signode also developed the breakaway package concept which allows one large package to be broken down into smaller unitized loads for easy handling. For example, standard 6 x 16-in. block are available.